Will Wireless Phone Charging be In The Next Tundra?
Tim Esterdahl | Dec 26, 2012 | Comments 5
The 2013 Toyota Avalon will offer Qi wireless in-car charging – a first for cars. This advanced charging system could be the future of car charging, could it be an option in future Toyota Tundra pickups?
The 2013 Toyota Avalon will have in-car wireless charging for your cell phone. Is the Toyota Tundra next to offer this option?
Qi, pronounced “chee”, has become the “global standard for wireless power and charging,” according to Toyota. Having a Qi charging system in your vehicle means that any Qi-enabled devices will charge simply by placing them on or near the Qi-enabled surface. The nice part is that you don’t have to worry about your brand or manufacturer of phone. If it is Qi-enabled, it will charge.
A Qi pad like this will be mounted under the center console. It is easy to charge your phone by turning the pad on and placing your phone on it.
What is a Qi-enabled device? Several things actually including the obvious – cellphones. The list can also include cameras, mp3 players, game controls and Blu-ray disc recorders among other items (probably won’t be charging your Xbox game controller in your car). The Wireless Power Consortium, a group of top companies aiming for a global standard for inductive charging technology, said that there are 110 consumer products that can be charged. This translates into 8.5 million Qi-capable devices sold worldwide.
Toyota points out that the Qi wireless charging systems is integrated in 34 mobile phone models including many of the popular models like LG Google Nexus 4, Nokia Lumia 920 and the HTC Windows Phone 8X. Notably absent is Apple and Samsung.
In the 2013 Avalon, the Qi-enabled charging pad (like the new Energizer pads) is part of the center console. The system has a switch to activate it located under the lid. Simply flick the switch and set your Qi-enabled device and it will charge.
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.
Offering convenient charging options for drivers cell phones is a sure bet to attract more customers. While most Tundra truck fans want a diesel or 3/4- and 1-ton options, Toyota can’t forget to keep up with new and emerging technology.
What do you think? Is a cellphone charging system that big of a deal or should Toyota focus more on improving the options for the truck?
Related Posts:
Filed Under: Auto News
Improve the options for the truck, period. Integrated Mechanical LSD, 2500 LB payload, towing mirrors included with towing package, etc.
I can see it now, someone will put their device on the charging pad and it becomes a projectile when the driver hits the brakes in a panic stop.
Not a good idea I think.
LJC,
Agreed, more opportunity for flying projectiles is NOT a good idea. Would be nice to be able to secure them some how.
-Tim
very nice but this is more of a convenience option.. n i dont think a wireless charger can charge as fast or as efficiently as a corded charger can. i’d prefer an improved/better drivetrain over this though.
I think the #1 priority is for the tundra to come out in a crewmax 6 1/2′ bed length like ford and now GM will have. Could be wrong, but even dodge has a crewcab with 6′ bed. 2nd priority is improved fuel economy since the tundra is now the worst of the big 3 at least according to EPA ratings anyways. It costs like 10–20 bucks tops for a plug in car charger that I think most can afford easy enough why all this wireless crap like bluetooth on certain phones don’t work either like it should.
I’d rather see an integrated coffee maker in the Tundra. Maybe Qi-cups instead of K-cups. 🙂