German automaker Daimler has collaborated with mobile technologies company Qualcomm to work on connected car technologies.
Announcing the deal on Saturday, Daimler and Qualcomm said they were assessing the application of wireless technology to charge their electric vehicles (EV) and plug-in hybrid EVs without having to be plugged in.
As part of the deal, the duo plans to focus on high-speed in-car Internet connectivity via 3G/4G, in-car wireless charging for mobile devices and implementing Qualcomm’s technology for the charging of electric and hybrid vehicles without messy cables.
Qualcomm Halo WEVC technology claims to offer higher performance and high power charging solution for electric vehicles without requiring any plug in, while the company’s WiPower technology will make it possible to recharge electronic gadgets, including cell phones, wirelessly in the vehicles.
“It’s important that we remain on the cutting edge of technology and continue to deliver unparalleled experiences to our customers,” Daimler’s board member for research and development Thomas Weber, said.
“With this in mind, we are eager to jointly explore possible fields of future cooperation with an internationally leading tech firm like Qualcomm,” Weber said in a statement.
Derek Aberle, president of Qualcomm Incorporated, said “Our work with Daimler AG is a natural extension of the sponsorship we have with the MERCEDES AMG PETRONAS Formula One team as our work in motorsports cultivates the innovation and advancements seen in the auto space.”
“The automobile has become an extension of always-on connectivity, and as such, we’re continuously utilizing our expertise in wireless mobility to deliver in-car experiences comparable to the ease and convenience of smartphones.”
In related news, Daimler has teamed up with BMW and Volkswagen premium brand Audi, backed by private equity firm General Atlantic, to compete for Nokia’s mapping division HERE.
