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

  • Singapore to start truck platooning trials
    January 10, 2017
    Driverless trucks are set to be trialled on the streets of Singapore under an agreement between the country’s Singapore’s Ministry of Transport (MOT) and PSA Corporation and automotive companies Scania and Toyota Tsusho. The two companies will design, develop and test an autonomous truck platooning system for use on Singapore's public roads. The platoon will use public roads while transporting containers between port terminals in Singapore. The aim is to organise convoys of four trucks, with three au
  • Growing use of PC-based systems for urban traffic control
    February 1, 2012
    Siemens Mobility's Mark Bodger discusses the growing use of PC-based systems for urban traffic control. Across the ITS sector, there is a common trend of taking traffic and travel management out of the hands of bespoke solutions, realising the use of common, open-source technologies and solutions and enjoying all the attendant economies of scale and ease of use which that implies.
  • Wireless outdoor bridges
    January 24, 2012
    MEL Secure Systems has announced the immediate availability of a new generation of wireless outdoor bridges. Using the latest MiMo (Multiple in/Multiple out) technology with transmission rates of up to 300Mbps, the company says it provides significantly improved performance over traditional bridges with the bandwidth required for streaming HD video and data in a wide range of security and IT applications. The device uses the latest IEEE 802.11n 5GHz technology to give a range of up to 10km (6.2 miles). The
  • Nissan exceeds electric taxi milestone
    November 24, 2015
    Nissan is heading the electric vehicle revolution with more than 550 electric taxis now on the road in Europe. During 2015 alone, over 100 electric vehicles were delivered to taxi companies across Europe and growth of the electric taxi market looks set to continue, as its popularity has started to take hold in Eastern Europe.