Inductive charging paddles were used on production EVs built in the late '90s. The EV1, Ford Ranger EV, RAV4EV, and others used them. They are supposedly safer because they have no exposed electrical contacts, and can put out quite a bit of current.
PWP Web : EV Program - Inductive Charging
Conductive plugs used for EV charging are typically standard outlets (110vac and 220 vac) but the newer 'recharging station' plugs will probably require some sort of special plug in order to work. Everyone wants their $...