Car manufacturers at one point were behind the times when it came to implementing new technology, largely due to the high-price of R&D and cost scalability. Now, many manufacturers like General Motors have decided to lead by example by rolling out a barrage of new tech features like OnStar 4G LTE, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
Both features can be used with the vast majority of phones on the market (Apple & Android) and they serve to fill a gap customers want filled already – seamless cellphone integration. It was a safe bet that is bound to please many customers. But what about installing features that customers have yet to embrace, like wireless phone charging?
General Motors, Audi, Toyota, Lexus, and BMW have already rolled-out or will introduce vehicles with wireless charging pads and, as Automotive News reports, many industry experts see it as a gamble.
The problem lies in the fact that both cell companies and customers alike have yet to prioritize the feature. The biggest hurdle, however, is the fact no one charging station will work with all phones. As no charging standard has been adopted thus far, be it through the SAE or what have you.
Actually, it may come down to Apple, which has yet to introduce a phone with wireless charging (sorry, iPhone 6S and 6S Plus users). Samsung has designed the new Galaxy S6 to charge wirelessly using the Qi charging system, while Microsoft (which holds a fraction of smartphone market share) has also done the same with the Lumia.
Car companies are afraid that Apple will introduce a propriety standard, just like it did with its Lightning charge cable and Thunderbolt input/output display.
Plus, few phone companies offer wireless charging out of the package. However, there are third-party options in the form of wireless charging cases and sticky receivers that mount to the back of the phone.
Currently, the Chevrolet Tahoe and Suburban, GMC Yukon and Yukon XL, Cadillac Escalade, 2016 Cadillac CTS line, 2016 Cadillac ELR and the Cadillac ATS line are all endowed with a wireless charge tray mounted in the center console, while a slew of other 2016 model year GM products will also feature the magic tray. The question is: is it worth it?
We’ll have to wait and see what Apple does with wireless charging and how manufacturers react before we can make that assessment.
Comments
The Nexus 5 from 2 years ago had it, the new Nexus 5x and 6p announced today do not. Step backwards? Or, the problem with wireless charging is that it takes a lot longer, especially now that any high end Android phone has rapid charging (80% in 15 minutes) with a proper charger. And, wireless charging takes up a fair bit of space within the phones guts for only being one selling feature that is seldom used (requires aftermarket pads/stands which incurs more cost to the consumer). You either add ‘unnecessary’ thickness to the phone, or you sacrifice space, which in could’ve otherwise been used for a slightly larger battery and that could be more beneficial to a lot more people. And inductive charging gets warm, slightly ruining the battery longevity
Motorola phones use Qi wireless charging
Too soon? From GM?
That’d be a first.
One word: Aztek. Way ahead of it’s time.
GM is first for a lot. Buick was the first to have a touch screen in the dash (mid-80’s Riviera)
Buick Encore and Verano for sub-compact entry luxury, now many other auto-makers following suit.
Magentic fluid dampening suspension
EV-1 was first mass produced electric vehicle.
GM invented airbags, and the automatic transmission. OnStar is a huge one.
EREV vehicles that Fisker was quick to jump on.
Their current V8 lineup, when Ford is pushing turbo’d V6s, GM has matched power and efficiency with the reliability and simplicity of a V8. 460HP Corvette hits 30mpg.
Heads up display in vehicles.
Holding true to offering a manual transmission in performance focused cars.
Multi-material architecture as seen in the ATS/CTS and especially in the CT6.
I wouldn’t be so quick to judge GM on the innovation front.
Sixteen circles of stupid.
1. Takes up badly needed space in cars.
2. Presumes phone user doesn’t have a case on their phone.
3. Adds an expense to the car purchase.
4. I have my iPhone mounted on the AC… nowhere near a likely charging spot. And thanks to USB already in car with small cable it charges all pretty like.
5. As article said, no standard.
and dare I say
6. It’s a fad
I’ve had wireless charging for 3 years. On both phones, a case didn’t stop the charging at all.
My two GM cars have wireless charging as a $30 add-on, using the “Qi” standard. The Samsung Galaxy S4 has a cover with the charge coil installed, so it is just replacing the back cover. But I found a kit that supplies the flat coil, which fits over the battery, and the regular cover fit over that. No “rocket science” needed, and no expensive iPhone, either! Apple is NOT the standard anymore!! Over 75% of the world’s drivers use other brands that are not Apple. They are the customers that GM should support.
The Galaxy S6 supports both QI and PowerMat wireless charging standards, and Samsung also offers a fast charging wireless base.
I see the inclusion as a tremendous benefit, especially once Android Auto allows for bluetooth connection. No cables in the cabin anywhere…
iPhone owners are going to call this a useless feature until Apple starts manufacturing phones with it. Then it will be revolutionary.
Your car’s life-span will most likely exceed that of your mobile phone. Even if your current phone doesn’t have a wireless chargin feature, the next one probably will (or the one thereafter…). So it probably makes sense and I think it is really convenient if you can charge your phone while driving in this hassle-free way. And even if the iPhone doesn’t have an integrated wireless charging functionality you can buy cases for it, which facilitate wireless charging (e.g. here: http://oreeartisans.com/products/oree-wireless-power-sleeve). Wireless chargin is also a nice complement to OnStar and in-carWifi. Thereforen yes please, GM, continue rolling it out in your vehicles.
So there is a replacement back cover for my new galaxy 6 that will allow me to charge Wireless in my 2016 GMC Denali XL, without having to add an adapter as that item is built into the new back cover. Ok, I’m ready to buy one. Where and how?
Thanks, Steve Buha /sbuha@tlgtrucks.com