DENSO has developed the world’s first integrated, in-vehicle wireless mobile phone charger, in collaboration with Philips & Lite-On Digital Solutions (PLDS). The new wireless phone charger will make its world debut in North America on the 2013 Toyota Avalon as part of a special technology package.

Hiroyuki Wakabayashi, Executive Director responsible for DENSO’s Information & Safety Systems Business Group said, “As smartphones become more widely-used in vehicle connectivity, this new product provides a convenient charging solution that does not need of cords and connections.”

The charger is designed to meet the global Qi standard, which was established to ensure compatibility between phones and other electronics and chargers. Many future smartphones that will launch in 2013 and beyond will integrate a Qi-compatible chip to allow wireless charging without an added sleeve.

The 2013 Toyota Avalon Limited will be the first vehicle available in the world that offers in-console Qi wireless charging for Qi–enabled mobile phones and devices as part of a technology package. The Avalon’s wireless charging pad is integrated into the ebin® lid situated in vehicle’s centre console. The system can be enabled by a switch beneath the lid, and charging is as simple as placing the phone upon the lid’s high-friction surface.