Tesla has recently announced that they have abandoned plans to bring wireless charging to the Cybertruck, as confirmed by the lead engineer of the project. The decision was made after determining that wireless charging did not make sense from an efficiency standpoint. However, there may be more to the story than meets the eye.
In 2023, Tesla teased a new wireless home charging station, which was expected to be the first wireless charging solution for the Cybertruck. The automaker never officially commented on the situation, but the image released during a presentation clearly showed a wireless charging station. Tesla had briefly acquired a startup specializing in wireless charging technology, further hinting at their intentions.
The Cybertruck was supposed to feature ‘Inductive Charger headers’ on its battery pack, indicating that Tesla planned to release a home wireless charger with an optional retrofit receiver for the Cybertruck. However, Wes Morrill, Tesla’s lead engineer for the Cybertruck, has now confirmed that the company has scrapped those plans.
Morrill explained that the Cybertruck’s height posed a challenge for wireless charging, as the gap between the ground transmitter and the on-car receiver would be too significant, reducing efficiency. He stated that a base station tall enough to accommodate the Cybertruck would be impractical. This decision comes as Porsche announced that their new electric Cayenne will offer an optional wireless charging system.
While the issue seems solvable, with the Cybertruck’s ground clearance allowing it to drive over a taller wireless ground pad, the efficiency of wireless charging at higher power levels remains a concern. The marginal benefit of not having to plug in a cable for a few seconds may not justify the loss in efficiency. Additionally, the Cybertruck’s lower-than-expected sales figures may have played a role in Tesla’s decision to abandon wireless charging for the vehicle.
Overall, it appears that the challenges of implementing wireless charging for the Cybertruck outweigh the potential benefits. As Tesla navigates the evolving landscape of electric vehicles and charging technology, it remains to be seen if wireless charging will become a standard feature in future models.
