Tesla is working on wireless charging for electric cars

Wireless charging has become a common element of the mobile industry, but has yet to penetrate the world of electric cars. That could change soon, as a Tesla spokesperson has hinted at an upcoming release of such an accessory for their cars.

Wireless charging has become a common element of the mobile industry, but has yet to penetrate the world of electric cars.

In an interview with Jay Leno’s Garage YouTube channel, Tesla’s chief designer Franz von Holzhausen confirmed that the company is working on an in-car wireless charger. According to him, the principle of operation of this accessory is virtually identical to the technology used in similar solutions for smartphones. The stations will function based on the Qi wireless charging standard, creating a magnetic field that generates an alternating current on the receiving coil and then pumps it into the battery.

The stations will be based on the Qi wireless charging standard, creating a magnetic field that generates an alternating current on the receiving coil and then pumps it into the battery.

“We’re working on inductive charging. You don’t even have to plug anything in. You just drive to a marker in your garage and the car starts charging,” the designer said.

Tesla began working on the wireless charging project after acquiring Wiferion, a startup that focused exclusively on the technology. Tesla showed off the first version of its “garage” charger in March of this year, but there’s no word yet on when a commercial version of the accessory will be available or its retail price.

Tesla’s wireless charging system is not yet available.