Mercedes will integrate a wireless-charging system developed by Qualcomm into the Mercedes-Benz S550e plug-in hybrid, in what it says is the first time it has been offered as a factory option. The wireless charger system, which was unveiled at this week’s Frankfurt Motor Show, allows drivers to charge their electric cars using an external power source such as solar panels or batteries.
Mercedes will integrate a wireless-charging system developed by Qualcomm into the Mercedes-Benz S550e plug-in hybrid, in what it says is the first time it has been offered as a factory option. To charge the car, it must be parked over a pad on the ground that contains a set of coils, which transfer the energy using a dense magnetic field, currently running at 3.6 kW. Mercedes is also working on an under-road system that will charge cars as they drive.