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.

Related Content

  • October 7, 2016
    Gartner says connected car production to grow rapidly over next five years
    Connected car production is growing rapidly in both mature and emerging automobile markets, according to the latest forecast by Gartner, Forecast: Connected Car Production, Worldwide. The production of new automobiles equipped with data connectivity, either through a built-in communications module or by a tether to a mobile device, is forecast to reach 12.4 million in 2016 and increase to 61 million in 2020.
  • May 17, 2012
    Hughes Telematics partners with Location Labs
    Location Labs, a provider of mobile location-as-a-service infrastructure and applications, has announced a partnership with Hughes Telematics (HT) to include the Location Labs Universal Location Service (ULS) as part of HT's telematics service offering. Location Labs' cloud-based ULS API will supplement HT's connected service offerings by enabling drivers to use their smartphones to request the location of any contact in their mobile address book.
  • March 27, 2013
    Cost effective EV fast charger from ABB
    US power and automation technology group says its latest fast charger, the Terra SC is a cost-effective direct-current (DC) charger specifically designed for convenient fast charging in commercial and office areas. It fully charges an electric vehicle (EV) in thirty to 120 minutes. The Terra SC is also ideal for people who want to keep driving but don’t necessarily need a full charge: it can charge the battery of currently available EVs from thirty per cent to eighty per cent in less than half an hour. Easy
  • November 16, 2016
    Evolt wins first Go Ultra Low City contract in Scotland
    Swarco Group’s Evolt eMobility brand has been awarded a contract estimated at US$2.2 million (£1.8 million) by Dundee City Council for the first phase of works to support three new charging ‘hubs’ in the city, along with an additional regional charging infrastructure. As one of the Go Ultra Low Cities, Dundee is creating three new charging hubs that will become dedicated areas for the charging of electric vehicles. Each hub will be equipped with Evolt’s well proven charging technology, including a combi