A plug-in hybrids’ clean, nearly silent rechargeable electric power can be a perk worth some extra cost to those who want to be seen as conscientious consumers, and drawing power from the grid is becoming easier to do as infrastructure expands. But the actual plugging-in business, the hands-on tangle of charging?especially at home, where every morning and evening involve fussing with a charging cable?doesn?t exactly speak the language of luxury. That?s likely one reason Mercedes-Benz will offer wireless charging on the S550e plug-in hybrid, beginning with the facelifted version that Mercedes-Benz will sell in the U.S. as a 2018 model.
Mercedes-Benz revealed the system in June, and supplier Qualcomm now confirms that it is fully vetted for U.S. sale and Mercedes-Benz USA says it will be available here, although it can?t comment yet about details such as home installation?or even whether the technology will be standard or optional. The company will say that the single-phase charger will work at just 3.6 kW, sufficient to charge the 2018 S550e?s larger 13.5-kWh battery pack overnight. The charger can operate at an impressive 90 percent efficiency, measured from power supply to on-board charger, requiring no charging-door release, and no fussing with ports or cables. Some professional garage installation and a 240-volt circuit probably will be required, after which the owner can just park the car in the right place (systems in the car will aid in that process) and find it...