New technology for electric vehicles could see the end of having to navigate plugs and wires for refuelling after Ford unveiled a wireless system that will let drivers charge their cars by simply pulling up in a parking space.

The wireless charging technology, which to date has only been available for smaller gadgets such as phones and smartwatches, means that electric car drivers in Europe can park-and-charge without the need of a plug.

The company said the system has been designed to prevent drivers from forgetting to recharge and to allow small fuel boosts even when time is tight.

“Innovative services can be as important to customers as the electrified vehicles themselves,” said Hua Thai-Tang of Ford’s electric vehicle division. “We are investing in solutions to help private customers as well as commercial fleet owners seamlessly incorporate these new vehicles and technologies into their lives.”