Tesla Abandons Plans for Wireless Charging on Cybertruck

The Cybertruck has been hailed as a groundbreaking vehicle with cutting-edge features like steer-by-wire and Powershare. However, one feature that won’t be making its way to the Cybertruck is wireless EV charging. Despite initially launching with the necessary plugs for wireless charging, Tesla has decided to scrap this feature for the Cybertruck.

Lead engineer of the Cybertruck, Wes Morrill, confirmed that the technology was prototyped but ultimately canceled due to challenges related to physics and efficiency.

Wireless charging for something as high off the ground as the Cybertruck is impractical.

Reasons for the Cancellation

Wes explained that the high ground clearance of the Cybertruck posed a significant obstacle for wireless charging. The large distance between the charging pad on the ground and the vehicle’s body resulted in reduced efficiency. Inductive charging, the technology behind wireless power transfer, is highly sensitive to distances, with greater air gaps leading to energy loss and slower charging processes.

Wes bluntly stated that “wireless charging for something as high off the ground as the Cybertruck is impractical.” He suggested that a wireless base station tall enough to accommodate the truck’s height would be clumsy and impractical for home or public charging stations.

While the cancellation is disappointing, Tesla is still exploring wireless charging for the Cybercab, a purpose-built Robotaxi with a lower ride height that eliminates the air gap challenge without the need for complex solutions.

The Future of Wireless Charging

Despite the setback with the Cybertruck, Tesla’s wireless charging program is not dead. The focus has shifted to the Cybercab, where automated charging will play a crucial role in Tesla’s plans for an autonomous taxi service. Recent vehicle refreshes have excluded wireless plugs, indicating a shift towards commercial applications like the Cybercab.

For now, the future of wireless charging at Tesla is centered around the upcoming Robotaxi fleet and the Cybercab, showcasing the company’s commitment to innovation and advancement in the EV industry.