Nissan Brings Magnetic Phone Chargers to US Cars
â–Ľ Summary
– Nissan will be the first US automaker to introduce wireless chargers with a magnetic mount in its 2026 Murano and Pathfinder models.
– This magnetic feature, based on the Qi2 standard, ensures proper coil alignment for faster charging, even while driving.
– The Qi2 standard, which incorporates magnets for alignment, was popularized by Apple’s MagSafe and is now common in consumer electronics.
– Nissan’s in-car charger delivers up to 15W of power and includes a cooling fan to prevent phone overheating and improve efficiency.
– The charger has indicator LEDs that show orange during charging and green when a device is fully charged.
Nissan is set to become the first automaker in the United States to integrate magnetic wireless phone chargers into its vehicles, addressing a common frustration with mobile device charging on the go. While wireless charging pads are now a familiar sight in new cars, they often fail to keep a phone securely positioned, leading to interrupted power flow. By adopting the latest Qi2 standard, Nissan ensures that phones lock into place magnetically, maintaining optimal coil alignment for consistent charging even during bumpy rides.
This magnetic approach, popularized by Apple’s MagSafe technology and now widely used in standalone chargers, has been surprisingly absent from the automotive world. The newly finalized Qi2 specifications formally include guidelines for using magnets to achieve perfect alignment between a charger and a device. Although you can easily find magnetic chargers for home use, car shoppers have had to settle for traditional, non-magnetic pads that allow phones to slide out of position.
The system will debut in the 2026 Nissan Murano, with the 2026 Pathfinder following suit. Both models will house the Qi2-compatible charger in the center console, featuring a raised magnetic mount to hold devices firmly. While the charger delivers power at a maximum of 15 watts, not reaching the faster 25-watt potential of the newer Qi2.2 standard, Nissan has incorporated thoughtful engineering to enhance performance. An integrated cooling fan works to prevent phones from overheating, which can cause them to shut down charging for safety, thereby improving overall charging efficiency.
Visual indicators are also part of the design. LEDs positioned behind the charging surface provide clear status updates: they emit an orange glow while a device is actively charging and switch to a green light once the battery is full. This simple feature allows drivers to check their phone’s charging state with just a glance, adding a layer of convenience to the already improved functionality.
(Source: The Verge)
