Tesla today announced the launch of the Tesla Wireless Charging Platform, a $300 wireless charger that can charge up to three Qi devices simultaneously.
The concept is similar to the AirPower that Apple wanted to produce, as the three devices can be placed anywhere on the Tesla charging mat and receive up to 15W of power each.
Tesla says the charging mat’s angular design was inspired by the look of the Cybertruck, and it features an aluminum body with an Alcantara finish and a detachable magnetic stand that can be used to charge flat or at an angle.
Inspired by Cybertruck’s angular design and metallic style, our Wireless Charging Platform offers 15W fast charging power per device for up to three devices simultaneously. Its sleek design consists of an aluminum body, a premium Alcantara finish, and a detachable magnetic stand that allows you to lay the charger flat or at an angle for better viewing. Featuring FreePower(R) technology that charges your Qi-enabled devices such as phones or earbuds placed anywhere on the surface without precise alignment.
Apple announced the AirPower in September 2017, a multi-device charger that can charge iPhone, Apple Watch, and AirPods simultaneously. Apple wanted users to be able to place their devices anywhere on the “AirPower” to charge, but the required overlapping wireless coils were problematic as Apple saw thermal management issues and interference preventing the product from being functional. Although the “AirPower” was set to launch in 2018, it never materialized, and Apple confirmed its cancellation in 2019.
Tesla’s charging mat uses FreePower, a technology from Aira that has been used in other wireless charging platforms like Nomad’s Base Station Pro. Nomad’s Base Station Pro also supported charging from anywhere on the charging platform, but it proved problematic as it didn’t work well with the iPhone 12 and later due to a firmware issue.
While Tesla’s concept is similar to what Apple was trying to achieve with “AirPower,” it’s limited to Qi-based devices like the “iPhone” and AirPods, and won’t charge the Apple Watch.
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