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How Wireless Car Chargers Work With Phones
Wireless charging has arrived, but is it in your car?
By Jeremy Laukkonen Jeremy Laukkonen Writer Shoreline Community College Jeremy Laukkonen is automotive and tech writer for numerous major trade publications. When not researching and testing computers, game consoles or smartphones, he stays up-to-date on the myriad complex systems that power battery electric vehicles . lifewire's editorial guidelines Updated on December 30, 2020 Tweet Share Email Tweet Share Email In This Article
Expand Jump to a Section How Does Wireless Charging Work Inductive Charging in Automotive Applications Charge Your Phone Wirelessly in Your Car Built-In Automotive Wireless Phone Chargers Aftermarket Automotive Wireless Phone Chargers Wireless charging uses magnetic fields to transfer energy from a charger to a battery. Wireless phone chargers are game-changers when it comes to convenience, and it's even possible to use wireless phone charging in your car. Here's a look at how wireless charging in a car works, as well as how to take advantage of this technology. If you're ready to implement wireless phone charging technology in your car, check out our list of the best wireless phone charging mounts. Tomasz Zajda / EyeEm / Getty Images How Does Wireless Charging Work
Wireless charging technology is also referred to as inductive charging. A base station generates an electric field, which transfers energy to a compatible device via inductive coupling. This type of charging is less efficient than charging systems that use conductive couplings, but because you don't have to plug them in, wireless chargers are easy and incredibly convenient to use. Instead of plugging in a charger, set your phone or another compatible device on the wireless charging base station, and the device automatically starts to charge. Wireless charging has been around longer than you might think. If you've seen an Oral-B electric toothbrush, you've seen inductive charging in action. Braun has been using this technology since the early 1990s. While other industries were slower to adopt the technology, the first cellphone with built-in inductive charging was launched in 2009. The Wireless Power Consortium introduced the Qi standard in 2009, allowing interoperability between chargers and devices made by different companies. Inductive Charging in Automotive Applications
The first automotive use of inductive charging was with electric vehicles. As far back as the late 1990s, a system called Magne Charge used inductive coupling to charge electric cars. It was replaced by standard conductive coupling in the early 2000s. Although inductive couplings are inherently safer in such applications, conductive couplings, with additional built-in safeguards, won out because inductive chargers aren't as energy-efficient as conductive chargers. Today, inductive charging has made a reappearance in the automotive world, with wireless car chargers and mounts readily available for vehicles. Many wireless phone charger setups are compatible with Android and iOS smartphones and tablets, as well as other technologies. How to Charge Your Phone Wirelessly in Your Car
Some cars come with an OEM-installed charging station. If your car doesn't have one, there are many aftermarket wireless charging setups available. If your phone doesn't support wireless charging and you don't want to upgrade, inexpensive wireless charging adapters are a possibility. Some can be installed directly into a phone case. The two wireless standards are Powermat and Qi. Today, Qi is the leader in the smartphone world, especially since Apple chose Qi for its devices in 2017. If you own a phone that's Qi-compatible, look for a Qi-based charger. Some automakers went with the Powermat standard, so you may own a Powermat-based wireless charger, whether you want it or not, at some point in the future. Built-In Automotive Wireless Phone Chargers
Most car manufacturers that offer built-in wireless phone chargers use Qi wireless charging systems. Some, including GM and Mercedes, support both Powermat and NFC charging to expand the range of their wireless charging compatibility. Select models from Chevrolet, Lexus, Cadillac, BMW, Audi, Buick, Chrysler, Ford, Jeep, Honda, and more offer built-in charging. If your model doesn't support this technology, consider installing an aftermarket charger. Aftermarket Automotive Wireless Phone Chargers
Suppose you're one of the many vehicle owners whose cars aren't equipped with wireless chargers. In that case, some excellent aftermarket chargers are available. Most automotive wireless chargers have a sleek form factor that fits well into a car's design, including cradles, pads, holsters, and chargers that fit in a cup holder. Prices can vary, from Belkin's $124 Boost Up Wireless Charging Dock to the $18.99 Yootech Wireless Charger. Before you buy, check out your options and find one with a design and price you like. Qi-based wireless chargers are the most popular and available. These chargers support all iPhone and iOS devices, and many Android devices, including Samsung smartphones. Was this page helpful? Thanks for letting us know! Get the Latest Tech News Delivered Every Day Subscribe Tell us why! Other Not enough details Hard to understand Submit More from Lifewire What Is Qi (Chi) Wireless Charging? Yes, You Can Charge your EV Wirelessly & Here's How What is Inductive Charging? Expert Tested: The 9 Best Wireless Phone Chargers in 2022 Yootech Wireless Charger Stand Review: Broad Compatibility The 4 Best Charging Stations of 2022 The 3 Best Wireless Phone Charging Car Mounts of 2022 Anker PowerWave Fast Wireless Charging Stand Review: Fast Samsung Fast Wireless Charger Stand Review: Blazing Fast Choetech Fast Wireless Charging Pad Review: Cut the Cord Choetech Fast Wireless Charging Stand Review Seneo WaveStand 153 Fast Wireless Charger Review: Budget Option How to Charge a Samsung Galaxy Watch Without a Charger How to Charge an iPhone 12 How to Choose a Wireless Charger Can You Get Wireless Charging for iPhone? Newsletter Sign Up Newsletter Sign Up Newsletter Sign Up Newsletter Sign Up Newsletter Sign Up By clicking “Accept All Cookies”, you agree to the storing of cookies on your device to enhance site navigation, analyze site usage, and assist in our marketing efforts. Cookies Settings Accept All Cookies