A new survey from the University of Auckland has revealed that New Zealand is excited about the idea of charging their electric vehicles (EVs) while on the road thanks to dynamic wireless charging technology.
Despite not being available yet, out of the 1,150 existing and potential EV drivers surveyed, 93 percent said they are optimistic about this technology and would like to try it in the future.
Key Findings
The survey, led by doctoral candidate Ramesh Majhi, senior lecturer Prakash Ranjitkar, and senior research fellow Selena Sheng, found that people see the biggest advantage of wireless charging as its convenience. This technology could make EV charging easier and less time-consuming, especially when compared to traditional charging stations.
“Dynamic wireless charging might not be the best fit for city driving but could be great for long trips between cities,” said Dr Majhi.
“It can help reduce the need for stops at charging stations along highways.”
People who care about sustainability are more likely to support this new technology. City dwellers were also more open to it compared to those living in rural areas. Additionally, the behaviour and choices of friends and family were found to influence people’s decisions to use wireless charging.
Concerns about Safety and Costs
Despite the excitement, there are worries about data privacy, the potential health effects of electromagnetic radiation, and the costs associated with using this technology.
Dr Sheng highlighted the importance of addressing these concerns.
“As we move towards more EVs to cut down greenhouse gas emissions, we need better charging infrastructure. In-road charging lanes could help, but policymakers need to manage the rollout carefully and address people’s concerns,” Dr. Sheng stated.
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