Wireless charging company WiTricity claims most electric vehicle buyers want wireless charging as an option, and they have survey data to back it up.
The company on Thursday released the results of a company-commissioned survey of 1,053 Americans, nearly half of whom already own an EV, and others intend to purchase an EV in the near future. within the next two years.
Of the respondents, 96% want at least the option of wireless EV charging. Wireless charging was also the most requested feature, rated 34% higher than self-driving capabilities and topping other features like a premium audio system and parking assist.
The attractiveness of wireless charging for electric vehicles (from WiTricity survey).
More than three-quarters of respondents said they would install wireless charging hardware in their driveway or garage. The majority also said they would use wireless charging in public places, workplaces, and common living areas such as apartments or condominiums, but that depends on the property owner. hardware installation.
The survey found that electric vehicle shoppers also believe that wireless charging can make public charging easier by not having to search for the right plug.
About 40% of current electric vehicle owners surveyed said it was a challenge today with public toll collection. And 46% of Baby Boomers surveyed were concerned about accessibility at public charging stations for those with mobility issues, WiTricity noted. By eliminating the concern about charging cables, wireless charging can solve that.
Wireless charging in the parking lot – WiTricity
WiTricity has also stated — with a previous study, also commissioned by the company — that wireless charging can sell more electric cars. And this technology has potential quite effective—Effective as early as physical charging, or in the case of longer cables, more.
However, while wireless charging is expected to grow more widely with uniform standard to 11 kwbut that hasn’t happened so far — largely because of the cost of the hardware, which can be as expensive as a charging pad — and limited vehicle compatibility — as for a set of several kits. Level 2 charging. WiTricity says Green car report that in its survey it included the idea that wireless charging would cost a fortune but did not focus on a specific amount.
Until now, the use of technology in private vehicles has been restricted. BMW has already tested wireless home charging with the 5 Series plug-in hybrid, but it doesn’t appear that the test program will be extended. The Genesis GV60 will include it in limited quantities in its home country of Korea — the first factory system.
Some aftermarket systems are already available for certain EVs. WiTricity is preparing a for Tesla Model 3, For example. Supplier Continental earlier this year unveiled another type of solution that enables some of the benefits of wireless charging — a “charging robot“use physical connection.
