Skip advert
Advertisement

Mercedes, Qualcomm to collaborate on connectivity, wireless charging

Mercedes will work with the American technology giant and F1 team sponsor on future technological projects

Daimler AG and Qualcomm Technologies chose the backdrop of Monte Carlo on Grand Prix weekend to announce a new technology partnership.

Already linked through sponsorship of the Mercedes AMG Petronas Formula One team, the two firms will collaborate on the future of in-car mobile technologies and, more excitingly, wireless charging for the next wave of electric vehicles – successors to cars like the AMG SLS Electric Drive and B-class Electric Drive.

Advertisement - Article continues below

Qualcomm has been developing wireless electric car charging for several years now, but the collaboration with Daimler suggests both firms are finding further ways to streamline the electric vehicle ownership experience.

Qualcomm’s Halo charging technology would allow electric car owners to charge their vehicles without having to physically plug in the car.

Prof. Dr. Thomas Weber, head of research and development at Mercedes-Benz, explains that Mercedes must remain ‘on the cutting edge of technology’ to deliver unparalleled experiences to its customers. He adds that Mercedes is eager to explore possible fields of future cooperation with Qualcomm.

Standing next to an example of Mercedes’ latest Grand Prix car, Qualcomm Incorporated president Derek Aberle said, ‘As we started getting involved with the Formula One team, it’s been really remarkable to see the amount of technology that goes into these vehicles, and also the amount of work that goes into making the cars go faster.

‘We’ve got a big opportunity to work very closely with the F1 team and with Daimler to bring new technologies to the road vehicles too.’

Wireless technologies within vehicles will be the first stage – including wireless charging of smartphones to eliminate the need for plugging in your phone before every journey – before further developments with visual displays and safety technology.

The technology will help the F1 team itself, too – Qualcomm and Mercedes are already working on faster communication of the data between the car, its driver and engineers in the pitlane.

Skip advert
Advertisement

Recommended

Cupra Born 2025 review – ID.3’s Spanish cousin doesn’t un-dull MEB
Cupra Born UK – front cornering
In-depth reviews

Cupra Born 2025 review – ID.3’s Spanish cousin doesn’t un-dull MEB

It looks nicer inside and out and drives a bit better but the Cupra Born doesn’t betray its yawn-worthy MEB underpinning
29 Apr 2025
Ferrari Elettrica confirmed for October reveal
Ferrari EV spies
News

Ferrari Elettrica confirmed for October reveal

Ferrari will reveal its first all-electric car in October 2025 and it will be called: Elettrica
22 Apr 2025
The £135,000 Renault 5 Turbo 3E is the most expensive hot hatch ever
Renault 5 Turbo 3E – front
News

The £135,000 Renault 5 Turbo 3E is the most expensive hot hatch ever

At £135k R5 Turbo 3E had better be a supercar slayer, given it costs the same as a used McLaren 720S or Ferrari 488 GTB
22 Apr 2025
Hyundai Ioniq 6 N teased – wider, winged EV saloon will be N division’s M3
Hyundai Ioniq 6 N teased
Spy shots

Hyundai Ioniq 6 N teased – wider, winged EV saloon will be N division’s M3

The hot Ioniq 6 N saloon will soon join the excellent Ioniq 5 N in Hyundai’s all-electric performance car rebirth, setting a target for the forthcomin…
3 Apr 2025
Skip advert
Advertisement

Most Popular

Used Volkswagen Golf R (Mk7, 2014-2020) review – the original hyper hatch now cheaper than any new car on sale today
Volkswagen Golf R (Mk7) front
In-depth reviews

Used Volkswagen Golf R (Mk7, 2014-2020) review – the original hyper hatch now cheaper than any new car on sale today

We were always huge fans of the Mk7 VW Golf R. That its successor has never quite lived up to its high standards has only underlined how good it was
1 May 2025
Alfa Romeo 33 Stradale 2025 review – a rare Italian jewel beyond compare
Alfa Romeo 33 Stradale front
Reviews

Alfa Romeo 33 Stradale 2025 review – a rare Italian jewel beyond compare

What’s Alfa Romeo’s near-£2m hand-built supercar like to drive? We find out, on the Balocco test track
29 Apr 2025
Ford Focus ST (Mk3) – the car world's greatest misses
Ford Focus ST Mk3
Features

Ford Focus ST (Mk3) – the car world's greatest misses

We’d hoped the 2015 Focus ST would share a good dose of its little brother’s magic. Sadly, it didn’t
28 Apr 2025