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A note from Juniper Research argues that wireless charging will be offered in 50 million cars by 2020, up from just 4 million in 2014.

The study, titled 'Wireless Charging: Opportunities, Applications & Standards 2015-2020', also found that over a third of smartphones in 2020 will have inbuilt wireless charging and even more will have wireless charging enabled through accessories. Laptop makers are also looking to utilise the technology. By 2020, nearly 20% of laptops being used will be wireless chargeable.

This new study indicates that in-built wireless device charging will be a critical element in consumers' interaction with their cars. The study is titled 'Wireless Charging: Opportunities, Applications & Standards 2015-2020' and indicates that the technology will also enable other in-vehicle services like automatic cockpit drill customisation, audio streaming, customised notification filtering and more.

The rise of wireless charging technology will also benefit automakers. Rather than relying on updating hardware and firmware on-board vehicles, automakers can simply provide software-based services from consumers' phones.

However, a major challenge for automakers to embrace wireless charging is the lack of an established standard. Without one, there is a very real concern among automakers that they may invest in a system that could be obsolete. To resolve this challenge, several manufacturers are providing solutions aimed at fulfilling two specifications: A4WP/PMA and Qi. These specifications can be used to avoid compatibility issues, but they need complex components as compared to systems that meet a single specification.

Meanwhile, consumers remain largely unaware of the wireless charging features that are already being incorporated by smartphone brands. This will change as more brands promote the feature in the coming years. For the short term, however, most phones will continue to come with a wired charger.