One feature especially stands out as a definite favorite as manufacturers rush to satisfy the changing needs of tech-savvy consumers: wireless charging pads. Based on the 2024 Future Attribute Demand Study by AutoPacific, comfort and safety tech has been replaced by wireless charging as the single most sought-after feature among new-car buyers.
Although simplicity is the clear attraction, this change also emphasizes a more general expectation: modern cars have to fit perfectly with digital lives.
Data Motivated for Design
According to AutoPacific’s most recent poll, 37% of buyers wanted wireless charging pads available for rear-seat occupants and 44% wanted those for front-seat passengers. Simple, dependable tech integration is now more in demand than other usually high-value choices including heated seats, rain-sensing wipers, and panoramic roofs.
This trend is evident. Drivers are increasingly looking for their cars to provide the same frictionless experience they have come to know from wearables, smart homes, and cellphones. An expectation of seamless energy access—no cords needed—quickly replaces charging cables, adapters, and power-sharing.
Why would one want wireless charging?
The appeal lies practically in nature. Drivers and passengers use their cellphones for navigation, communication, and streaming, making battery life crucial. Drop the gadget in place and it charges while you drive—a neat fix for wireless charging pads. No mistake. The area is not cluttered in any way. There are no cables in the cupholders.
It also represents a safety benefit. Wireless pads help to keep the cockpit cleaner and free of distractions when less cord hangs around the center console or on laps. Add to that, the demand makes perfect sense given the growing presence of big infotainment systems and integrated app ecosystems.
An expanding market
Market for wireless charging is explosive. Driven by a compound annual growth rate of 38%, analysts project the in-car segment alone will rise from $6 billion in 2021 to over $15 billion by 2030. The feature will most certainly become standard equipment in the next few product cycles as more mid-level and entry-level models adopt it.
Beyond Charging: Other attributes consumers demand
Though it comes first on the list, wireless charging is part of a bigger change toward connected, comfortable, and intuitive car experiences. Among other highly sought-after characteristics are:
Once reserved for luxury trim, heated and ventilated seats are now rather common.
Rain-sensing windshield wipers help increase visibility without driver involvement.
Popular among SUV and crossover consumers for open-air ambiance are panoramic glass roofs.
Customizable driver profiles are absolutely necessary in homes where several people share a car.
Particularly appreciated in crowded cities and for larger vehicles, surround-view camera systems and automated parking are critical.
Advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS) remain crucial. Not “nice-to-have” anymore are features like adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, blind-spot monitoring, and automatic emergency braking. From many buyers’ perspective, they are as basic as Bluetooth and power windows.
EV Buyers: Setting the Standard Higher
Customers of EVs bring even more exacting standards. Apart from basic comfort and safety technologies, consumers of electric cars are seeking for characteristics including:
Pre-conditioning for batteries
One-pedaled driving
Over-the-air system updates
App-based vehicle tracking and remote control
Wireless charging pads mark only the beginning of the tech checklist for this group.
Reactions for Manufacturers
Buyers clearly want simple, user-friendly features reflecting their lifestyle and driving in 2025. Staying competitive depends on OEMs including wireless charging—and other frictionless conveniences—as they finalize product plans and trim strategies.
Early delivery of these expectations by automakers will help them to stand out to consumers who appreciate useful, not flashy technology. While wireless charging might not sell a car on its own, in a tie between models it could be the deciding factor.
In essence,
The vehicles that succeed will be those that streamline life—not complicate it—as we enter the linked era of mobility. A small but effective illustration of that design philosophy is wireless charging. Currently, buyers of new cars who are ready to ditch the cord prioritize wireless charging. As consumers increasingly seek convenience and seamless integration with their digital lives, features like wireless charging are likely to become standard rather than optional. Automakers that recognize and adapt to these preferences will attract more buyers and foster a deeper connection with their customers in this rapidly evolving market.
