The future of mobility may be heading towards a high-tech combination of electric power and autonomous driving. But, consumers are not yet ready to plug in and relinquish control.

A survey by J.D. Power and SurveyMonkey reveals there’s a lack of confidence about the future of self-driving vehicles, with a neutral feeling about EV’s. They found 39% are not excited about any self-driving technology, whether it’s their personal vehicle or other ways of transportation like delivery services, public transit, or ride-hailing services. Most of those responding say EV’s are better for the environment… but price, the availability of charging stations, and range remain key concerns. 

It’s important to point out two-thirds of respondents have never been in an EV… and admitted having little to no knowledge about self-driving vehicles. Researchers say automakers need to better educate consumers about these new technologies if they hope to create a viable market for them.

BMW is taking their latest EV charging technology to a new level and more people. 

200 people in California will be added to their global Induction Charging Pilot Program. BMW is using what they call a GroundPad.  It’s installed on the floor in the garage, and the vehicle parks on the pad for wireless charging. There are no cables, just 3-inches of a contactless transfer of energy between the GroundPad and the car.   BMW says a full charge takes about three-and-a-half hours. They’ll pay for installing, maintaining, and removing the Ground Pad Module once the program ends. Special 2019 530e PHEV Sedans will be available for a 3-year lease as part of the pilot program.

And that does it for this week’s Motor News.