A new partnership with Qualcomm aims to develop electric vehicle charging technologies as well as other connected car projects.
Luxury vehicles often get the latest technology first and Mercedes is looking to burnish its reputation as a tech leader through a new partnership that may ultimately develop an electric vehicle that charges wirelessly.
Daimler AG and Qualcomm Technologies, Inc., a subsidiary of San Diego-based Qualcomm Inc., are partnering on connected car projects ranging from Internet connectivity to charging technologies.
“It’s important that we remain on the cutting edge of technology and continue to deliver unparalleled experiences to our customers,” said Thomas Weber, member of the Board of Management of Daimler AG responsible for Group Research and Mercedes-Benz Cars Development.
“With this in mind, we are eager to jointly explore possible fields of future cooperation with an internationally leading tech-firm like Qualcomm,” he added.
If the collaboration between Daimler and Qualcomm is successful, charging a Mercedes EV like this will be a thing of the past.
In the first phase of the collaboration, the two companies will focus on future vehicles with mobile technologies that enhance in-car experiences and vehicle performance such as 3G/4G connectivity, wireless charging technology for in-vehicle use and implementation of the Qualcomm Halo Wireless Electric Vehicle Charging technology.
In addition, the companies are jointly assessing the application of Qualcomm’s newly developed Automotive Solutions. Daimler’s Silicon Valley-based research and development center has collaborated with a number of companies on the West Coast, such as Apple, Google and Tesla.
Qualcomm Technologies is collaborating with Daimler on its Wireless Power Transfer 2.0 high performance program for electric vehicles. The Qualcomm Halo WEVC technology provides high performance and high power in a small vehicle package that could allow Mercedes customers to charge their electric vehicles (EV) and plug-in hybrid EVs without ever having to plug them in.
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In addition, WiPower technology enables consumer electronics to charge wirelessly in-vehicle.
Qualcomm is helping the automotive industry create an entirely new landscape for communication, convenience, energy efficiency, infotainment and safety through its Qualcomm Snapdragon Automotive Solutions, while Daimler has a history of producing vehicles that embody these concepts.
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Mercedes-Benz customers have come to expect vehicles equipped with numerous intelligent systems and sensors that enhance safety, convenience and comfort. Together, the companies intend to combine automotive expertise to advance the connected car industry by delivering intelligently connected vehicles of the future that drive emission-free.
“Our work with Daimler AG is a natural extension of the sponsorship we have with the Mercedes Petronas AMG Formula One team as our work in motorsports cultivates the innovation and advancements seen in the auto space,” said Derek Aberle, president of Qualcomm Incorporated.
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“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,” he said.