Wireless charging significantly increases the likelihood of a consumer purchasing an electric vehicle (EV) in the US, according to a new study conducted by TideWatch Partners, commissioned by WiTricity.

For those already intending to purchase an EV, their likelihood to purchase increased 40% — from 60% to 84% — when presented with wireless charging as an alternative to plugging in. The increase was even greater — nearly 70% — for people less certain about purchasing an EV.

The study is based on results of a September 2021 survey of more than 1,000 US-based adult EV Owners, "EV Intenders" (those intending to purchase an EV in the next 18 months), and "EV Considerers" (those intending to purchase an EV in the next 5 years).

Over the summer, the US joined other countries in proposing EV policies aimed to fight climate change by announcing a goal that half of all new vehicles sold in the US by 2030 be electric.

However, the US has some work to do: according to a recent Pew Research Center survey, only 7% of US adults currently have an electric or hybrid vehicle. WiTricity's study evaluated attitudes and orientations toward EVs, and EV charging in particular, to determine barriers for consumer EV adoption and opportunities for automakers to increase sales of EVs.

The study found that education, experience, and better charging options will propel EV adoption amongst US consumers.

Wireless Charging Significantly Increases Likelihood of EV Purchase

81% of all consumers surveyed are very or extremely interested in EV wireless charging. Respondents agree that wireless charging makes EV charging easier (72%) and more convenient (68%), and almost 2 in 3 (63%) say they'd like to see wireless charging in public EV charging stations.

Automakers looking to compete for share of the growing EV market will need to differentiate — and EV wireless charging is one way to do so, as evidenced by:

■ EV Considerers, who need the most convincing to purchase an EV, indicated that their intent to purchase increased almost 70% (from 35% to 59%) if wireless charging were an option, significantly improving the odds for EV adoption.

■ EV Intenders' intent to purchase in the next 18 months increased by 40% (from 60% to 84%).

■ EV Owners were already very likely to purchase an EV again (91%), but 96% of them say that they are extremely or very interested in an EV equipped for wireless charging.

"The research shows consumers want wireless charging for their EVs," said WiTricity CEO Alex Gruzen. "Automakers can sell more EVs when equipped with our proven wireless charging technology. Let's improve the EV ownership experience, remove a real barrier to EV adoption, and welcome in the next wave of new EV owners."

Experience and Education is Necessary Among EV Considerers and Intenders

Battery range anxiety is common among people who don't own an EV — 41% of EV Considerers are worried that they won't be able to go as far as they need to on a single charge. Those who have made the leap to EV ownership are 50% less likely to share that concern. EV Owners are also 50% less likely to worry about the time it takes to charge. EV Owners report driving an average of 97 miles/day, which is well within the battery range of today's EVs, and most (74%) charge at home.

Further, once people purchase an EV, they love them. EV Owners have a Net Promoter Score (NPS) of 82%, are satisfied with their car, and 81% are likely to recommend one to others. The virtual unanimity among EV owners in their interest for wireless charging will become another benefit for them to point to as they champion their cars to others. GenX owners are even more passionate about their EV and are 10% more likely to recommend their EV than the average owner.

Charging issues overall are the major barriers for EV adoption, and wireless charging can significantly help to reduce those barriers. The availability of wireless charging increases purchase intent, will bring new owners to EVs, and will help expand the market beyond today's early adopters.