Rather than plugging in 
an electric vehicle (EV) to recharge the battery (conductive charging), inductive charging, also known as wireless charging, uses an electromagnetic field to transfer energy between the charging base and a vehicle’s battery.


Induction chargers typically use an induction coil to create an alternating electromagnetic field from within the charging base station, and a second induction coil in the portable device takes power from the electromagnetic field and converts it back into electrical current to charge the battery. The two induction coils form an electrical transformer.


A new analysis from leading research company Frost & Sullivan,  “Strategic Analysis of Inductive Charging for Global Electric Vehicles (EV) Market,” found that the total market for inductive charging is expected to experience a compound annual growth rate of 126.6 percent from 2012 to 2020, with approximately 351,900 units likely to be sold. Inductive charging will account for 1.2 percent of both public and residential charging in North America and more than 2.6 percent in Europe. Residential charging will be the most popular method, accounting for more than 70 percent of the overall charging.


Intensive research has boosted the profile of the emerging EVs inductive charging market.


“OEMs such as Renault, Nissan, Daimler, Volvo, BMW and Toyota are working on the development of inductive charging for future EVs, and more than 10 automakers have announced trial tests,” said Prajyot Sathe, automotive and transportation senior research analyst, Frost & Sullivan. “As a result, inductive charging will soon be available in cars either as an additional feature or as a built-in feature.”


Currently, inductive charging is offered as an aftermarket solution with attractive financing options, but the cost of purchasing and installing an inductive charging solution is approximately 30 percent higher than conductive charging. The charging time is also longer, reducing the feasibility of what would otherwise be the most convenient way of charging EVs.


To overcome these challenges, market participants from across the value chain are partnering with OEMs to gain further opportunities for research and development. Large companies are acquiring smaller companies to strengthen their product portfolio.


“While in the short-term, 3.3 kilowatts inductive charging will be widely accepted to enable residential and semipublic charging, with time, vehicles will tilt towards 6.6 kilowatts to enable faster charging,” Sathe said. “Inductive charging in stationary applications too will be most sought-after in the near-term, whereas dynamic or on-the-move charging will gain traction post-2020.”