You may never have to worry about charging your phone before hitting the road again. With these cars, you can charge your phone as you drive, thanks to their integrated Qi wireless chargers.
What is Qi Charging?
Qi wireless charging is a technology that enables you to charge a device without plugging it in. There are several wireless charging standards, but Qi is the most popular. It’s supported on many of the latest phones from Apple and Samsung. Qi, the Chinese word for energy flow, is pronounced Chee.
Wireless chargers use electromagnetic induction to transfer energy to a receiver located in the back of the phone. The charger creates an alternating electromagnetic field using an induction coil. The phone’s receiver coil converts this alternating electromagnetic field into electricity it uses to charge the phone’s battery.
For a Qi wireless charger to work, the back of the phone needs to be in contact with the charger and properly aligned with it. Does your phone support Qi charging? You can check here to find out.
Today, cars from a range of manufacturers have wireless chargers that use the Qi standard. Here are 10 of the best.
Chevrolet Malibu
The wireless charger on the Chevrolet Malibu sedan is located in a dedicated pocket in the center console. It comes standard on the Chevrolet Malibu Premier model and is part of the Convenience and Technology Package on the Malibu LT models.
Lexus NX
The Lexus NX crossover SUV features a wireless charging tray in its center console armrest with an indicator light that will inform you when your phone is charged. You can also get the charger as an option on the NX Turbo F Sport, NX 300h and NX Turbo.
Cadillac CT6
Cadillac and the rest of GM was one of the first to use wireless charging. The Cadillac CT6 sedan comes standard with a Powermat wireless charging system near the center armrest. This location keeps it out of the way but also within reach.
Toyota Prius
The Toyota Prius hybrid features a variety of driver assist and fuel-saving technologies. You can get a wireless charging option on all models above the Prius Three trim level. On the Prius Prime plug-in hybrid, wireless charging is standard on the Premium and Advanced trim levels. The Qi charger is located in the center console, right under the car’s central display, and is roomy enough to work with most plus-sized phones.
Mercedes-Benz E-Class
The stylish Mercedes-Benz E-Class sedan also features optional Qi wireless charging. Along with many other high-tech features, it includes a charger in the front of the vehicle’s center console.
Audi Q7
The Audi Q7 SUV is another vehicle with plenty of high-tech features, including a head-up display and the MMI all-in-touch with handwriting-recognition technology, which you can use to write commands rather than type them. It also features a wireless charging system in the front armrest.
BMW 7-Series
The BMW 7-series sedan has a lot of high-tech features, including its iDrive 6.0 system, various driver assistance technologies, and gesture control, which lets you control some of the vehicle’s features just by moving your hands. It also has wireless charging, which comes as a standard option. The Qi charger is located in a pocket in the front armrest.
Hyundai Ioniq
The new fuel-efficient Hyundai Ioniq comes in two versions—a hybrid and a plug-in hybrid. The car’s features include a rear camera, integrated Bluetooth, adaptive cruise control and lane departure warning. You can also add wireless smartphone charging as an option. The charger is integrated into the center console.
Chevrolet Camaro
Muscle cars like the Chevrolet Camaro are typically known for their power, but sometimes they have high-tech features too. Both the SS and LT models of the Chevrolet Camaro offer wireless charging in the Convenience and Lighting Package. The charger is located at the back of the center console.
Cadillac XT5
The Cadillac XT5 crossover SUV features a standard Powermat wireless charger next to the center armrest. It can charge a phone at a rate up to one amp. The vehicle’s touchscreen display features a charging icon, so you can check how much life your battery has.
Want to make your drive more convenient? A vehicle with built-in wireless charging, especially one of these 10 choices, can do that for you. If your car doesn’t have this feature or your phone doesn’t support it, you may also be able to purchase an after-market wireless car charger.
