Toyota to Offer Qi Wireless Phone Charging in Their 2013 Vehicles
Toyota has announced that their Toyota Avalon Limited will be their first vehicle to offer in-console Qi wireless charging for Qi-enabled mobile devices. This wireless charging will be an option in Toyota’s Technology Package offered on their hybrid and traditional gas models. Qi has been one of the leaders at wireless charging standards where users can charge their phones simply by placing them on – or near – a Qi-enabled surface. The implementation that Toyota has announced seemed a bit clunky, but we think it’s certainly a step in the right direction. So far Qi-wireless charging is integrated in 34 different mobile phone models including the recently released LG Google Nexus 4 and HTC Windows Phone 8X.
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 Avalons wireless charging pad is integrated into the ebin lid situated in vehicles center console. The system can be enabled by a switch beneath the lid, and charging is as simple as placing the phone upon the lids high-friction surface.
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