Skip to main content

Toyota offers Qi wireless in-car charging

According to Toyota, its Avalon Limited will be the first vehicle available in the world that offers in-console Qi wireless charging for Qi–enabled mobile phones and devices as part of a technology package, available for both the petrol and hybrid version of the new Avalon Limited, which also includes dynamic radar cruise control, automatic high beams and a pre-collision system. Qi is the global standard for wireless power and charging. With Qi, devices can be charged just by placing them on, or near, any Q
December 24, 2012 Read time: 2 mins
According to 1686 Toyota, its Avalon Limited will be the first vehicle available in the world that offers in-console Qi wireless charging for Qi–enabled mobile phones and devices as part of a technology package, available for both the petrol and hybrid version of the new Avalon Limited, which also includes dynamic radar cruise control, automatic high beams and a pre-collision system.

Qi is the global standard for wireless power and charging. With Qi, devices can be charged just by placing them on, or near, any Qi-enabled surface. Any Qi-enabled device works with any Qi charger, regardless of brand or manufacturer.

The Avalon's wireless charging pad is integrated into the ebin (Toyota’s name for storage containers for handheld electronic devices) lid situated in vehicle's centre console. The system can be enabled by a switch beneath the lid, and charging is as simple as placing the phone upon the lid's high-friction surface.

Supplied by Denso, the Avalon's wireless charging system relies on technology developed by ConvenientPower and Philips Lite-on Digital Solution (PLDS), and it will elevate the high technology experience of the new Avalon sedan.

"Pioneering the ability to charge with no wires or connectors by simply putting devices in the car console is an intuitive innovation which reflects Toyota's continuing commitment to improve the consumer experience," said Randy Stephens, Chief Engineer of Toyota Avalon. "We see wireless charging as an important feature that helps enhance the high-technology theme and consumer interface offered by Avalon Limited which is already equipped with three TFT color screens and Intellitouch controls."

Qi wireless charging is now integrated in thirty-four mobile phone models, including recent launches of the LG 1691 Google Nexus 4, 183 Nokia Lumia 920, 3876 HTC Windows Phone 8X. Qi-certified products range from smartphones to charging pads, gaming controllers, Blu-ray disc recorders, smartphone docking speakers, automobile phone chargers, alarm clocks and battery packs, to charging modules that can be installed in tabletops and furniture.

For more information on companies in this article

Related Content

  • Axle scales with wireless weighing technology
    April 7, 2014
    Intercomp’s AX900 axle scale systems are now available with fully integrated RFX wireless weighing technology, providing cable-free operation that improves safety and efficiency.
  • Shock therapy: jolt for EV charging needed
    October 2, 2018
    As sales of electric vehicles accelerate, the growth of charging infrastructure is in need of a big boost. Graham Anderson reports on whether Europe is up to it. Utilities, technology companies and vehicle manufacturers are battling to put in place new charging networks for electric vehicles (EVs) across Europe in response to a predicted dramatic surge in demand. Market experts believe that rapidly falling battery costs – which make up about one third of the costs of an electric car – and growing
  • Wireless bridges widen options for ITS upgrades
    December 9, 2014
    Antaira Technologies’ marketing engineer Brian Roth explains why the increasing capacity of wireless bridges is reducing the cost of expanding and upgrading ITS networks. With more than half of the world’s population now living in cities, the need for efficient transportation of both people and goods has never been greater and that pressure is unlikely to ease any time soon. Indeed in many regions of the world the rate of urbanisation is still increasing as the demand for rural workers continues to decline.
  • Electric car value chain overturned
    November 7, 2014
    The market for hybrid and pure electric cars homologated as such is set to be US$188 billion in 2025 according to IDTechEx analysis. However, according to Dr Peter Harrop, chairman of IDTechEx, the world has changed for cars overall and now big is not always beautiful for mainstream car manufacture. EVs will reflect this. Although Sergio Marchionne, boss of Fiat Chrysler, famously said six million units a year is needed for a car maker to be profitable, his head of research Pietro Perlo left to successf