Qi is a standard for inductive wireless charging developed and maintained by the Wireless Power Consortium (WPC). WPC published the Qi low power specification in August 2009, 18 months after the first meeting; the first product was certified in September 2009. Initially wireless charging of mobile phones required a sleeve. The first mobile phones with integrated Qi receivers were announced at CTIA in March 2011 and by NTT-Docomo in May 2011.

With Qi, devices can be charged just by placing them on, or near, any Qi-enabled surface. Any Qi-enabled device works with any Qi charger, regardless of brand or manufacturer.

Qi wireless charging is now integrated in 34 mobile phone models, including recent launches of the LG Google Nexus 4, Nokia Lumia 920, HTC Windows Phone 8X. Qi-certified products range from smartphones to charging pads, gaming controllers, Blu-ray Disc recorders, smartphone docking speakers, automobile phone chargers, alarm clocks and battery packs, to charging modules that can be installed in tabletops and furniture.

The Avalon’s wireless charging pad is integrated into the ebin lid situated in vehicle’s center console. The system can be enabled by a switch beneath the lid, and charging is as simple as placing the phone upon the lid’s high-friction surface.

The wireless cell phone charger is manufactured at the company’s Wireless Systems America facility, located in Vista, Calif.