Smartphones heat up, slip, and discharge at lightning speed. In the automotive world, wireless charging has become a major issue, but it still suffers from numerous flaws. The Qi2 technology arrives as a potential saviour, promising to correct these shortcomings. Nissan positions itself as a pioneer by integrating this innovation into its American models, although European motorists will have to be patient before enjoying it.
The challenges of current wireless charging
The ability to charge one’s smartphone in the car has become an essential concern for modern drivers. Wireless technology, via induction, has established itself as the simplest and most practical method. Gone are the cables cluttering the cabin! However, this solution has its shortcomings. Indeed, it is often reserved for high-end phones, suffers from frustrating slowness, and tends to overheat, especially under the summer sun. Moreover, who hasn’t experienced the annoyance of a smartphone slipping at the slightest turn? The new Qi2 wireless chargers promise to put an end to these inconveniences.
Nissan, the pioneer of Qi2 technology in the United States
Currently, this technology is not yet available on the old continent. Nevertheless, Nissan boasts of being the first manufacturer to integrate it into its large SUVs, the Pathfinder and Murano, in the United States. It would therefore not be surprising to see the Japanese brand add this equipment to its European models in the near future… unless a competitor gets ahead. The benefits of this innovation are undeniable. Thanks to a raised magnetic ring, the smartphone is held in place, provided, of course, that it is equipped with a compatible magnetic case or a magnetic back, which is the case for the latest iPhones starting from model 12, as well as Google Pixel 10 and later.
This new Pathfinder is one of the first two Nissan models equipped with a Qi2 wireless charger in the United States. © Nissan
A magnetisation that changes the game
This magnetic innovation also improves charging efficiency. “Precise alignment is essential for wireless charging,” emphasizes Matt Zimmerman, Research and Development Manager at Nissan Technical Center North America (NTCNA). “A shift of just a few millimeters can lead to a significant drop in performance.” The magnetic puck ensures optimal positioning of the phone, thus guaranteeing effective charging, even with the large cameras of modern smartphones. This positioning challenge is also an issue for manufacturers looking to integrate wireless charging into electric or plug-in hybrid vehicles, like Porsche with its new Cayenne.
Nissan’s Qi2 charger integrates a magnetic ring to securely hold the smartphone in place and optimize its charging. © Nissan
New features for fast charging
In addition to a light indicator showing the charger’s operation, Nissan’s Qi2 system includes a fan to prevent the smartphone from overheating. This type of active cooling is not new; it can be found, for example, on the Xpeng G6. However, it remains rare and could prevent a temporary interruption of charging or a drop in efficiency. The Japanese brand also promises a “faster, more consistent, and more reliable charging” than before.
Previous designs frequently adjusted the delivered power, especially when the charger became too hot,” explains Matt Zimmerman.
“With this new version, these variations are largely reduced. Users arrive at their destination with a higher charge level than was previously possible.” The battery of an iPhone 14 Pro would thus take only 90 minutes to go from 10 to 90%, compared to 4 hours with older Japanese models. However, the announced power of 15 watts is similar to that of some competitors like Tesla, and remains far from the 50 watts claimed by the Xpeng G6 without resorting to this technology.
A wait for Europe: when will the Qi2 standard be available?
It remains to be determined when a Qi2 wireless charger will be available in Europe, which manufacturers will adopt it, and on which models. Currently, no brand has yet positioned itself to be the first to offer this technology on the Old Continent. In the meantime, it is already possible to purchase Qi2 wireless chargers online. Although less integrated and user-friendly than those offered by Nissan, these chargers are generally affordable and compatible with most vehicles on the market. Before making your choice, however, check that your smartphone is compatible with the Qi or Qi2 standard; otherwise, you will need to explore other existing charging solutions.
There are already several wireless chargers for cars equipped with the Qi2 standard, like this Baseus VC1 Pro. © Baseus
