The Tesla Wireless Charging Platform allows you to charge multiple devices all at once. The platform is made of high-quality materials and has a sleek, minimalist design.
Tesla is selling the charger for $300, but why does it cost that much and is it worth it? Before we look at the device, let’s have a quick look at the history of wireless chargers.
History of Wireless Chargers
The history of wireless charging platform can be traced back to the early 1800s, when Nikola Tesla first demonstrated the concept of wireless power transmission. Tesla’s work was largely ignored at the time, but it laid the foundation for the development of wireless charging technology in the 20th century.
In the 1990s, researchers at the University of Texas at Dallas developed a prototype wireless charging system that used magnetic resonance coupling. Magnetic resonance coupling is a method of transferring energy between two coils of wire that are not in direct contact with each other. The coils are arranged so that they create a magnetic field that resonates at the same frequency. This resonance causes the coils to exchange energy, which can then be used to power a device.
The first commercial wireless charging system was released in 2007 by Powermat Technologies. Wireless charging technology has continued to develop in recent years. In 2012, the Wireless Power Consortium (WPC) was formed to develop and promote a universal standard for wireless charging. The WPC’s standard, called Qi, is now supported by a wide range of devices and accessories.
Wireless charging is a convenient way to power devices. It is also a safe way to power devices, as there is no risk of electric shock. Wireless charging is expected to become increasingly popular in the years to come. However, it has its limitations as power efficiency is almost 40% lower than wired charging, so you end up spending more time charging and wasting more electricity.
Back in September 2017, Apple had announced AirPower, a wireless charging mat that was supposed to be able to charge multiple devices at once, but it was never released. Apple canceled AirPower in March 2019, citing “technical challenges” related to overheating problems.
Tesla Wireless Charging Platform: Is it worth it for $300?
Tesla’s wireless charging platform is based on the Qi wireless charging standard. It uses a total of 30 coils to create a magnetic field. It provides 15W of fast charging power per device for up to three devices including your smartphones simultaneously. When a Qi-compatible device is placed on the platform, the magnetic field induces a current in the device’s battery, which charges the battery.
What do you get in the box:
- Wireless Charging Platform
- USB-C cable integrated with wireless charger
- 65W USB-C power adapter
- Magnetic detachable stand
Its sleek design is composed of an aluminum housing, premium alcantara surface and a detachable magnetic stand that allows you to lay the charger flat or at an angle for better viewing. With total of 30 coils, the total cost of Tesla charger at $300 can be justified by the fact that you can get a wireless charger with one coil for around $10. However, you are only able to charge 3 devices simultaneously. You can buy three different high-end wireless chargers for a way cheaper price. Thanks to its multiple charging coils, Tesla wireless charging platform is able to charge a device anywhere on its surface without precise alignment. In our opinion, the ability to place your device anywhere on the platform is not worth the additional cost as you are still limited to three devices and you are not able to charge other types of devices (like your smartwatch) that are not Qi-compatible.
Source: Tesla
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