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

  • Historic milestone for EVs claimed
    April 17, 2012
    Utah State University Research Foundation's Energy Dynamics Laboratory has announced that it has operated the first high-power, high-efficiency wireless power transfer system capable of transferring enough energy to quickly charge an electric vehicle. The lightweight, low-profile system demonstrated 90 per cent electrical transfer efficiency of five kilowatts over an air gap of 10 inches. The demonstration at EDL's North Logan, Utah, facility further validates that electric vehicles can efficiently be charg
  • RAC Foundation: National charge point network needed for electric vehicles
    October 4, 2017
    Potential purchases of electric vehicles with have limited widespread impact without a national charge point network, particularly on motorways and major A-Roads, according to a report by the RAC Foundation. Report author Harold Dermot outlines several challenges that need addressing.Currently, 80% of EV owners have access to home charging, but 93% use the public charging network.
  • Toyota and NTT collaborate on platform for connected cars
    April 4, 2017
    Toyota Motor Corporation and the Nippon Telegraph and Telephone Corporation (NTT) have agreed to work together on connected car technology, combining their knowledge and expertise in automotive and information and communication technology (ICT) research and development. Their aim is to address a range of issues, including traffic accidents, congestion and the delivery of new mobility services, to help realise a future worldwide Smart Mobility Society. A field trial is planned for 2018 to assess the feasi
  • ITS World Congress premieres Kongressnavigator
    September 28, 2012
    Available for download from this week, the ITS World Congress ‘Kongressnavigator’is the first app to combine all the most important things at a congress. It helps visitors navigate through the city and the congress centre, and it integrates the conference programme, transportation schedules and tickets. All this comes together on the smartphone - now available for the iPhone, Android and as a mobile web application. Arrival at the airport followed by a quick stop at your hotel - there's not much time to spa