Mopar has always targeted the parts and accessories market for Chrysler models. Their newest branch of power pack transcends the usual horsepower to charging power, with a new charging mat for mobile devices. The Mopar edition of the 2013 Dodge Dart introduced wireless charging this year, and will be continued in 2014 in the most popular cars and trucks.
So how does it work? Mobile phones are fitted with a special case using small pins on the back, that make contact with the elements on a special charging pack – no more wires. This kit costs $20.
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According to Chrysler, one of the biggest draws to this type of contact mat arrangement is that you can charge more than one device at a time. When charging only a single device, it does so at the same rate as if being directly plugged into a conventional charger. However, charging more than one device does slow the charge rate. Mopar also offers a home pad with similar functions. Why wouldn’t this be a major selling point for a vehicle, especially if the home pad came free with a car purchase. Even though it would be a very small savings, there would most likely be some drop in the usual electric bill!
This technology is somewhat simple in nature and therefore quite expandable. Chrysler is working on additional styles that could power larger electronic devices, such as laptops, that would be an accessory to their line of work trucks. Even though consumers have seen a similar technology in relation to Wii chargers, for example, the idea of having it be mobile is very appealing, especially when adapted to more frequently used devices. With respect to the idea of enhancing the work truck offer, perhaps one day the technology could spread as far as charging things like cordless drills or, on the home side of things, larger electronics or even virtually anything that would need to be plugged in but is not used very often!
