Nearly 4 years to the day after Apple killed its beleaguered AirPower charging mat with out each releasing it, Tesla has launched its personal very related multi-device charging station. And it really works.
Merely dubbed Wi-fi Charging Platform, the Tesla charging mat can cost three Qi-certified units on the similar time, together with iPhones and AirPods circumstances however not Apple Watches. And as with AirPower, what makes the Wi-fi Charging Platform particular is that you may place the units wherever with out worrying whether or not they’re correctly lined up.
The design of the charger is decidedly Tesla, with an industrial matte black body, sharp edges and angles, and a floor wearing Alcantara material. It’s adorned with a small black Tesla brand on the entrance however in any other case gained’t draw a lot consideration to itself. Inside, the design is similar to AirPower, with 30 charging coils overlapping one another to fill your complete floor. But it surely’s nearer to a unique product: it seems to be primarily the Nomad Base Station Professional in a unique shell.
Based on Engadget’s Cherlynn Low, who reviewed one of many units, charging speeds are “similar to MagSafe and different Qi units that assist 15W charges.” The positioning reported that there was “a slight delay of some seconds” after dropping a cellphone on the charging floor and telephones “felt hotter than normal” after leaving them on the charger for an hour.
That final level is essential as a result of stories recommend the principle challenge that led to AirPower’s demise was overheating. Low says the warmth “wasn’t sufficient to alarm or burn” her, however it’s positively value noting for anybody who plans on spending $300 on one. Apple by no means introduced a worth for AirPower, however for the reason that MagSafe Duo prices $129, we assume AirPower would have been at the least $249 at launch.
In case you’re keen on shopping for one in every of Tesla’s Wi-fi Charging Platforms, you need to in all probability act quick. Like Apple, Tesla has a robust fanbase and its merchandise usually promote out pretty rapidly. You may order one now on Tesla.com with free delivery.