Back in December, Tesla announced its wireless charging platform It features FreePower’s latest ‘put anywhere’ Qi system. Orders have now been shipped to the first customers, allowing us to test the premium multi-device charger that fulfills Apple’s free-position AirPower dream.
A little background. FreePower (current product and company name, the former was his Aira) first launched free-position Qi wireless charging technology in 2020 with the Nomad Base Station Pro.
It was a clever charger, but when Apple launched the MagSafe for the iPhone 12 just two months later, it interfered with FreePower Qi charging. FreePower released a firmware update almost immediately that improved wireless charging for his MagSafe-equipped iPhones, while allowing customers to get a better experience with his Android smartphones.
Heading into 2023, Tesla is the launch partner for FreePower’s second-generation proprietary and improved free-position Qi technology.
I had the chance to speak with Jake Slatnick, CEO and founder of FreePower, and he shared that the 2nd generation system solved previous problems with the MagSafe iPhone.
He also mentioned the change that all devices will benefit from FreePower gen 2. This includes coil enhancements for higher efficiency and faster charging times, improved foreign object detection, intelligent per-device power delivery, and more accurate power transfer fields.
Now let’s get into the review 😁.
Tesla Wireless Charger Reviews
specification
- Wireless power up to 3 devices simultaneously
- FreePower gen 2 with 30 wireless coils lets you place your device anywhere (up from 18 coils used in the 2020 Nomad Base Station Pro).
- Up to 15W for Android, 7.5W for iPhone
- Matte black aluminum frame inspired by the Tesla Cybertruck
- Soft alcantara finish on charging surface
- Weight: 981 grams (2.16 lbs) with base, 715 grams (1.58 lbs) without base
- Magnetic removable base for elevated angles or low flat orientation
- Wireless charger and integrated USB-C cable
- 65W USB-C Power Adapter (Cybertruck Design)
- price: $300
materials and build
The charger’s frame is made of heavy-duty, sturdy aluminum, as is the removable base. Inspired by the Cybertruck aesthetic, the sharp, angular lines in matte black provide a very clean and minimal look and feel.
The integrated USB-C cord is a flat style cable and Tesla didn’t settle for boring power bricks. It’s like a Hot Wheels-sized Cybertruck plugged into the wall.
The magnetic base is easily removed and reattached to switch between raised angled orientation and flat orientation. Both the larger base and the magnetic base have rubber feet to grip the charger.
For charging status, there’s a subtle LED indicator in the middle of the charger just below the Tesla logo.
Here are all the signals an LED can provide:
- Start charging: Lights up for 5 seconds then dims
- Charging: constant dim
- Device removal: Device 1 – LED off, multiple devices – LEDs turn off then relight
- Power failure: fast blink
- System error: fast 3-bin burst
- Metal Object Detected: Slow Pulsating Blink
in use
I love this charger. From the look and feel of the hardware to the FreePower gen 2 technology, it offers a truly amazing experience.
The adjustable design with detachable magnetic base is a clever and convenient touch to make it more adaptable for different use cases such as office, bedroom and kitchen. The entire top surface of the charger, cable management built into the magnetic base, and thoughtful LEDs that are unobtrusive even if this is in your bedroom can indicate your phone’s status without even looking at it.
As far as FreePower’s claims of making it trustworthy on iPhones with MagSafe, I’ve found that to be the case. Every time you put your iPhone down, it immediately registers and starts charging immediately.
Ok, for some small details. I tested the charger with a mix of iPhone 13 Pro, iPhone 14 Pro, and AirPods Pro gen 1 and 2 (but of course this works with Qi-enabled devices).
Just to be sure, I tried stacking AirPods Pro 2 sets in the middle of two smartphones. Now he could charge all 4 devices. But as Tesla/FreePower says, he’s actually limited to three.
The pad fits two 6-inch smartphones and AirPods Pro. Because the surface is slanted, the bottom is slightly narrower than the top, so the usable surface width is about 7.75 inches.
Most 6 inch smartphones are 2.8 inches wide and 6.8 inch smartphones are about 3.07 inches wide (without case). That means it’s going to be difficult to fit two large phones and an earbud case (the shortest side of the AirPods Pro is 1.75 inches).
But if you have one 6-inch and one 6.8-inch smartphone, it should fit in your earbud case as well. Interestingly, three iPhone 12/13 minis can fit side by side in this charger (at least without a case).
Another convenient option is to charge multiple earbuds with one smartphone.
As far as iPhones max charging at 7.5W and Android devices at 15W (when many of them can charge beyond that), it didn’t really feel like a sacrifice. , if you need a quick charge, it’s best to reach for a wired cable with a fast-charge brick. Hmmm (and if I was in a pinch, I’d probably grab a portable battery or charge it in the car).
For me, the speed of wireless charging is worth the convenience of being able to drop your device anywhere.
constructive thoughts
I have some constructive ideas. First, an inch wider Tesla wireless charger would make it more flexible for households with multiple large smartphones (6.8 inches or larger).
Second, the detachable cable was worth it. We know the integrated USB-C cord lends itself to a clean, minimalist design. But what makes buying this premium charger a bad cord is a drug that’s hard to swallow.
Tesla Wireless Charger Summary
Overall, I think Tesla and FreePower have done what Apple dreamed of with AirPower, but with a higher-end design.
When flexible placement, premium builds and sleek design for multi-device wireless charging are important to you, the Tesla wireless charging platform has you covered.
Strong Points:
- All-metal frame and soft Alcantara design
- Unique minimalist aesthetic
- FreePower gen 2 works consistently and really “puts it anywhere” in my testing
- Versatile setup with detachable base
Cons:
- Non-detachable USB-C cable
- Multi-device charging is not convenient for households with multiple large smartphones
- premium price
We rate the Tesla Wireless Charger 4.5/5. Overall, I think we’ve succeeded in delivering a high-end design and premium experience.
you can pick it up Direct From The Company For A Cool $300And for those who have ordered before, it should arrive soon after today.
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