Wireless charging technology is accelerating the way we live, from smartphones to electric vehicles, and the convenience of wireless charging has made it a key part of smart mobility. However, on-board wireless charging has long plagued users due to the problem of "charging misalignment". The latest Qi 2.1 dynamic technology provides a solution to this problem by improving charging efficiency and stability, increasing the wireless charging power of the car to 15W, bringing a new user experience.
Pain points and market demand of on-board wireless charging
1. Technical challenges of traditional in-vehicle wireless charging
During driving, bumps, turns and other actions often cause the mobile phone to shift on the charging pad, causing the receiver coil and transmitting coil to be misaligned, seriously affecting the charging efficiency or even interrupting the charging. In addition, the diversity of mobile phone models and the differences in user placement habits further increase the complexity of technical adaptation. Traditional in-vehicle wireless charging technology has limited performance in these aspects and cannot fully meet the needs of users.
2. Market calls and technical responses
To address the above pain points, the Wireless Power Consortium (WPC) released Qi 2.1 version of dynamic technology at CES 2025. The core of this technology, which is led by Panasonic Motors, is to lock the location of the mobile phone in real time through a movable coil to ensure the accuracy and stability of the wireless charging connection. This innovation not only responds to the market demand for efficient in-vehicle wireless charging, but also sets a new technical benchmark for the industry.
Figure: Qi 2.1 dynamic technology solves the problem of charging misalignment in on-board wireless charging
The core advantages and innovations of Qi 2.1 dynamic technology
1. Technical principles and dynamic adjustments
The key to Qi 2.1 dynamic technology is its active alignment power distribution (APP) mechanism. The charging pad has multiple independently movable coil units that automatically sense the phone's position and adjust it to the optimal charging alignment in real time. Whether it is the movement of the vehicle or the user's random placement of the mobile phone, the coil can quickly respond and optimize the charging path, completely solving the problem of "misplaced charging" in traditional technology.
2. Charging efficiency and stability have been comprehensively improved
With the help of dynamic technology, Qi 2.1 can achieve a maximum charging power of 15W, which is more than 25% higher than the previous generation standard. This improvement significantly reduces charging time and ensures high efficiency and stability. For users who need to drive long distances or charge for short periods of time, Qi 2.1 greatly improves the device's range while driving.
3. Full optimization of user experience
In the past, users had to carefully adjust the position of the phone on the charging pad to ensure smooth charging. With Qi 2.1, drivers can simply place their devices in the charging area to achieve efficient charging. This function not only reduces the complexity of operation, but also reduces the interference caused by repeated adjustments due to misalignment, clearing the way for the popularization of wireless charging in vehicles.
The layout of automakers and the market reaction
4. Toyota's strategic deployment
Toyota Motor Co., Ltd. is the first to announce that it will fully introduce Qi 2.1 dynamic technology to its main models in 2026. As a leader in the automotive industry, Toyota's move is intended to further enhance the user experience and strengthen its market position through technological innovation. It is expected that Toyota's hybrid and pure electric models will be the first to be equipped with this technology, covering the mid-to-high-end market demand.
Toyota's technology introduction has provided a good demonstration for the industry, and has also invisibly promoted the application scope and market attention of in-vehicle wireless charging technology. With the implementation of Toyota's plan, the technology of other manufacturers will be further accelerated.
5. Potential partnership prospects for Tesla
Although Tesla has not officially announced the adoption of Qi 2.1 technology, according to WPC, Tesla is evaluating the suitability of the technology for its models. As a pioneer in the electric vehicle industry, Tesla's technology choice is a bellwether for the development of the industry. Once Qi 2.1 is introduced, its brand influence will further drive the adoption of this technology.
At the same time, Tesla's addition may accelerate the standardization process of in-vehicle wireless charging technology. At present, the Qi standard has become the mainstream of the industry, but there is still room for optimization in compatibility and application details between different brands. Tesla's technology investment may lead to more technical exchanges and cooperation between the industry, and promote the further unification of standards.
Market potential and future development trends
1. Growth potential of the market size
According to the forecast of market research institutions, the on-board wireless charging market will steadily expand at an average annual compound growth rate of more than 15% in the next five years. With the popularization of new energy vehicles and the increasing demand of consumers for convenient charging, the market size of on-board wireless charging equipment is expected to reach $30 billion by 2030.
The launch of Qi 2.1 dynamic technology will not only enhance market demand, but also promote the comprehensive upgrade of related supply chains and technical service ecosystems. In the future, this technology will not only be popularized in private vehicles, but will also be extended to operational scenarios such as car sharing and ride-hailing.
2. Technology evolution and intelligent trends
1. Higher power: Next-generation wireless charging technology will continue to raise the power cap, breaking through 20W or even 30W, providing users with a faster charging experience.
2. Intelligent application: Combined with artificial intelligence and Internet of Things technology, future in-vehicle wireless charging devices will be able to intelligently identify device types, adjust charging parameters, and deeply integrate with in-vehicle infotainment systems.
3. Extensive scenario: In addition to the inside of the vehicle, wireless charging facilities outside the vehicle (such as public parking lots) will also become the focus of future technology development.
Standardization and cooperation deepened
The standardization of on-board wireless charging technology is crucial to the development of the industry. The cooperation between WPC and a number of car companies will gradually promote the standardization of this technology on an international scale. At the same time, the cooperation between component suppliers and technology R&D companies will continue to deepen to jointly improve product compatibility and economy.
Summary
Qi 2.1 dynamic technology has injected new impetus into the automotive wireless charging market with its excellent alignment capabilities and efficient stability. Toyota's pioneering application strategy, as well as Tesla's potential follow-up, will further promote the popularization and maturity of this technology. With the participation of more manufacturers, the ecosystem of on-board wireless charging will usher in greater changes, and consumers will also enjoy a more convenient and efficient car experience. This technological breakthrough not only shows the future trend of wireless charging technology, but also provides important support for the development of intelligent and electrified vehicles.
