Finally! The Volvo EX30 has addressed one of my main concerns with modern cars.
It turns out that allowing the phone to move and jump is not good.
As we move into 2024, wireless chargers for mobile phones have become common accessories accompanying smartphones, with nearly every recent flagship device offering cable-free charging capabilities. This functionality has gained popularity in vehicles as manufacturers seek to add a more premium touch to their designs; however, this implementation is often lacking. The Volvo EX30, on the other hand, has achieved excellent results in this aspect, which is worthy of celebration.
It is important to understand how wireless chargers work. A phone must be placed on a base that aligns the charging components between the devices precisely. If a direct connection is not established, the device does not receive power. This situation is already a challenge for many wireless charger users and becomes even more complicated if the base is not the right size for the phone, although this latter issue rarely occurs.
The introduction of ‘Qi 2’ wireless charging (pronounced 'Chi two') brought the use of magnets to solve the alignment problem, which had already been seen in Apple's MagSafe system. Despite this, so far, only iPhones since the 12 model and the HMD Skyline, an Android phone launched in 2024, have adopted this standard.
When implementing this technology in a car, new challenges arise. The environment inside the car moves at different speeds and directions. The location of the charger, depending on the interior design, can also be problematic. If the charger is inclined in the center console, the phone may end up falling to the floor during a sharp turn or sudden acceleration. Even driving carefully, the phone might lose contact with the charger.
Unfortunately, I have witnessed several failed attempts to solve these positioning problems. A notable example was in the Audi E-Tron GT, where the charger was placed in the center armrest, causing alarming overheating of my phone when in that position.
In contrast, Volvo has managed to create a wireless charging system in the EX30 that works perfectly and has done so simply. This model features two wireless chargers, one for each front seat, positioned just below the information system and the center console. While other brands, like Tesla, have used similar locations, the EX30's design is notably more effective.
In the Volvo EX30, phones are held securely and at an angled position thanks to a rubber grip that holds the device against the charger’s surface, almost like a seatbelt. There is no need to activate any mechanism; simply place the phone, and it stays in place, avoiding overheating issues.
This intuitive design effectively addresses a tangible problem with a pragmatic solution. However, the big question remains why the Qi 2 standard has not yet been widely adopted, especially in the Android segment. Chargers are still scarce, and most cars do not offer compatibility with this new standard.
Moreover, Qi 2 allows for faster charging, with a base capacity of 15W compared to the 5W of most Qi 1 chargers. Although this capacity is still lower than USB-C wired fast charging, which can take a phone from 0 to 50% in 30 minutes, implementing better connectivity is essential.
An integrated solution with mounts that include a USB-C connector may be the way forward. This way, there will be no confusion about where to place the phone, and it will prevent it from moving during the journey.
Volvo's solution in the EX30 seems to be a step toward a more functional approach to car-phone connectivity, especially with its intuitive operating system that enhances the Android Auto experience in its automotive version. The expectation is that Volvo will continue to innovate in its future models, as they have demonstrated one of the best interior designs in the current market.