2013 Dodge Dart Will Offer Wireless Cell Phone Charging

2013-Dodge-Dart-interior-inductive-charging The 2013 Dodge Dart will have plenty of technology when it goes on sale later this year, but Dodge is adding another piece of futuristic kit to the new sedan: wireless device charging.

The system has two components: a mat (which is plugged into a power source and has a spooled induction coil, creating a low-power electromagnet) and one device case (which has a second induction coil and plugs into a mobile phone or other portable electronic device). Charging the device is as easy as sitting it on top of the mat, and eliminates any extraneous wires or adapters.

We’ve already seen inductive charging for the home courtesy of companies like PowerMat. We’ve also seen automakers take an interest in the technology: GM’s research wing invested in PowerMat in early 2011, and demonstrated prototype cars equipped with the charging system at the 2011 Consumer Electronics Show. Chrysler’s route is a bit different: this is a conductive charger, but it’s still one of the first wireless charging systems to be offered on a production automobile.

How much will Mopar’s wireless charging system add to your Dodge Dart purchase? Chrylser says the option will cost $199.99, but as it’s a dealer-installed accessory, installation costs are not included. That price tag not only gives buyers the inductive charging mat, but also a compatible device case that plugs into the device’s power port. Chrysler says that the system will “charge iPhone, Blackberry, MP3 Players and Droid-based devices,” and that supplier JVIS-USA will produce custom fit cases for nearly any current smartphone.

The 2013 Dodge Dart itself will be available in the second quarter of this year, starting at $15,995, plus destination.

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