Automotive

New Toyota Avalon offers wireless smartphone charging

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The wireless charger makes it easy to charge and go
2013 Toyota Avalon
2013 Toyota Avalon
2013 Toyota Avalon
The Qi charger is integrated into the Ebin in the center console
2013 Toyota Avalon
The Qi charger is integrated into the Ebin in the center console
The wireless charger makes it easy to charge and go
View gallery - 7 images

New vehicle models have been incorporating smartphones into their design, primarily for powering cloud-based services like navigation and Internet radio. The new Toyota Avalon offers a different type of smartphone integration: Toyota says its the first car in the world with an in-console Qi wireless charging unit.

The Technology Package, available on the 2013 Avalon Limited model, offers the Qi wireless pad in addition to other equipment, including radar-based cruise control and automatic high beams. The Qi pad is integrated into the Ebin lid in the center console, allowing users to drop and charge a Qi-enabled device. According to Toyota's press release, Qi hardware is offered on 34 phone models, including the LG Google Nexus 4 and HTC Windows Phone 8X.

The new Avalon, which was restyled for the 2013 model year, arrived at dealerships this month. It is available with a 3.5-liter V6 engine or 2.5-liter four-cylinder with Hybrid Synergy Drive. The latter delivers 40 mpg (5.9 L/100km) combined.

Source: Toyota

View gallery - 7 images
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