After years of speculation, Tesla appears to be approaching the launch of its much-anticipated wireless charging system.
Recently, patents for Tesla's version of the system surfaced on social media.
The patents were shared by a self-described independent patent researcher known as SETI Park on X (formerly Twitter). They reveal a design that includes a wall box connected to a ground pad on the floor. This system would wirelessly charge an electric vehicle using inductive coils in both the floor mat and the underside of the car.
While Tesla has not officially announced the wireless charging system, reports suggest it could be available for the Cybertruck and the upcoming autonomous robotaxi, which is expected to be unveiled on October 10, 2024.
Hints of wireless charging first surfaced in Cybertruck servicing manuals, where instructions for inductive charging components were found.
Tesla has been rumored to be working on wireless charging for several years.
The company even acquired Wiferion, a German startup specializing in wireless charging, in June 2023. Although Tesla sold Wiferion four months later, it retained some engineers to continue working on projects, including wireless charging.
Despite the rumors cooling down after the Wiferion sale, Tesla’s VP of Vehicle Engineering, Lars Moravy, confirmed in a December 2023 interview with Jay Leno that the company was still developing the technology.
"We're working on inductive charging. So you don't even need to plug something in. You just pull into your garage, drive over the pad, and you're charging," Moravy told Drive.
With patents now in the public eye, Tesla’s wireless charging system appears to be one step closer to reality.
