Wireless EV charging for electric cars, golf carts, and NEVs
by Eric Cohen
Not only are electric vehicle sales surging in the automotive space, but they're also quickly increasing in light trucks, buses, and yes ... even golf carts! These compact, efficient, and versatile vehicles are quickly becoming a popular choice as a second “car” for many people. So much so that, the global golf car market is projected to reach $2590.4 million by 2031. [1]
Why are these low-speed vehicles becoming so popular?
No matter what you call them – golf car, golf cart, low-speed vehicle (LSV), or neighborhood electric vehicle (NEV) – these vehicles are fun and convenient. And, like drivers of electric vehicles, NEV drivers want wireless charging too.
Golf cart drivers want wireless charging
We found in a recent survey that the vast majority of NEV owners and intenders (more than 80%) charge their vehicle in their garage or carport. Perfect for wireless charging.
As wireless EV charging becomes more mainstream and people become aware of its availability, it’s not surprising that NEV owners and intenders are also becoming aware of its benefits:
- Removes garage trip hazards
- Eliminates those “Forgot to Charge” moments – Ready to go and no charge? Not anymore.
- Gets rid of those “Forgot to Unplug” moments – no more driving off and destroying the plug
- Reduces the hassle of charging – No more struggling to plug in the awkward connections
- No more juggling of vehicle position to reach the cord
- Accessible for anyone, even those with limited mobility
NEV drivers and intenders place charging near the top of the list when it comes to concerns about their vehicle. Interestingly, wireless charging is a more important issue than driving in bad weather – even though most NEVs are open vehicles (and it rains a lot in Florida!)
The vast majority (95%) of people surveyed – both owners and intenders – said they are interested in wireless charging. That closely parallels similar data among EV owners and intenders in an earlier study commissioned by WiTricity for electric passenger vehicles.
[1} https://straitsresearch.com/report/golf-cart-market#:~:text=Market%20Overview,period%20(2023%2D2031)