In December, Tesla announced it Wireless Charging Platform powered by FreePower’s latest “anywhere” Qi system. Now, orders are being shipped to the first customers and we’ve tested the premium multi-device charger that delivers on Apple’s AirPower dream free position.
A little background. FreePower (now the product name and the company, formerly Aira) first launched its free-standing Qi wireless charging tech with the Nomad Base Station Pro in 2020.
That was a slick charger, but when Apple launched MagSafe for the iPhone 12 a few months later, it ended up interfering with FreePower Qi charging. FreePower released a firmware update almost immediately to improve wireless charging for iPhones with MagSafe, but customers still have a better experience with Android smartphones.
Fast forward to 2023, Tesla is FreePower’s launch partner for the second generation of its unique and improved free-standing Qi tech.
I had a chance to chat with FreePower CEO and founder Jake Slatnick and he shared that the second-gen system has solved previous issues with MagSafe iPhones.
He also mentioned the changes that all devices will benefit from FreePower gen 2 including coil improvements for greater efficiency and faster charging times, improved foreign object detection, intelligent delivery of power per device, and a more accurate power transfer field.
Ok, let’s jump into the review 😁.
Tesla Wireless Charger Review
Details
- Wireless power for up to three devices simultaneously
- Position devices anywhere thanks to FreePower gen 2 with 30 wireless coils (from 18 coils used in the 2020 Nomad Base Station Pro)
- Up to 15W for Android, 7.5W for iPhone
- Matte black aluminum frame inspired by the Tesla Cybertruck
- Soft Alcantara finish on the charging surface
- Weight: 981 grams (2.16 pounds) with base and 715 grams (1.58 pounds) without base
- Magnetic detachable base for elevated angle or low flat orientation
- USB-C cable included with wireless charger
- 65W USB-C power adapter (with Cybertruck design)
- Price: $300
Materials and construction
The frame of the charger is made from a heavy, solid aluminum and so is the detachable base. Using the Cybertruck aesthetic as inspiration, sharp angular lines in matte black offer a super clean and minimalist look and feel.
The integrated USB-C cord is a flat-style cable and Tesla didn’t opt for a boring power brick, it’s like a Hot-Wheels-sized Cybertruck plugged into your wall.
The magnetic base is easily detached and reattached to switch between the raised angle orientation and the flat. Both the larger base and the magnetic base have rubber feet to hold the charger.
For charging status, there’s a subtle LED indicator just below the Tesla logo in the center of the charger.
Here are all the signals that the LED can give:
- Start of Charge: 5 seconds illumination then dim
- Charging: Constant dim
- Device Removal: Device 1 – LED off, Multiple Devices – LED off then on again
- Power Supply Error: Blinking rapidly
- System Error: Rapid 3 bink burst
- Metal Object Detected: Slow pulsating blink
In use
I liked this charger. From the look and feel of the hardware to the FreePower gen 2 tech, it offers a truly amazing experience.
The adjustable design with a removable magnetic base is a smart and useful touch to make it more adaptable to different use cases such as offices, bedrooms, kitchens, etc. And the attention to detail is on point with features like super soft Alcantara that makes up the entire surface of the charger, cable management built into the magnetic base, and a thoughtful LED that won’t bother you when it’s on your room – but can still indicate status without having to look at your phone.
As far as FreePower’s claim of making it reliable for iPhones with MagSafe, I found that to be the case. Whenever I put my iPhone down, it registers quickly and starts charging right away.
Ok, for some finer details. I tested the charger variously with the iPhone 13 Pro, iPhone 14 Pro, and AirPods Pro gen 1 and 2 (but of course, it works with any Qi-capable device).
Just for fun, I tried stacking two sets of AirPods Pro between two phones in case it would charge all four devices. But it’s actually limited to three as Tesla/FreePower says.
You can fit two 6-inch smartphones and AirPods Pro on the pad. Because it has an angled surface, the bottom is a touch narrower than the top – so the usable surface is right about 7.75 inches wide.
Most 6-inch smartphones come in at the 2.8-inch wide mark and a 6.8-inch smartphone is right about 3.07 inches wide (without cases). That means it would be difficult to fit two large smartphones together in one earbuds case (the shortest part of the AirPods Pro is 1.75 inches).
But if you have a 6-inch and a 6.8-inch phone, an earbuds case should fit there too. Fun fact, three iPhone 12/13 minis should fit on this charger (even without cases).
Another convenient option is charging multiple pairs of earbuds with a smartphone.
As far as the iPhone’s max charging of 7.5W and 15W for Android devices (when many of those can charge more than that), it didn’t really feel like a sacrifice. If I’m in a hurry and need to charge as fast as possible, it’s best to get a wired cable with a fast-charging brick. But honestly, I can’t remember a time when I was in a pinch like this (and if I was I’d probably grab a portable battery or charge in the car).
For me, the convenience of being able to plop a device on without having to think about placement is worth the trade-off of wireless charging speeds.
Constructive thoughts
I have some constructive ideas. First, if the Tesla Wireless Charger is about an inch wider, it will be more flexible for households with more than one large smartphone (6.8-inch or larger).
Second, a removable cable is important. I know the integrated USB-C cord helps with the clean and minimal design. But it would be a tough pill to swallow to buy this premium charger and break the cord. Especially if you have pets, make sure you keep the cable out of reach.
Tesla Wireless Charger wrap-up
All-in-all, I think Tesla and FreePower have delivered what Apple dreamed of for AirPower with a superior design.
If free placement for multi-device wireless charging, a premium build, and a sleek design are important to you, the Tesla Wireless Charging Platform has you covered.
Advantages:
- All-metal frame and soft Alcantara design
- Unique and minimalist aesthetic
- The FreePower gen 2 worked consistently and was really “anywhere” in my testing
- Versatile setup with removable base
Cons:
- Non-removable USB-C cable
- Less convenient multi-device charging for households with several large smartphones
- Premium price
I give the Tesla Wireless Charger a 4.5/5 rating. I think overall, it is successful in delivering a high-end design and premium experience.
You can take it direct from the company for a cool $300. And for those who pre-ordered, they should start arriving as soon as today.
FTC: We use auto affiliate links that generate income. More.
