Charge your phone wirelessly in your car

BBC News reported today that Toyota plans to introduce the system for mobile devices in 2013 in its new Avalon sedan, using a charging standard known as Qi (pronounced "chee"). The wireless charging option will be a part of Toyota's $1,950 (£1,200) "technology package", said to be available from next spring.

To charge a device, a driver will simply have to place it on the mat, though the handset has to have a Qi protocol integrated in it. Qi works via magnetic induction that involves transmitting energy over a magnetic field.

Currently, Qi wireless charging is supported by 34 mobile phone models, including the LG Google Nexus 4, Nokia Lumia 920 and HTC Windows Phone 8X.

There are also add-on systems for other smartphones.

"Pioneering the ability to charge with no wires or connectors by simply putting devices in the car console is an intuitive innovation which reflects Toyota's continuing commitment to improve the consumer experience," said Randy Stephens, chief engineer of Toyota Avalon, in a statement.

Unfortunately, you may just have to keep plugging your phone in to charge it until the Qi becomes widely available!

It is important to remember though that cold weather and difficult driving conditions can affect your car’s battery. It is a good idea to keep an emergency charger such as the Universal Emergency Barrel Charger in the car for emergencies. Simply connect your phone and talk whilst charging. It includes a range of tips for use with most handsets, including Micro USB and powers up your phone so that it has up to 2.5 hours of talk time, all from one AA battery.  Keep a couple of spare AA batteries in your glove box and you will never be caught without battery again! It charges your phone for without running the risk of draining your car battery- great for avoiding that mile-long trek in the rain to the emergency phone when you break down just as your phone runs out of battery power!