Car manufacturers have struggled for years to make wireless phone chargers actually work reliably. Phones slide off, overheat, or fail to charge at all. Nissan is claiming a breakthrough with a new Qi2 wireless charging system debuting in the 2026 Pathfinder and Murano, finally addressing the most modern problem of keeping phones charged in a moving vehicle.
The Problem with Wireless Charging
Existing in-car wireless chargers are often unreliable. Users report overheating, inconsistent charging, and the need to remove phone cases for a connection. The original Qi standard, introduced in 2015, provided only 5-15W of power, barely enough to keep up with modern smartphone demands. This meant slow charging or outright failure, especially when running apps like Spotify or GPS.
Nissan’s Solution: Magnets and Cooling
Nissan’s new system combines two key improvements: magnetic alignment and active cooling. The charger uses a raised, magnetized circle to ensure the phone’s charging coil stays perfectly aligned with the pad. Misalignment leads to wasted energy and heat; a secure connection ensures maximum efficiency. A built-in fan further reduces overheating, preventing the phone from throttling its charge rate.
“If you misplace your phone or it shifts while driving, you’re not going to enjoy a full speed of charge… By positioning the phone correctly, you’re going to be able to enjoy the maximum efficiency of the charger.” – Nissan engineer Matt Zimmerman
Qi2 and the 15W Standard
The update to Qi2 enables consistent 15W charging, matching the output of a wired connection. This matters because modern smartphones consume significant power even when idle. Running navigation, music, or other apps can require up to 5W just to operate, leaving little headroom for charging with older, weaker systems. The new standard ensures the charger can actually keep pace with usage.
Thermal Management is Key
Overheating is a major issue in wireless charging. Smartphones throttle performance when hot, reducing charging speed and potentially damaging the battery. Nissan’s fan actively cools both the phone and the charging pad, maximizing efficiency and preventing damage. Cooler phones charge faster, making thermal management not just preventative but also performance-enhancing.
Availability
The new wireless charger is standard on the 2026 Murano, already available at dealerships, and will appear in some 2026 Pathfinder models early this year. The system also includes a clear LED indicator: orange for charging, green for fully charged, and flashing orange for foreign objects.
Nissan’s solution finally addresses the practical challenges of in-car wireless charging, making it a usable feature rather than a frustrating gimmick.
