Although wireless charging in cars has been around for quite some time, the implementation is still not even close to perfect. Overheated pads, handleless charging modules, and slow speeds make the feature feel annoying in everyday use.
However, Japanese automaker Nissan promises to change this by introducing Qi2 wireless charging technology (in select vehicles).
Qi2 wireless charging finally makes charging phones in the car reliable
In its latest press release, Nissan claims to have solved the long-standing problem by becoming the “first automaker in the U.S. to offer Qi2 wireless charging” for production vehicles. The feature will be available for the 2026 Pathfinder (expected in early 2026) and the 2026 Murano.
The Qi2 standard, established by the Wireless Power Consortium, is based on Qi wireless technology by leveraging a circular magnetic profile (both on compatible chargers and devices) and improved power consumption, enabling efficient, fast wireless charging.
In practice, Qi2 wireless charging is likely to help Nissan car owners in three ways. Firstly, it helps place the smartphone in the right place on the charger and keep it in place while driving (thanks to the built-in magnet arrangement).
This eliminates the need for the hassle of adjusting the phone on the charging pad. Secondly, Qi2 chargers deliver up to 15W of power, a significant increase compared to the standard wireless charging pads which offer around 5W. This should charge your Qi2 compatible phone quickly, making wireless charging in the car really useful.
Although Qi2 itself is likely to be more efficient than the outdated wireless chargers in cars, Nissan has also added a cooling fan to the charging module, which prevents your smartphone from overheating and ensures optimal charging speeds.
Faster charging, less heat and fewer cables to think about
The Qi2 standard, along with the fan, reduces the charging time of an iPhone 14 Pro from about 240 minutes to just over 90 minutes (that’s less than half the time it takes traditional wireless chargers).
In addition to the charging module, Nissan’s cars will also have an LED indicator that shows whether the phone is charging (solid orange light) and whether it is fully charged (solid green light).
So if you own a 2026 Murano or Pathfinder model and have a smartphone that supports Qi2 wireless charging – including the iPhone 12 or newer models, the Pixel 10 series, or the Galaxy S25 series with a magnetic case – you no longer have to worry about carrying charging cables.
Your smartphone stays powered even when Apple CarPlay or Android Auto is running for navigation, without the usual battery worries that force you to carry fast-charging cables.
I also expect other car manufacturers to adopt the technology and introduce it with the latest variants in 2026 as it represents a real quality of life improvement for car owners.
