Review: Tesla x FreePower gen 2 deliver Apple’s AirPower dream for any Qi device

Published

2 years ago

March 22, 2023

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Back in December Tesla announced its Wireless Charging Platform that’s powered by FreePower’s latest “place anywhere” Qi system. Now orders are shipping to the first customers and we’ve been able to test out the premium multi-device charger that delivers on Apple’s free position AirPower dream.

A bit of background. FreePower (which is now the name of the product and the company, the former was previously Aira) first launched its free position Qi wireless charging tech with the Nomad Base Station Pro in 2020.

That was a slick charger, but when Apple launched MagSafe for iPhone 12 just a couple of months later, it ended up interfering with FreePower Qi charging. FreePower released a firmware update almost immediately to improve the wireless charging for iPhones with MagSafe, but customers still had a better experience with Android smartphones.

Fast forward to 2023, Tesla is FreePower’s launch partner for the second generation of its unique and improved free position Qi tech.

I got the chance to chat with FreePower CEO and founder Jake Slatnick and he shared that the second-gen system has solved the previous issues with MagSafe iPhones.

He also noted changes that all devices will benefit from with FreePower gen 2 including coil enhancements for greater efficiency and faster charge times, improved foreign object detection, intelligent power delivery per device, and a more precise power transfer field.

Ok, let’s jump into the review ?.

Tesla Wireless Charger review

Specs

Wireless power for up to three devices simultaneously
- Position devices anywhere thanks to FreePower gen 2 with 30 wireless coils (up from 18 coils used in the 2020 Nomad Base Station Pro)
- Up to 15W for Android, 7.5W for iPhone
Matte black aluminum frame inspired by Tesla Cybertruck
Soft Alcantara finish on the charging surface
Weight: 981 grams (2.16 pounds) with base and 715 grams (1.58 pounds) without base
Magnetic detachable base for raised angled or low flat orientation
USB-C cable integrated with wireless charger
65W USB-C power adapter (with Cybertruck design)
Price: $300

Materials and build

The frame of the charger is made from a weighty, solid aluminum and the same goes for the detachable base. With the Cybertruck aesthetic as the inspiration, the sharp angular lines in matte black offer a super clean and minimalist look and feel.

The integrated USB-C cord is a flat-style cable and Tesla didn’t settle for a boring power brick, it’s like a Hot-Wheels-sized Cybertruck plugged into your wall.

The magnetic base easily detaches and reattaches to shift between the raised angled orientation and the flat one. Both the larger base and magnetic base have rubber feet to give the charger grip.

For charging status, there’s a subtle LED indicator just below the Tesla logo in the center of the charger.

Tesla Wireless Charging Platform LED indicator

Here are all the signals the LED can give:

Start of Charge: 5-second illumination then dim
Charging: Constant dim
Device Removal: Device 1 – LED off, Multiple Devices – LED off then reilluminate
Power Supply Error: Rapid blink
System Error: Rapid 3 bink burst
Metal Object Detected: Slow pulsating blink

In use

I’ve been loving this charger. From the look and feel of the hardware to the FreePower gen 2 tech, it offers a truly fantastic experience.

The adjustable design with the removable magnetic base is a clever and useful touch to make it more adaptable to different use cases like offices, bedrooms, kitchens, etc. And the attention to detail is on point with features like the super soft Alcantara making up the charger’s entire top surface, cable management built into the magnetic base, and a thoughtful LED that won’t disturb you if this is in your bedroom – but can still indicate status without having to look at your phone.

As far as FreePower’s claim of making it reliable for iPhones with MagSafe, I’ve found that to be the case. Every time I put down my iPhone it quickly registers and begins charging right away.

Ok, for some finer details. I tested the charger out in a mix of ways with iPhone 13 Pro, iPhone 14 Pro, and AirPods Pro gen 1 and 2 (but of course, this works with any Qi-capable devices).

Just for fun, I tried stacking two sets of AirPods Pro in the middle of the two phones just in case it would charge all four devices. But it is indeed limited to three like Tesla/FreePower says.

You can fit two 6-inch smartphones plus AirPods Pro on the pad. Since it has an angled surface, the bottom is a touch more narrow than the top – so the available surface is right about 7.75 inches wide.

Most 6-inch smartphones come in at the 2.8-inch wide mark and 6.8-inch smartphones are right about 3.07 inches wide (without cases). That means it would be tough to fit two large smartphones plus an earbuds case (the shortest side of AirPods Pro is 1.75 inch).

But if you have one 6-inch and one 6.8-inch phone, that should work to fit an earbuds case on there too. Fun fact, three iPhone 12/13 mini should fit side by side on this charger (at least without cases).

Another convenient option is charging multiple pairs of earbuds with one smartphone.

As far as the iPhone’s max charging being 7.5W and 15W for Android devices (when many of those can charge beyond that), it didn’t really feel like a sacrifice. If I’m in a hurry and need to charge as fast as possible, it’s best to reach for a wired cable with a fast-charging brick. But honestly, I can’t remember a time I was in a pinch like that (and if I was I’d probably just grab a portable battery or charge in the car).

To me, the convenience of being able to plop a device down without having to think about placement is worth the trade-off of wireless charging speeds.

Constructive thoughts

I do have a couple of constructive ideas. First, if the Tesla Wireless Charger was just about an inch wider, it would be more flexible for households that have more than one large smartphone (6.8-inch or bigger).

Second, a removable cable would have been valuable. I know the integrated USB-C cord helps with the clean and minimal design. But it would be a tough pill to swallow to buy this premium charger and have the cord go bad. Especially if you have pets, make sure you’ve got the cable out of reach.

Tesla Wireless Charger wrap-up

All-in-all, I think Tesla and FreePower have delivered what Apple dreamed about for AirPower with an even higher-end design.

If free placement for multi-device wireless charging, a premium build, and a slick design are important to you, the Tesla Wireless Charging Platform has you covered.

Pros:

All-metal frame plus soft Alcantara design
Unique and minimalist aesthetic
FreePower gen 2 works consistently and was really “place anywhere” in my testing
Versatile setup with removable base

Cons:

Non-removable USB-C cable
Not as convenient multi-device charging for households with several large smartphones
Premium price

I give the Tesla Wireless Charger a 4.5/5 rating. I think overall, it is successful in delivering a high-end design and premium experience.

You can pick it up direct from the company for a cool $300. And for those who previously placed an order, they should start arriving as soon as today.

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Environment

The 2026 Polestar 4 is officially on sale in the US, priced slightly higher than originally promised

Published

34 mins ago

June 3, 2025

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The 2026 Polestar 4 is officially on sale in the US, priced slightly higher than originally promised

Polestar announced it has officially opened up sales of its long-promised 4 crossover SUV as a 2026 model, available to US customers starting today. Below, we’ve included performance specs and pricing separated by each model variant.

The Polestar 4 is the, you guessed it, fourth model from the Geely-owned, Swedish-designed automaker. The 4 was unveiled in 2023 before it kicked off production in China later that year.

Those EVs were followed by deliveries to Europe and Australia in 2024, although US customers have had to continue to wait. In April 2024, Polestar said it was officially opening orders for the 4 in the US, starting at $54,900 and available in eight (yes, eight) different variants, built in North America.

Deliveries were expected to follow in Q2 2025, but Polestar faced several hurdles, including the appointment of a new CEO and the looming threat of tariffs from the Trump Administration. As such, Polestar has regrouped and returned with updated timelines for its latest model.

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As of this morning, the Polestar 4 is on sale in the US as a 2026 model that will initially be assembled in Korea. It starts at $56,400. You can learn more below.

The 2026 Polestar 4 is FINALLY on sale in North America

Per the automaker, the 2026 Polestar 4 is officially on sale in the United States and can now be configured at Polestar.com. When it was still a 2025 model, Polestar said the 4 would be built alongside its 3 sibling in North America, but things have changed, at least as US sales begin.

2026 Polestar 4 EVs destined for North America will instead be built in Busan, South Korea. Per the head of Polestar North America, Rick Bryant:

Following the successful launch of Polestar 4 in other markets around the world, we are thrilled to open the order books for the 2026 Polestar 4 in North America, which will all be built in Busan, South Korea. Polestar 4 confidently enters the premium performance class within the D-SUV segment. Our SUV coupe’s innovative design offers generous interior space and a stunning appearance. Coupled with the assembled-in-the-U.S. Polestar 3, we now offer two dynamic SUV options for North American customers

As a 2026 model, Polestar appears to have slightly trimmed down its 4 variants, now offering five options for North American customers. Here’s how they break down:

2026 Polestar 4 Variant	Drivetrain	Battery Capacity	Max Charge Rate (DC)	EPA Range (Est.)	Power	Torque	Acceleration (0-60 mph)	Starting MSRP*
Long Range Single Motor (w/ standard Pilot Pack)	RWD	100 kWh	200 kW	300 miles	272 hp	253 lb-ft	6.9 seconds	$56,400
Long Range Single Motor (w/ Pilot and Plus Pack)	RWD	100 kWh	200 kW	300 miles	272 hp	253 lb-ft	6.9 seconds	$61,900
Long Range Dual Motor (w/ standard Pilot Pack)	AWD	100 kWh	200 kW	270 miles	544 hp	506 lb-ft	3.7 seconds	$62,900
Long Range Dual Motor (w/ Pilot and Plus Pack)	AWD	100 kWh	200 kW	270 miles	544 hp	506 lb-ft	3.7 seconds	$68,400
Long Range Dual Motor (w/ Pilot, Plus and Performance Pack)	AWD	100 kWh	200 kW	270 miles	544 hp	506 lb-ft	3.7 seconds	$72,900

* – Prices do not include destination fees of $1,400.

You can see how the promised initial variants compare here. It looks like Polestar nixed any variant that initially had a “Pro Pack.” The automaker has also removed the Long Range Single Motor trim, which was supposed to start at an MSRP of $54,900. That’s why the current MSRPs seem higher, albeit only slightly if at all.

Polestar pointed out that its Long Range Dual Motor variant of the 2026 4 is its fastest production model to date, accelerating from 0 to 60 mph in 3.7 seconds. I’d take that all day.

Production for North American customers of the 2026 Polestar 4 is expected to begin in South Korea this summer, followed by initial customer deliveries this fall. What do you guys think? Will the Polestar 4 be worth the wait?

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Environment

Tesla (TSLA) sales continue to crash in Europe as it clings to a fluke in Norway

Published

58 mins ago

June 3, 2025

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Tesla (TSLA) sales continue to crash in Europe as it clings to a fluke in Norway

Tesla’s sales continue to crash in Europe despite the availability of the new Model Y and record discounts.

However, the automaker clings to a good month in Norway, which is not particularly impressive in comparison and could prove to be a fluke.

More data is starting to come from European markets about Tesla sales from May.

Yesterday, we reported on Tesla’s disastrous performance in France, which was even worse than the first quarter despite the new Model Y now being available.

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Now, the latest data confirms that similar declines are continuing for Tesla in Europe in Belgium, Spain, Sweden, Denmark, and other markets:

The only two markets that haven’t seen declines in May are Norway and Austria.

While Tesla isn’t commenting on any of the markets where its sales are crashing, the automaker quickly promoted its surprising performance in Norway:

However, it is worth nothing that the 213% increase in deliveries is compared to a particularly bad May 2024 for Tesla.

For comparison, here are Tesla’s deliveries in the second month of each quarter over the prior two years:

It’s clear that the anomaly was more with May 2024 than incredible performance in May 2025 – even though there’s no doubt that Tesla’s sales have recovered in Norway last month.

That’s partly due to Tesla offering record discounts, including zero-interest financing on the new Model Y.

The automaker has been offering similar incentives throughout Europe, but it isn’t having as much success with it.

With most of the data from the month of May coming in, Tesla’s Q2 deliveries in Europe are currently tracking below the already disastrous Q1 performance, which Tesla blamed on the Model Y changeover.

Electrek’s Take

Tesla can try to frame this however it wants, but the data is clear: Tesla’s sales are dropping like a rock in Europe despite the availability of the new Model Y and record incentives like zero-interest financing.

2,500 Norwegians buying Tesla vehicles in May isn’t compensating for the declines in other markets and I doubt that the surge in May in Norway is going to be sustainable in the second half, especially if Tesla ends the zero-interest financing when it claims it will at the end of the quarter.

At this point, what Tesla needs in Europe is to be completely dissociated from its CEO and a more updated EV lineup that includes smaller and more affordable vehicles, like the Kia EV3, Volve EX30, etc.

Unfortunately, its CEO is too focused on false promises regarding autonomy to bring those vehicles to market.

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Environment

Constellation Energy rallies 15% on Meta nuclear power deal

Published

2 hours ago

June 3, 2025

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Constellation Energy rallies 15% on Meta nuclear power deal

A cyclist rides past the Meta sign outside the headquarters of Facebook parent company Meta Platforms in Mountain View, California, on Nov. 9, 2022.

Peter Dasilva | Reuters

Meta has signed a 20-year agreement to buy nuclear power from Constellation Energy, continuing the wave of tech giants teaming up with the industry in order to meet the growing power needs of data centers.

Beginning in June 2027, Meta will buy roughly 1.1 gigawatts of energy from Constellation’s Clinton Clean Energy Center in Illinois, which is the entire output from the site’s one nuclear reactor. The companies said the long-term agreement will support the continuing operation of the plant, as well as its relicensing. Without the commitment from Meta, the plant was in danger of closing when its zero-emission credit, which it’s relied on since 2017, expired.

“We are proud to partner with Meta. … They figured out that supporting the relicensing and expansion of existing plants is just as impactful as finding new sources of energy,” said Joe Dominguez, Constellation’s president and CEO. “Sometimes the most important part of our journey forward is to stop taking steps backwards.”

Terms of the deal, which will also expand Clinton’s output by 30 megawatts, were not disclosed. The plant will not power Meta’s data centers directly – instead it will continue to provide power to the regional grid, while contributing to the tech giant’s goal of 100% clean electricity.

Constellation shares rallied more than 15% on the agreement.

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CEG rallies

Tuesday’s announcement is the latest in a slew of deals between big tech and the nuclear industry. In September, Constellation said it would restart Three Mile Island – the site of the worst nuclear meltdown in U.S. history – and sell the power to Microsoft under a 20-year agreement.

Google recently pledged to fund the development of three new nuclear sites, after last year teaming up with small modular reactor developer Kairos Power. Amazon invested more than $500 million to develop SMRs in October, and bought a data center campus powered by the Susquehanna nuclear plant in March 2024. Tech giants, including Amazon, Google and Meta, signed a pledge in March led by the World Nuclear Association calling for nuclear energy worldwide to triple by 2050.

Still, the deal with Constellation marks Meta’s first official foray into nuclear. In December, the company put out a request for proposals to find nuclear energy developers to partner with, saying they wanted to add between one and four gigawatts of new nuclear generation in the U.S. That proposal, which is focused on advanced nuclear, remains in progress, and stands apart from the company’s backing of the Clinton facility.

“Securing clean, reliable energy is necessary to continue advancing our AI ambitions,” said Urvi Parekh, head of global energy at Meta. “We are proud to help keep the Clinton plant operating for years to come and demonstrate that this plant is an important piece to strengthening American leadership in energy.”

President Donald Trump recently signed four executive orders aimed at speeding nuclear deployment, setting a target of quadrupling U.S. nuclear energy by 2050. The executive orders call for, among other things, an overhaul of the Nuclear Regulatory Commission, as well as building out a domestic supply chain for nuclear fuel.

The White House has also called for faster regulatory approval for reactors – including small modular reactors. In the past, nuclear projects have been plagued by high upfront costs and long construction timelines. The industry is hoping that SMRs can be a more cost-effective way to scale up nuclear power. At present, there are no operational SMRs in the U.S.

Constellation said Tuesday that it is considering seeking a new permit from the Nuclear Regulatory Commission to possibly build a small modular reactor at the Clinton site.