My first "mod" -- Cupholder Mounted Wireless Charger with MagSafe for Apple iPhone

[smacame]

Any issues with the phone coming loose on bumpy roads or hard cornering?

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[eddieterry]

Nice solution! Very clean install.

I went with the simple install using a clip made for the Taycan from ProClipUSA and an apple MagSafe with heavy duty double sided tape. The clip mount is $28 with their Black Friday sale now.

Only issue is that with passengers the phone gets knocked off rather easily if they are not paying attention. I drive solo most of the time so it's not a problem for me.

https://www.proclipusa.com/collections/dashboard-mounts-porsche-taycan-2020

I used similar & find it perfect as exactly right position to see phone and it charges really well compared to the very poor one in centre console.

 

[Watchesandburgers]

I purchased the Nine Volt MagSafe charger here and completed the install in perhaps 20 minutes. And that was taking it slow to watch the video twice, make sure not to mess anything up, etc. Installed using the YouTube instructional video which was really good. Unit fits very snugly in the cupholder - it’s not going anywhere and looks great! Pics below. Love it. Five stars! (Would give it six stars if weren’t so darned expensive.)

For those wondering, the Qi charger in the center armrest takes a contortionist to reach, IMO. That’s some German Overengineering if I’ve ever seen it. ?

 

[The Real Saul]

My solution version 1

 

[dirty martini]

Wow, that is really cool. I didn't want to give up a cup holder but it's nice to know I have options. Thx

 

[Vicelow]

I purchased the Nine Volt MagSafe charger here and completed the install in perhaps 20 minutes. And that was taking it slow to watch the video twice, make sure not to mess anything up, etc. Installed using the YouTube instructional video which was really good. Unit fits very snugly in the cupholder - it’s not going anywhere and looks great! Pics below. Love it. Five stars! (Would give it six stars if weren’t so darned expensive.)

For those wondering, the Qi charger in the center armrest takes a contortionist to reach, IMO. That’s some German Overengineering if I’ve ever seen it. ?

The solution looks quite neat. I’ve been used to MagSafe holder within armreach from my Audi when entering the car and wouldn’t want to give this up when the Taycan arrives (and not having to fiddle it in the middle console, especially for short trips this seems extremely cumbersome). Also nice that you have a glimpse over to the phone regarding notifications.

Only thing I was wondering with this: does it block access to the bottom row of buttons in the middle console touch screen? Any practical experience on this?

 

[allroadusa]

No issue on my side. Can't live without it.

 

[Vicelow]

No issue on my side. Can't live without it.

Merci!

 

[Vicelow]

I've always wondered why most cars don't offer a good solution for what I assume is a common need: when I get into my car, I want my phone to be charged and visible within reach, and I need a place for my keys and wallet. In my Audi, I retrofitted a MagSafe charger with a leather console, and it works like a charm. However, there's no default option for this, and my keys and wallet usually end up in the cup holder, especially during short trips, which make up 98% of my driving.

 

[tigerbalm]

I've always wondered why most cars don't offer a good solution for what I assume is a common need: when I get into my car, I want my phone to be charged and visible within reach, and I need a place for my keys and wallet. In my Audi, I retrofitted a MagSafe charger with a leather console, and it works like a charm. However, there's no default option for this, and my keys and wallet usually end up in the cup holder, especially during short trips, which make up 98% of my driving.

Because most of these mods encourages "distracted driving" – a growing issue on public roads. Looking at your phone and driving are relatively incompatible activities. To the extent that car manufacturers have probably pushed "touch interfaces" built into cars too far – and are going to be subject to increased regulation in the future.

 

[Vicelow]

Agree to the phone thing which is sensitive regarding distraction.

However, also an easily accessible tray for keys and wallet is not so common in my observation. I concluded that car makers believe the armrest console is a handy storage place but to me, it feels utterly cumbersome for short trips.

I haven't tried the tray below the screen in the middle console for the Taycan yet (mine is only set to arrive in October) but I've seen in Youtube reviews that it's also not so easily accessible?

 

[Watchesandburgers]

I haven't tried the tray below the screen in the middle console for the Taycan yet (mine is only set to arrive in October) but I've seen in Youtube reviews that it's also not so easily accessible?

The tray behind the screen isn't the greatest as far as accessibility. Much like the center console lid, which is frequently mentioned as being a lousy design. The door pocket is very reasonable storage, though, for keys and whatnot. For me, giving up the front cupholder for mobile phone charging, the back cupholder is still available for... cups, but also keys and wallet if I want to use it for that. I'm 5 months in and still like the phone charger there - haven't needed the second cupholder.

 

[Vicelow]

The tray behind the screen isn't the greatest as far as accessibility. Much like the center console lid, which is frequently mentioned as being a lousy design. The door pocket is very reasonable storage, though, for keys and whatnot. For me, giving up the front cupholder for mobile phone charging, the back cupholder is still available for... cups, but also keys and wallet if I want to use it for that. I'm 5 months in and still like the phone charger there - haven't needed the second cupholder.

Agree. Giving up one cup holder is a no-brainer. Since - as mentioned - I mostly do short trips of 20-40min there is usually no need for a drink in the car, and there would still be another one or the door pocket just in case.

 

[Vicelow]

However, also an easily accessible tray for keys and wallet is not so common in my observation. I concluded that car makers believe the armrest console is a handy storage place but to me, it feels utterly cumbersome for short trips.

Because most of these mods encourages "distracted driving" – a growing issue on public roads. Looking at your phone and driving are relatively incompatible activities. To the extent that car manufacturers have probably pushed "touch interfaces" built into cars too far – and are going to be subject to increased regulation in the future.

... one additional comment: yes, distraction is a thing, but I believe there are way better built-in solutions than the armrest console. For example, in my wife's Genesis GV70, there is a tray in the middle console where you can slide in your phone in for wireless charging. Super easy to slide it in when getting in and to grab when leaving

 

[stfn345]

I was wondering: can someone please take measurements of existing solutions? (the nine-volt for example, or perhaps other solutions that have a snug fit?)

I am willing to create a 3d model that people can print on any 3d printer, to mount one of these inside:

It would then give us cheap options: print at home and put one of these $15-$20 magsafe charger pads inside.

Any help is welcome

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