Tesla owners have been vocal about their dissatisfaction with the wireless phone charger in the Model Y and other vehicles. Many have complained that the charger often overheats smartphones instead of efficiently charging them. Software engineer and Model Y owner Michał Gapiński took matters into his own hands by performing a DIY upgrade to address this issue.
Gapiński decided to replace the standard wireless charger pad in his vehicle with the cooled wireless charger pad from the China-made Model YL. The Model YL’s wireless charger pad features active cooling with a small fan, which helps maintain lower temperatures during charging compared to the U.S.-built Model Y’s charger pad that relies on basic heat dissipation.
Despite the differences in design, Gapiński was able to successfully swap the pads, confirming a perfect connector fit and addressing any trim differences. He then enabled the new pad through custom coding, outside of the official Toolbox. The installation was effective, with the fan operating quietly and the wireless charger pad keeping his phone at a cool 86 degrees Fahrenheit, a stark contrast to the overheating issues reported by many U.S. Model Y owners.
This retrofit serves as a testament to owner-driven innovation and provides a solution to a common issue faced by Tesla owners. It is hoped that Tesla will begin installing the cooled charging pads in new vehicles in the U.S. soon, and perhaps offer a retrofit service or kit for existing owners who want to upgrade their charging pads.
For those who enjoy tinkering with their vehicles, this upgrade showcases the possibilities beyond the production line. It demonstrates that with a bit of creativity and technical know-how, owners can enhance their driving experience and address shortcomings in factory-installed components.
Overall, Gapiński’s DIY upgrade serves as a reminder that innovation thrives in the hands of enthusiasts and highlights the potential for personalized enhancements in the world of electric vehicles. It shows that with a willingness to experiment and innovate, owners can tailor their vehicles to better suit their needs and preferences.