Wireless chargers are starting to make inroads into the consumers’ psyche but still hasn’t grasped enough of the market to become the next big thing. But that could very well be changing soon, especially with one of the US’ largest automobile manufacturers pushing to include it in some of next year’s models.
The idea of not having to fight with cables or race for power sockets in order to charge devices is slowly gaining popularity, with analysts projecting the global shipment of wireless chargers to surge up to 100 million units by 2015 compared to last year’s measly 5 million. Apparently, GM wants to be a part of that wave as it competes with the 2013 Toyota Avalon and the 2013 Chrysler Dart, both of which already have wireless charging features.
GM is reportedly eyeing putting wireless charging on its cars next year. Users will be able to place their phones on a surface inside the car to draw energy. The charging surface will most likely be produced by Powermat Technologies. GM announced in 2011 that it has invested $5 million in Powermat for its wireless charging technology. However, phones and devices must also support wireless charging or at least make use of cases that give that capability.
There’s no word on which or how many cars will include this technology. But considering GM isn’t really vying to be the first, they might just compete on sheer numbers instead, so we can probably expect quite a number of them next year.
VIA: SlashGear
