The Wireless Power Consortium (WPC) announced that leading Chinese automobile manufacturers Geely, Chery, Changan and Dongfeng exhibited cars featuring its universal wireless charging standard Qi. This is the first time that embedded Qi wireless chargers have been exhibited in concept vehicles, marking a key milestone for universal wireless charging technology.
As the world’s first low-power wireless charging standard, Qi brings simplicity, convenience and flexibility to consumers because it ensures interoperability between any Qi-enabled device and any Qi charger, regardless of brand or manufacturer.
"Integrating Qi into automobiles makes charging devices easy for consumers and eliminates cord clutter for drivers. We are delighted to see the automotive industry demonstrating Qi," said WPC Chairman Menno Treffers, "This is further evidence that manufacturers and consumers are demanding a universal standard for wireless charging."
Each manufacturer demonstrated a different application of Qi wireless charging technology in their respective concept cars. Charging stations were seen in center consoles, armrests and on the dashboards of the cars on display. Each charging station could be used to charge one device.
The wireless chargers were seamlessly blended into each car’s interior, complementing the overall aesthetic design. The auto makers also used a variety of materials beneath the charging surface including cloth, artificial leather and plastics.
Qi wireless chargers featured prominently in the following models: Geely EC-8, Chery Riich G6, Changan CX30 and Dongfeng’s electric concept cars. The manufacturers demonstrated wireless charging with both Philips Qi phones and an Apple iPhone 3 enabled by an Energizer Inductive Charging Sleeve. The embedded Qi charging technology was provided by Leggett & Platt.
