GLOBAL AUTOMOTIVE WIRELESS PHONE CHARGER MARKET

INTRODUCTION

The growing affinity to contactless and wireless technology in every aspect has led to development of wireless car charging technology. The continuous use of smartphone either for navigation or entertainment purpose while on road has led to increase in installation of wireless charging dock in automobiles.

The first Qi enabled car was launched by Toyota in its 2013 Avalon model. Since the 2016 wireless phone charging has been equipped in the most of the models. The wireless charger had a greater penetration in the luxury and premium car segment, gradually the feature has become common in mid segment and budget cars as well.

MARKET SEGMENTATION

By Mounting Technology

• Magnetic
• Clamps
• Dedicated Slot

By Location of Charging Pad

• Center Console
• Under Infotainment
• Center Armrest

By Power Output

• 5 W
• 5 W
• 10 W
• 15 W

By Distribution Channel

• OEM
• Aftermarket

By Geography

• US
• Europe
• China
• India
• ROW

MARKET DYNAMICS

Wireless chargers rely on magnetic induction or magnetic resonance to transmit the energy. Most of the chargers are “Qi” standard which ensures safety and compatibility. The corresponding mobile phones must also be of Qi standard. The other wireless charging standards Powermat (PMA) and AirFuel are the getting outdated and the respective devices are slowly phasing out.

The first vehicle in the world to incorporate in-car wireless charging was the Toyota Avalon Limited in the year 2013. Audi, BMW, Ford, Volkswagen and others have implemented these charging methods in some of the selected models.

There has been significant development in EVs in Japan and China which incorporates retrofit wireless charging systems for smartphones. The US and Germany are now the countries where the advancement of in-car wireless charging protocols are increasingly growing.

MARKET BY MOUNTING TECHNOLOGY

The magnetic mount is quite popular and major OEMs have adopted this technology to hold the phone to the pad. The magnetic mounting technology is also popular among the add-on accessory charger as it eliminates the use of hands to fix the phone. Many OEMs such as GM, Toyota, and Ford have adopted the magnetic technology to hold the phone. The clamps used for holding the phone are seen to holding highest share in the aftermarket products range.

MARKET BY LOCATION OF CHARGING PAD

Based on the location of the charging deck center console holds the highest share in the market. In US the center console charging pad is found in more than 90% of the models. In Europe, China and Japan markets the charging deck are mostly found in center console position only occupying 60% of the market share. The location below infotainment occupies next share.

MARKET BY POWER OUTPUT

The average power output of the adapter of the wireless charging phones are 10W. The charging pad coming from the OEMs are 10W power output on average.

In the add-on devices segment too 10W chargers are most commonly found. However, 15 W chargers too are getting popular with their fast charging ability. The need for rapid charging has led to development of higher power output providing chargers.

USAUTOMOTIVE WIRELESS PHONE CHARGER MARKET

Among the top selling passenger cars such as Chevrolet Silverado, Equinox, RAM 1500 and Toyota RAV4 and Camry are provided with wireless charging pad.

In the aftermarket sales US holds the distinction of highest penetration of wireless charging kit. US based wireless charging devices manufacturers has grown exponentially in last few years.

The North American region is witnessing growth in this sector as the market is driven by innovations with a range of wireless chargers. The Q4 and Q3 wireless charger bundles have been popular in the region witnessing increase in demand due to their compact size and optimum charging pace. The popularity in this region is attributed to the increase in demand for electric vehicles which has incentivised the manufacturers to produce more efficient battery chargers.

The car models that offer wireless charging systems in the US are Cadillac CT6, Cadillac XT5, Chevrolet Camaro, Chevrolet Malibu, Toyota Prius, Lexus NX, BMW 7 Series, Audi Q7 and many more automakers are offering these systems such as Volvo, Volkswagen, Mercedes, Hyundai, Peugeot, Kia.

EUROPEAUTOMOTIVE WIRELESS PHONE CHARGER MARKET

In Europe models such as Ford Focus, Fiesta, Mercedes A class and Volkswagen Polo cars among the top selling cars that provide the wireless charging pad. More than 50 car models from 13 different European automakers provide the wireless charging option in the region.

The car models that support the wireless charging system in Europe are given below; however, all the models do not come with an option of installing wireless charging plates; rather they have the feature in the basic model as well. The models are BMW 7 Series, Mercedes Benz E Class, BMW 2017 M Series, BMW 2018 X3 M4Oi, BMW - Alpina B5, D5, B6, B7, Citroen, DS, Peugeot 3008, Opel and Vauxhall, SEAT Ateca and Arona, Mini Cooper, Skoda Kodiaq and Karoq and Volvo XC40.

CHINAAUTOMOTIVE WIRELESS PHONE CHARGER MARKET

Toyota Corolla is the only passenger car among the top selling cars to features the wireless charging option. The latest Haval F7 too sports the charging pad. 

Xiaomi Chinese manufacturer has launched a first 20W power wireless charger for cars, making it the first 20W output charger for automobiles.

The company Powermat Technologies has announced a strategic investment in the new office setup by the company in Shenzhen. The new office will lead the promotion of wireless technology innovation, collaborations, business as well as development between the company and other OEMs in the Asia region.

INDIAAUTOMOTIVE WIRELESS PHONE CHARGER MARKET

India is set to receive a funding worth $300 million from the World Bank for the development and production of electric vehicles which will propel the automotive industry to develop more wireless charging technologies.

The car models that offer wireless charging systems in India are the Hyundai Grand i10 NIOS, Hyundai i20, Hyundai Creta, Hyundai Verna, Kia Sonet, Renault Kiger, Nissan Magnite and more from Hyundai.

In India until 2019 the feature was concentrated in only premium and luxury vehicles. In 2019 mid-segment and top selling cars such as Hyundai Venue and Kia Seltos came with this feature. Newly launched Hyundai Aura also features this option.

PowerSquare Bangalore based company was the first in-car wireless charging service provider in the country.

RECENT MARKET TRENDS

• Mercedes has announced recently its wireless charging technology systems to be incorporated in the model S550e. To opt for the model with wireless charging customers will have to pay $97,000 as the base-price for the PHEV model.
• In December 2020, iOttie launched The Aivo smart driving series systems which feature the Aivo connect system with built-in Alexa. 
• The company also launched a fast wireless charging system with powerful QI wireless devices.
• In November 2020, the company Ossia Inc. introduced the Cota 2.4 Ghz next generation platform which is approved by the FCC. The advanced platform offers higher transmitter efficiency, economical design, reduced weight, low power consumption and many more.
• In September 2020, the subsidiary of Renesas Electronics corporation, Integrated Device Technology (IDT) launched the P9415-R. It is a wireless power receiver which allows charging of smartphones, power banks as well as medical equipment.
• In October 2019, the company WiTricity Corporation signed an agreement with Green Power for licensing and technology transfer. According to the agreement, Green Power can leverage the design and technology for WiTricity’s new wireless charging systems for EVs.
• Basenor a US based start-up has customised a center console phone charger pad extensively for Tesla Model 3. The charger pad is unique and first in the market which can support charging of 2 phones at once.
• Yank Technologies from US is developing a high power wireless charging deck for automobiles.
• Rohm Japanese based company has adopted the STMicroelectronics solutions for wireless charging of smartphones in the Japanese automobiles.

MARKET SIZE AND FORECAST

Still a growing market, the inefficiency of these chargers to not to charge quickly observed in traditional 12 Volt accessory outlets in cars will hamper the growth. However, the continuous efforts to improve the speed of charge in the future can be observed.

The wireless charging sector is expected to reach a value worth $XX billion by the year 2026, growing at the rate of CAGR XX% between 2021-2026. The growth of this market is primarily dependent on the adoption of wireless technology in the electronics market such as increase in sales of EVs as well as the capability to charge several devices simultaneously.

As of March 2021 there are 261 models of mobile phones which are QI enabled. In the future with the introduction of QI features in newly launched models will propel the wireless charger market. 

Various uncertified devices which do not meet the Qi standards are unsafe are restraining the aftermarket growth.

LUXURY CAR MODELS THAT PROVIDE WIRELESS IN-CAR CHARGING IN US & Europe

RECENT TRENDS

The main charging method utilized in wireless phone chargers for cars is inductive charging. In order to transfer power wirelessly, an electromagnetic field must be created between the charger (the transmitter) and the phone (the receiver). The phone has a coil receiver to pick up the electricity, and the charger contains a coil that creates the electromagnetic field.

The majority of wireless phone chargers for automobiles follow the Qi (Wireless Power Consortium) standard. The Wireless Power Consortium created the Qi industry standard to guarantee interoperability across various wireless charging-capable devices and chargers. Any Qi-certified charger will function with Qi-compatible devices.

Some cutting-edge wireless phone chargers for automobiles may make use of magnetic resonance coupling technology. This technology enables charging through some materials, including as thick phone cases, and over marginally longer distances. A resonant magnetic field is produced between the charger and the phone during magnetic resonance charging, which facilitates effective power transfer.

Near Field Communication (NFC): NFC technology is occasionally incorporated into wireless phone chargers for automobiles. To facilitate data transfer, authentication, and identification, NFC permits connection between the charger and the phone. It can be used for tasks like pairing devices, identifying suitable devices, and turning on extra features or settings.

Automotive wireless phone chargers frequently include smart charging and safety features to enhance charging effectiveness and safeguard the phone and charger. These qualities could consist of: Monitoring the temperature when charging can help you avoid overheating and change the charging speed as necessary.

Identifying foreign objects on the charging pad, such as metal or magnetic objects, in order to guard against any risks or damage. Managing power distribution and charging rate in accordance with the battery needs and capacity of the phone. To avoid overcharging and battery damage, automatic power cutoff stops the charging process when the phone is fully charged.

COMPETITIVE LANDSCAPE

Some of the leading aftermarket wireless charger providers are iOttie (US), Nillkin (China), Xiaomi (China), Scosche (US), Kenu (US), Basenor (US) and Belkin (US).

Several companies have entered into joint ventures and some were part of the acquisition that has made sector less fragmented, some of the recent agreements are given below:

• The company WiTricity for the further development of this market has invested $34 million, the investors participating in the venture are Air Wave Wireless Electricity as well as the Mitsubishi Corporation.
• The company PowerSphyr acquired a Californian company Gill Electronics to develop advanced wireless charging technology systems.

The company Powermat Technologies has partnered with Regus Innovate, a company based in Israel to supply wireless charging services for the region and development of new powermat charging technologies.

The company WiTricity has announced incorporation of a new lab in New Zealand to be led by some wireless charging experts to develop new technologies for the advancement of this industry. The company has also announced additional funding of $18 million for the previous funds raised in October worth $34 million, the total investments amounts to $52 million.

COMPANY PROFILE

1. Qi
2. Mercedes Benz
3. GM
4. Ford
5. Toyota
6. BMW
7. Hyundai
8. iOttie
9. CANPOW
10. Nillkin
11. Xiaomi
12. Scosche
13. Anker
14. Kenu