BMW will introduce wireless charging as an option for the 5 Series plug-in hybrid next year.

The technology transfers energy via an alternating magnetic field, allowing a vehicle to be recharged without physically plugging it in, and is familiar from electric toothbrush charging stands.

It requires a base pad with a mains-supplied primary induction coil to be installed, inside or outside, and a secondary coil to be fitted to the car. This can charge the car at up to 3.2kW – slightly slower than a wallbox, but faster than a three-pin plug.

BMW says a full charge takes around three and a half hours.

No pricing details have been released as yet.

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