Adding Qi2.2 Fast Wireless Charging With Adapter Plate - Development and Installation

Introduction

Current-generation Ram trucks include an integrated phone holder and Apple CarPlay / Android Auto capability to reduce the need for placing phones on top of the dashboard while maintaining essential driving functions such as calling, navigation, and media playback.

The location of the factory phone holder is intentionally positioned close to the vehicle’s USB ports to minimize cable routing for charging or wired CarPlay / Android Auto. For users who prefer faster charging than conventional wireless charging provides, this location also serves as an ideal mounting position for a modern Qi2.2 wireless charger powered by the 110V inverter located directly beneath the holder.

What is Qi2.2?

Qi2.2 is the latest wireless charging protocol, certified in 2025 and early 2026. Wireless charging standards have evolved through three major generations: Qi1, Qi2, and Qi2.2.

• Qi1:
• The first generation of wireless charging emerged in the early 2010s. The factory wireless charging pad offered in Ram trucks utilizes this protocol (the current truck generation debuted in 2019) and does not include magnetic alignment.
• Qi1 is technically rated for up to 15W, but most implementations throttle output to approximately 5W–7.5W. Because of this limited charging performance, the factory wireless charging option was intentionally omitted during vehicle configuration.
• Qi2:
• Qi2, introduced in 2023, added magnetic alignment to automatically position the device relative to the charging coil. This significantly improved efficiency compared to Qi1 while maintaining a maximum charging output of 15W. Heat management also improved relative to earlier implementations.
• Many aftermarket phone holders with integrated wireless chargers utilize this protocol. However, charging performance can still be insufficient when the phone simultaneously runs demanding applications such as navigation and media streaming.
• Qi2.2:
• Qi2.2, introduced in 2025, represents the most recent advancement in wireless charging technology. Improvements include enhanced magnetic alignment for reduced energy loss, dynamic thermal management, and charging speeds up to 25W.
• These improvements allow devices to maintain meaningful charging rates even when performing power-intensive tasks.

The rapid pace of wireless charging development is a primary reason the factory wireless charger was omitted when Boogielander was ordered. But running external wireless charging is not without its problems.

The Problem

However, implementing an external wireless charging solution introduces several challenges. To combat this, 3M VHB double-sided tape and 3M Heavy Duty Hook and Loop were used to secure the puck.

Hook-and-loop attachment was selected intentionally. Because wireless charging standards evolve rapidly and smartphones are often upgraded every few years, a removable mounting method allows the charger puck to be replaced as newer charging protocols become available.

Wireless chargers also experience gradual performance degradation. Interior cabin heat, prolonged sun exposure, and thermal stress from charging through thick phone cases accelerate this aging process. Prior experiences confirme. As a result, wireless chargers effectively become consumable accessories that are periodically replaced.

Initially, Hook-and-loop is selected as attachment that allows chargers to be swapped without fighting the permanent bond created by VHB tape.

However, hook-and-loop attachment ultimately proved unnecessary. The rubber backing of the factory phone holder has low surface energy, making it an unsuitable substrate for strong VHB adhesion. Although VHB initially adheres, it can be peeled off relatively easily. High cabin temperatures during sunny or summer conditions soften the adhesive further, allowing the charging puck to detach under its own weight.

Reattaching the charger became a frequent routine.

This is just like puck lifts - an unacceptable, band-aid solution.

The Solution Iterations

Searching for a properly engineered solution has become a priority.

During development of the Center Console MOLLE Panel system, bent aluminum bracket was initially explored as a potential adapter plate. The concept involved inserting a thin aluminum plate between the charging puck and the rubber backing surface. Because aluminum has significantly higher surface energy than rubber, it would allow VHB tape to achieve reliable adhesion. Hook-and-loop fasteners could then be used between the charger and adapter plate to preserve the ability to replace the charger in the future. However, fabrication constraints and material characteristics produced prototypes that were in the wrong spec.

Hence, Iteration 2 utilizes 3D printing to create an adapter plate that is both thin and allows for angles that follow the contour of the rubber backing plate. 

The Final Solution

With weeks of experimenting and over 10 modifications for Iteration 2, the perfect angle and shape is achieved. 

Seen here in green is a test fit using cheaper material (aka, non-heat resistant). The adapter plate hooks on to the rubber padding using two acute angles to "grab" onto the padding to prevent movement. The longer plate surface accounts for enough spacing to work with various heights that most wireless charging capable phones on market require. This design still allows for using Hook and Loop to swap charger, while the plate's higher surface energy prevents the VHB from failing. The Hook and Loop have enough strength to hold the puck in place when phone is not inserted.

Yes, the phone sticks out a bit more but is still securely held in place and still allows for easy, effortless insertion and removal. The angle that phone sticks out is determined by thickness of the puck, and in this case because of the puck’s contoured backend, it sticks out a bit more than those utilize pucks with flat back face.

Material Selection

Material used for this adapter plate Polymaker ASA. Polymaker produces the filaments here in USA, so for someone who believes in American manufacturing, choosing Polymaker filament as material is a no-brainer. 

ASA (Acrylonitrile Styrene Acrylate) features high impact strength, high tensile strength, great heat resistance, and UV resistance. ABS is another solid choice as it shares similar features as ASA but lacks UV resistance. Inside the truck cab, ABS is probably a safe material to use as most people have tinted windows that block UV rays, but that is not everybody. Plus, with the adapter plate sitting under the radio head unit inside the center console, the probability of it getting UV exposure is extremely low. 

However, because mickey mouse engineering is not acceptable, ASA is chosen at the end. Overkill? Probably, but it's always better to overbuild than underbuilt. 

Installation Process

Installation Process is simple. It is recommended to do this on a hot day, or with ambient temperature between 70-100 F and no less than 50 F. It is best to install this before driving, as the phone's weight will create continuous pressure to help with VHB's bonding. 

Step 1 – Install Adapter Plate
Insert the adapter plate into the factory phone holder and hook the plate onto the rubber lip.

Step 2 – Prepare Charger Attachment
Attach the wireless charging puck to the phone to allow the magnetic ring to self-align.
Remove one adhesive backing from the hook-and-loop fastener and attach it to the charger.

Step 3 – Apply VHB
Remove the second adhesive backing from the hook-and-loop fastener and apply a piece of 3M VHB tape to that surface.

Step 4 – Bond Charger to Adapter Plate
Insert the phone with the charger attached into the holder while tilting the phone slightly away from the plate. Once the phone reaches the bottom of the holder, press the phone toward the adapter plate to bond the VHB to the plate.

Step 5 — Route Power Cable
Route the charging cable between the center console sidewall and the rubber pad, then connect it to a 110V USB-C power adapter.

Step 6 – Verify Installation
Remove the phone. The charger and adapter plate should remain securely in place. Reinsert the phone and start the vehicle to supply power. The phone should begin charging.

If phone does not receive charge, check ignition is ON and not ACC. If it is in ACC and nothing happens, remove the puck through Hook and Loop (not undo the VHB), place the phone on the puck, and reseat the puck. The Hook and Loop should still grab with partial engagement.

Design Advantages

There are other "wireless charger holders" on the market, and they are all 3D printed as well. However, one key difference between this and others is this: while others are designed around specific charger puck, this Adapter Plate is designed to work with ANY charger puck. There is no need to buy a new charger, unless users decide to upgrade from their current charger. There is also no specific way to route the charger cable - end user have the freedom to route the cables in any direction. 

Another key difference is this Adapter Plate allows for charger upgrade flexibility - the hook and loop design allows rapid change of charger without requiring a new adapter plate, a feature that other wireless charger holders lack. Currently, most wireless charger holders all use 3M VHB to secure the charger in the adapters (hence charger-specific designs) which means new charger requires new adapter. 

Stock Wireless Charger Compatibility

An additional adapter plate is currently under development to replace the factory wireless charging module. (thank you in advance @RAM REAPER MAN for checking) to replace the stock charging unit. It will take some time, and removal of center console is required for installation.