'So Useless:' Hyundai Tucson Hybrid Drivers Say the Wireless Charging Pad Overheats, Charges Slowly. What Can You Do?
That's the verdict from a Hyundai Tucson hybrid reviewer whose glowing review of Hyundai's new SUV was tripped up by one recurring tech complaint: A wireless charger that just can't keep up.
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The TikTok from automotive enthusiast Jill Ciminillo (
@jillciminillo
) explains why she's disappointed by the slow charging speed of the Tucson hybrid's wireless charging pad.
'I like the location of the charging pad, but I will say, it doesn't charge your phone very quickly. So, if you need to charge your phone, you're gonna wanna wire in, and, um, it does heat up your phone a little bit,' she says.
Why Wireless Pads Still Disappoint
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Wireless charging in cars still sounds futuristic until you actually try using one.
Most in-car systems, including the one in the 2025 Hyundai Tucson hybrid, use the
Qi wireless charging standard
, which typically delivers five to 10 watts of power.
That might keep your phone from dying on short errands, but it's far slower than the 15W to 20W wireless speeds available with modern phones and premium home chargers.
The problem gets worse in a car cabin. Unlike your desk or nightstand, vehicles are exposed to fluctuating temperatures, limited airflow, and other electronic devices competing for power. That's especially true in hybrids and EVs, where thermal management systems
prioritize battery health
over accessories.
When ambient
temperatures rise
or your phone's battery is already warm, charging speeds drop even further. The system may also shut off entirely to prevent overheating.
The result? A wireless pad that looks like it belongs in 2025 but performs like it's stuck in 2015.
This isn't just a Hyundai thing. Drivers have voiced similar frustrations on Reddit pages dedicated to Hyundai, Toyota, and Ford. Complaints range from pads that won't charge at all to phones overheating or slipping out of alignment while driving. Some
Volkswagen ID.4
owners even
reported
that their wireless pads caused device thermal warnings, particularly on longer drives.
So why haven't automakers fixed it?
Part of the answer is legacy engineering. Qi wireless pads are a 'checkbox feature' that's cheap to integrate, easy to promote, and rarely upgraded after the initial design.
Plus, not all automakers
test wireless performance
across a full range of smartphones, cases, and driving scenarios.
Until more customers demand faster, better in-car charging—or until Qi2, the next-gen magnetic wireless
charging standard
, becomes widespread—don't expect significant improvements.
What Can You Do About It?
If you're tired of watching your battery percentage drop while it's sitting on the charger, don't worry. You're not powerless. Here are a few easy upgrades:
Plug In: Although it may feel old-school, wired charging remains the king. Using your vehicle's USB-C or Lightning port can deliver up to 18W or more, and it avoids the heat buildup that plagues wireless pads. This is by far the most reliable option if you're looking to quickly boost your charge during a commute.
Get a Vent-Mount Charger with Cooling: If you're set on wireless charging, consider upgrading to a vent-mounted charger with a built-in fan. These stay cooler and align more reliably than center-console pads. Consider the iOttie Velox MagSafe Charger (for iPhone users) or the Anker MagGo Air Vent Mount, both of which are highly rated and excel at managing heat.
Use Battery Optimization Features: Modern smartphones often include
adaptive charging
, low-power mode, or battery health settings. Features like Optimized Battery Charging (on iPhone) or Adaptive Charging (on Android) help reduce
thermal stress
and extend battery life, even when using a weak wireless charger.
Disable or Avoid the Pad (If You Can): Some vehicles allow you to
turn off
the wireless charger via system settings. If yours doesn't, treat the pad like a glorified phone tray and rely on a cord or external charger instead. Another option is to store a short, braided USB-C cable in the center console and never worry about low power again.
Motor1
reached out to Ciminillo via direct message. We'll be sure to update this if she responds.
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