We've eagerly followed the evolution of the wireless charging technology for mobile devices here at Gizmag, from its very early incarnations right through to the very latest developments. Even though you can't really argue with the potential usefulness of such technology, they've almost universally been restricted to home or office use and not where most of our device batteries actually let us down - out on the road. Chrysler's Mopar Division has developed a wireless charging system that sits in the central console of a car, which juices up the battery of any mobile device placed on the mat. The technology is to make its debut in the forthcoming 2013 Dodge Dart.
The new in-vehicle wireless charging system from Mopar - a simple contraction of the words MOtor and PARts - takes the shape of an 8.27 x 9.5 x 3.25 inch (210 x 241.3 x 82.5 mm) power bin towards the bottom of the vehicle's central console. The built-in charging grid activates when a battery-powered mobile device - such as an iPhone, Blackberry, MP3 player or Droid-based device - that's been wrapped in a specially-designed case is detected. The case comes supplied with the system and is said to be compatible with a variety of devices. Charging begins when the vehicle is started.
Mopar was also the first to make it possible for a driver to create in-vehicle wireless hot spots, and the first to introduce smartphone vehicle information apps.
The Mopar in-vehicle wireless charging technology is being made available for US$199.99 (not including the cost of installation) and will make its debut in the 2013 Dodge Dart that's set to hit dealerships during Q2 2012.
A brief overview of the system is given in the following video from Chrysler's YouTube channel:
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