Statistical Overview
The concept of the electric vehicle dates back to the early 19^th century, when inventors around the world experimented with battery-powered cars and trams. However, it wasn't until the late 20^th and early 21^st centuries that EVs emerged, thanks to advances in battery technology and environmental concerns. Naturally, with the growing adoption of EVs came the need for efficient and convenient charging solutions. Since then, traditional charging methods involving physical connectors and cables have become the norm. These methods are effective, but they come with their own set of difficulties, such as worn connectors, the need for manual plugging and potential risks in adverse weather conditions, to name but a few.
The search for a more seamless and user-friendly charging experience has led innovators to explore the possibilities offered by wireless charging. Inspired by the principles of electromagnetic induction, which is very similar to the way wireless phone chargers work, researchers began to develop systems for transferring energy without any physical connection. The first prototypes of wireless chargers for electric vehicles were introduced in the late 1990s and early 2000s, marking the start of a new era in electric vehicle infrastructure. Companies and research institutes began to recognise the potential of this technology. Pilot projects were launched in several cities to test the feasibility and effectiveness of wireless charging for public transport vehicles such as buses and trams.

The role of unions
Electromagnetic induction was first discovered by Michael Faraday in the early 19th century. This innovative technology is based on the simple but profound concept that a changing magnetic field in one coil induces an electric current in a neighbouring coil. In wireless recharging of electric vehicles, the first coil, often called the transmitter, is usually buried in the ground or in a recharging base. The second coil, called the receiver, is located at the bottom of the vehicle. When electricity flows through the transmitter coil, it generates a magnetic field. This field in turn induces a voltage in the receiver coil, enabling the vehicle's battery to be charged. The ground element, or transmitter plate, is what you generally find in car parks or specialist garages. 
This plate is directly connected to the electrical network and houses the transmitter's critical coil. On the other side, the receiving plate, fixed under the vehicle, is connected to the car's battery. The efficiency of this energy transfer is ensured by resonators. These components are essential to ensure that the transmitter and receiver 'resonate' at the same frequency, optimising energy transfer and minimising potential losses. In addition, an electronic control unit manages the flow of energy, ensuring that the charging process is both safe and efficient. This unit also communicates with the vehicle and adjusts the charge rate according to the battery's current needs.

Several companies are at the forefront of this revolution, each offering unique solutions and perspectives. Among the major players shaping this sector, one of the most important is Tesla. Its efforts in the field of wireless charging have been marked by strategic moves, the most notable being the acquisition of Wiferion, a German company specialising in wireless charging solutions. This acquisition not only reinforces Tesla's already outstanding technical prowess, but also demonstrates its commitment to making wireless charging a mainstream option for its vast user base. By leveraging Wiferion's expertise, Tesla is poised to integrate efficient and fast wireless charging capabilities into its vehicles, further strengthening its position as the industry leader.
But Tesla is not the only player in this field. EVgo, one of the largest public EV charging networks in the US, is exploring wireless charging solutions to improve user convenience. The focus on fast charging infrastructure combined with wireless technology could redefine public charging experiences. Other players such as HEVO (Hybrid & Electric Vehicle Optimization) are proposing an interesting approach. Their wireless charging solutions are designed not only for cars, but also for a whole range of vehicles, including delivery trucks and drones. Volta Charging offers another interesting approach to this innovation. As well as offering free charging to EV users, their stations also serve as advertising platforms. 

Wireless charging however presents a number of challenges. The first of these, and probably the biggest, is infrastructure development. Moving to wireless charging on a large scale requires major infrastructure changes. The installation of charging points in public car parks, the upgrading of existing charging stations and the possible installation of charging coils on roads all require considerable investment and logistical planning, which is likely to be met with resistance from local communities. Then there are the efficiency issues mentioned above. Although advances in wireless charging have made it increasingly efficient, there are still concerns when compared with traditional charging methods. It is essential, for both economic and environmental reasons, to ensure minimal energy loss during the transfer process. Finally, as you can probably imagine, the initial installation costs of wireless charging systems can be higher than those of traditional charging solutions. Although prices are expected to fall as the technology matures and adoption rates increase, the initial investment can be a significant deterrent for some consumers and businesses.