GM to offer wireless in-car phone charging pads by 2012

Melbourne, Jan 7 (ANI): Charging your cell phone on the go may soon become as easy as taking it for a drive, as General Motors has announced that it has plans to offer wireless charging technology across a number of its vehicles from the second half of 2012.

And Chevrolet's plug-in hybrid Volt is likely to be the first car fitted with the charging mat that sits in the center console, reports the Age.

The US manufacturer has signed a contract with Powermat, an Israeli company that specializes in wireless charging technology, which will see charging mats fitted to multiple models within 18 months.

The deal between GM and Powermat is reportedly worth US 5 million dollars, with the aim of accelerating the technology's development and boosting the brand's business.

Powermat CEO Ran Poliakine says the elimination of cords is just one the benefits, claiming charging mats are both safer and more efficient than plugging into your car's cigarette lighter. (ANI)