2013 Dodge Dart Offers In-Vehicle, Wireless Device Charging

As our lives become more reliant on mobile devices like cell phones and tablets, our lives have also become more reliant on wires to give our devices power. To make charging of said devices quicker and easier, Chrysler and Mopar will offer a relatively low-cost in-vehicle wireless charging system starting on the 2013 Dodge Dart. Available as a Mopar accessory, this innovative charging device will be a dealer-installed item only with a cost of $199 plus installation.

While wireless charging pads are nothing new, this will be the first application of a device offered by an automaker in a production vehicle. The charging mat fits conveniently in the storage compartment beneath the center stack, and Chrysler says it can recharge a number of electronic devices such as the iPhone, Blackberry or Android cell phones as well as some MP3 players. For it to work, the device is fitted into a specifically designed case that allows the battery to charge as soon as it is placed on the mat. This system will likely spread to most, if not all, other Chrysler, Dodge, Ram, Jeep and Fiat products in the very near future with the only limiting factor being the space to accommodate the mat.

“At Mopar, we look for every single opportunity to make our customers’ lives easier,” said Pietro Gorlier, President and CEO of Mopar. “Our industry-first in-vehicle wireless charging system is the perfect solution for those connected customers who are always on the go.”

The 2013 Dodge Dart will be on sale by this summer starting at $15,995, but we will have our first driving impressions of Dodge's all-new compact sedan in just a few weeks.