2013 Toyota Avalon becomes first car to offer wireless phone charging

Toyota North America has announced the 2013 Toyota Avalon Limited will be the first vehicle in the world to be available with in-car wireless phone charging capability.

The Toyota Avalon’s in-console Qi wireless charging system, available for Qiâ€"enabled mobile phones and devices, is located on a charging pad integrated into the car’s ‘ebin’ (electronic bin) sliding lid.

With Qi being a global standard for wireless power and charging, any Qi-enabled device can be charged on the pad simply by resting on it, regardless of the device’s brand or manufacturer. The charging pad can also be switched on and off by a switch found inside the ebin.

Toyota says that while many new mobile phones feature built-in Qi wireless charging capabilities, those that aren’t are often able to become compatible with a simple aftermarket case or backing.

The 2013 Toyota Avalon hit US showrooms at the beginning of December. The Avalon is not sold in Australia, with the locally made Toyota Aurion filling its role in the local range.