Is Wireless EV Charging the Future? 

Electric vehicles (EVs) are becoming more mainstream each year, but manufacturers know that one of the biggest hurdles for drivers is convenience. Even with today’s expanding charging network, some still view plugging in cables as a barrier. Wireless EV charging is one of the latest technologies that p romises to make charging simpler, safer, and more efficient — but is it really the future for the UK? 

How does wireless EV charging work? 

If you’ve ever dropped your smartphone onto a wireless charging pad, the principle is the same. Wireless EV charging uses inductive charging technology, where both the charger and the car contain magnetic coils. 

• A charging pad with a built-in coil is installed in the ground. 

• The car is fitted with a receiver coil. 

• When the two coils align, energy passes wirelessly through electromagnetic induction into the vehicle’s battery. 

To charge, the driver simply parks over the pad — no cables, no connectors, and no w orrying about whether the charger is blocked or damaged. 

Static vs dynamic wireless charging 

There are two main versions of this technology currently being tested: 

1. Static wireless charging – The car charges while parked on top of a pad. This is the more realistic short-term option, suitable for driveways, workplaces, and public car parks. 
   
   
2. Dynamic wireless charging – Charging coils are embedded under the road surface. Vehicles can charge while driving, topping up their batteries without ever stopping. Trials have already been carried out by companies such as Electreon in Israel, Germany, and the US, where buses and delivery vans use dedicated lanes to charge while in motion. 

Dynamic charging sounds futuristic, but it comes with significant infrastructure costs and will likely take decades to roll out at scale. Static charging, however, could be available to UK consumers much sooner. 

Benefits of wireless EV charging 

So what makes wireless charging appealing compared to the plug-in systems we already have? 

• Convenience – No cables to untangle, no standing outside in the rain. The car charges itself as soon as it’s parked. 

• Safety – Eliminates trailing cables across pavements and car parks, which are trip hazards. It also reduces wear and tear on connectors. 

• Efficiency for short charges – Even if you only park for 20–30 minutes, your vehicle will automatically top up. Drivers are more likely to “grab small amounts” of energy throughout the day. 

• Comparable efficiency – Lab tests suggest efficiency rates close to wired charging (90–93%), meaning very little energy is lost during transfer. 

• Scalability for fleets – Delivery companies or bus depots could install wireless pads across parking bays, reducing downtime and improving vehicle turnaround. 

The challenges still ahead 

Despite the advantages, there are hurdles before wireless charging becomes standard in the UK: 

• Compatibility – Only a handful of current EVs are built with wireless charging receivers. Retrofitting existing vehicles is expensive and impractical at scale. 

• Cost of installation – Pads and receivers cost more than a standard plug-in unit, and large-scale public rollout would require serious government and industry investment. 

• Standardisation – Different manufacturers are trialling their own systems. Until there is a common standard across the industry, widespread adoption will be slow. 

• Grid demand – The UK’s electricity infrastructure is already under pressure. Widespread wireless adoption will require smart load balancing to prevent spikes in demand. 

• Durability – Pads embedded in tarmac must withstand heavy use, weather, and potential damage without constant replacement. 

These issues mirror some of the early problems with traditional charging points. Over time, standardisation and falling costs may resolve them. 

UK progress and global trials 

The UK has already begun exploring this technology. In 2022, Transport for London funded a trial of wireless charging pads for taxis, allowing cabs to top up throughout the day without leaving their ranks. 

Globally, Electreon has demonstrated its dynamic charging roads in Sweden and Israel, while companies such as WiTricity are working with car manufacturers to embed receivers into new EV models. 

In the short term, wireless charging will probably appear first in private homes, office car parks, and fleet depots, where installation can be controlled. Public rollout, like embedding pads into thousands of council car parks, is a longer-term ambition. 

What does this mean for electricians? 

For electricians, this could open up a brand-new service area. Installing wireless charging pads will require: 

• Knowledge of safe ground installation practices, especially in domestic driveways and public car parks. 

• Awareness of BS 7671 regulations and how wireless chargers integrate into existing systems. 

• Training in both standard EV charging and upcoming wireless modules. 

Courses such as Electrician Courses Lichfield and Electrician Courses Sutton Coldfield are already preparing learners for future demand, with EV charging forming a growing part of the curriculum. For additional technical grounding, topics like Asbestos Lesson 4 and Asbestos Lesson 5 remind learners of the broader health and safety knowledge needed on modern sites. 

In practice, electricians who are early adopters of wireless EV charging training could find themselves in high demand as more businesses and homeowners look to “future-proof” their setups. 

Will wireless charging become the UK standard? 

It’s unlikely that every charge point in the UK will be replaced overnight. With more than 53,000 public chargers already installed, wired systems will remain the backbone of the infrastructure for many years. 

However, wireless systems could grow alongside them. We may see a dual approach, where high-use public sites (shopping centres, airports, taxi ranks) install wireless pads, while plug-in chargers remain the everyday choice. 

Manufacturers are steadily investing in making wireless receivers standard on new models. If incentives are introduced — such as trade-in discounts for compatible vehicles — uptake could accelerate faster than expected. 

As costs fall and standards are agreed, it’s very possible that in 15–20 years, wireless charging will be considered normal in many parts of the UK. 

Looking ahead 

Wireless EV charging isn’t a silver bullet, but it is a promising step in making electric transport more practical. By removing cables, it tackles two major adoption barriers — convenience and safety. Combined with the UK’s wider EV initiatives, it could play a significant role in encouraging hesitant drivers to switch. 

For electricians, it represents both a challenge and an opportunity. Keeping up with the latest training will be key to staying relevant in a fast-changing industry. 

To explore the skills needed for EV charging and other specialist electrical areas, visit Elec Training and browse the full range of courses available. 

What is wireless EV charging and how does it work? 

Wireless EV charging, also known as inductive charging, is a cable-free method that transfers electrical power to an electric vehicle using electromagnetic induction between two coils—one in a ground-based charging pad (primary coil) and one in the vehicle’s undercarriage (secondary coil). When the EV is parked precisely over the pad (within 10-20 cm alignment), alternating current in the primary coil generates a magnetic field at high frequency (typically 85 kHz), which induces an electric current in the secondary coil, converting it to DC power via an onboard rectifier to charge the battery. In 2025, systems like WiTricity’s deliver up to 20 kW (Level 2 speed), adding 30-60 miles of range per hour, with efficiency around 88-93%. Unlike plug-in methods, it requires no physical connection, reducing wear and enabling automated parking. Elec Training’s EV courses cover the physics and installation of these systems, emphasizing alignment tolerances for optimal performance in domestic setups. 

What is the difference between static and dynamic wireless EV charging? 

Static wireless EV charging occurs when the vehicle is stationary, typically parked over a ground pad in a garage or parking spot, allowing for full charging sessions (e.g., overnight at 7-22 kW) with precise alignment for maximum efficiency, suitable for homes or depots. Dynamic wireless charging, in contrast, enables power transfer while the vehicle is in motion, using segmented in-road coils activated by passing vehicles to provide on-the-go top-ups (e.g., 20-50 kW bursts), ideal for highways or bus routes but requiring extensive infrastructure. Static is more mature and cost-effective for 2025 pilots, while dynamic remains experimental due to higher complexity and energy loss from speed. Elec Training differentiates these in its advanced renewables module, training electricians on static installs as the near-term focus for UK homes. 

How efficient is wireless charging compared to plug-in charging? 

Wireless EV charging achieves 88-93% end-to-end efficiency in 2025, comparable to Level 2 plug-in chargers (85-95%), with losses mainly from magnetic field misalignment (dropping to 65-80% if off-center by >10 cm) versus plug-in’s near-100% contact transfer. Advanced systems like Qualcomm Halo minimize this to under 10% loss, but dynamic setups can fall to 70-85% due to motion. Plug-in remains slightly superior for stationary use, but wireless avoids connector degradation. Elec Training’s efficiency simulations in CPD courses show wireless viable for convenience, advising clients on alignment for optimal kWh utilization. 

What are the main benefits of wireless EV charging for drivers? 

The main benefits for drivers include unparalleled convenience—no fumbling with cables in rain or darkness, just park and charge automatically; enhanced safety by eliminating wet-plug electrocution risks and reducing trip hazards; reduced vehicle wear from connector corrosion; and seamless integration with autonomous features for fleets, adding 30-60 miles/hour without stopping. In 2025, it cuts charging time perception by enabling opportunistic top-ups, with surveys showing 70% of drivers prioritizing ease over speed. Elec Training highlights these in client consultations, p ositioning wireless as a game-changer for urban UK commuters. 

What challenges are preventing widespread adoption of wireless EV charging? 

Key challenges in 2025 include high installation costs (£4,000-£6,000 for home pads vs. £500-£1,000 wired), efficiency losses from misalignment (up to 20% energy waste), infrastructure scalability (e.g., dynamic roads cost £1-2M/km), regulatory hurdles for EM field safety, and limited vehicle compatibility—only niche models like Porsche’s 2026 Cayenne support it. Grid strain from always-on pads and standardization gaps also hinder rollout. Elec Training addresses these in risk assessments, training on cost-mitigating designs for phased adoption. 

Are any EV models currently compatible with wireless charging systems? 

In 2025, compatibility is emerging but limited: Porsche’s 2026 Cayenne Electric is the first production model with factory-integrated 11 kW wireless charging; BMW offers optional pads for i4/i5/i7; Tesla explores retrofits via aftermarket like WiTricity; Hyundai Ioniq 6 and Kia EV6 support fast charging but not native wireless; Lucid Air tests inductive options. Most require aftermarket kits (£2,000-£4,000). Elec Training’s compatibility guides help electricians retrofit for early adopters. 

How much does it cost to install a wireless charging pad at home? 

Home wireless charging pad installation in the UK costs £4,000-£6,000 in 2025, including the pad (£3,700-£5,200 for 11-22 kW units like WiTricity), professional electrical work (£500-£1,000 for cabling/RCDs), and alignment setup—comparable to premium wired but 4-6x basic plugs. Grants like OZEV (£350) and 0% VAT apply if MCS-certified. Elec Training’s quotes average £4,500, with ROI in 5-7 years via convenience savings. 

Has the UK started any trials of wireless EV charging technology? 

Yes, the UK has active trials in 2025: Highways England’s in-road dynamic charging on M180/A18 (launched early 2025, testing 20 kW transfer at 60 mph); Nottingham’s wireless taxi depot (WiTricity-based, operational since 2024, expanding 2025); Connected Kerb’s Magment partnership for curbside static pads in London (pilot Q1 2025, 50 sites). Cenex leads research for DfT. Elec Training participates in evaluations, training on trial tech. 

What skills will electricians need to install and maintain wireless charging systems? 

Electricians will need skills in high-frequency AC/DC conversion (85 kHz systems), electromagnetic field safety assessments, precise coil alignment (within 10 cm), integration with smart grids/BMS, and compliance with BS 7671 Amendment 3 for bidirectional devices—plus MCS certification for grants. Maintenance involves thermal imaging for coil faults and software updates. Elec Training’s 2025 wireless module (2-day CPD) covers these, including hands-on inductive setups. 

Will wireless EV charging eventually replace plug-in charging in the UK? 

Wireless won’t fully replace plug-in by 2035 but will complement it, with static home pads in 20-30% of installs by 2030 and dynamic highways trialed nationwide—plug-in remains cheaper/efficient for most. Projections show 10% market share by 2028, driven by autonomy. Elec Training forecasts hybrid skills demand, with plug-in dominant till infrastructure matures.