Cadillac, the maker of luxury automobiles, is introducing cordless charging for itsselected car models. Cadillac is already making cars with in-built 4G LTE connection, and by adding this new feature, drivers can bring their smartphones on board, get 4G LTE connectivity and at the same time, recharge their devices when they run out of battery. Cadillac made the announcement recently, saying that the first of its models to have the wireless charging technology are the 2015 model ATS sport sedan and coupe, which are launching this fall. This will be followed by the CTS sport sedan and the Escalade SUV, both scheduled for release at the end of this year.
Cadillac said in a statement that the new feature is compatible with various in-phone wireless charging technologies, including Powermat, a leading provider of wireless charging solutions. Powermat's solution comes as a rubberized pad where the phone can be placed on and charged using an electromagnetic field.
Cadillac highlighted that its CUE system is the centerpiece of the ATS Coupe's in-vehicle technologies, and with its Bluetooth connectivity and new enhanced content such as Text-to-Voice feature, drivers can pair his or her phone to the vehicle and access the phone's applications as usual while being completely hands-off and while the device recharges itself.
Cadillac also said that an increasing number of smartphones are expected to come with the wireless charging feature in the near term, either embedded or as an option.
"A recent survey from IHS revealed that 70 percent of consumers charge their mobile phone at least once per day, with 30 percent charging more than once. This is driving demand for charging access in multiple locations throughout the day, something wireless charging can address in a more convenient way than the consumer having to carry one or more wired chargers around with them on a daily basis.”
- Ryan Sanderson, associate director, Power Supply & Storage Components, IHS Technology
"With 4G LTE capability and now wireless charging, Cadillac is embedding conveniences that have quickly become essential customer needs."
- Ken Kornas, ATS global product manager
"Our lifestyles have evolved in a more mobile way than ever before and with that comes an even greater need for access to power in those places where we spend the majority of our time. Our integration into the Cadillac ATS is only the first step in the evolution of portable power in places that include your car, your coffee house and even your favorite sporting arena.”
- Ran Poliakine, CEO, Powermat
