The 2013 Toyota Avalon has become the first vehicle in the world with support for in-console Qi wireless charging for Qi-enabled devices.

The Qi wireless charging system will be part of the Avalon Limited's Technology package, with costs $42,195 before the usual added fees and taxes, while a hybrid bumps that to $43,945.

According to a report, the owners can now charge their devices with the wireless charging pad located in the vehicle's center console.

"Pioneering the ability to charge with no wires or connectors by simply putting devices in the car console is an intuitive innovation which reflects Toyota's continuing commitment to improve the consumer experience," said Randy Stephens, chief engineer of Toyota Avalon.

The Technology Package also includes Dynamic Radar Cruise Control, Automatic High beams and a Pre-Collision System.

Qi wireless charging is now integrated in 34 mobile phone models, including recent launches of the LG Google Nexus 4, Nokia Lumia 920, HTC Windows Phone 8X.

[alert style="green"] 2013 Toyota Avalon photos [/alert]

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Nissan Leaf chose CEATEC Japan 2012 to roll out a modified prototype equipped with limited autonomous capabilities. Called the NSC-2015, its is fitted with a remote monitoring system that "recognizes the surrounding environment through use of an all-around view camera and 4th generation (4G) mobile communications."

The idea is the car could drive itself down the street, exit the vehicle and then tell it to park itself with a smartphone application. The car would then search for an open parking spot and park.

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Interestingly, the Nissan Leaf NSC-2015 could drive on a busy public highway, or speed down an autobahn without human interaction. There are also the system's onboard camera also acts as a security system and inform the owner of any suspicious behavior when it's parked.

[alert style="green"] Nissan Leaf photos  [/alert]

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OnStar is testing a new app that will tell Chevrolet Volt called EcoHub, allows users to compare the overall home energy and from OnStar by day, month or year. GM OnStar said it hopes to make the app available for Chevrolet Volt owners in the near future.

OnStar's new app uses an energy data source from the local electric company or a smart meter company, then aggregates usage data to show owners of the high-tech sedan exactly how much energy they consume daily, monthly and yearly. EcoHub also offers information on how much that energy cost based on current rates.

“For the first time we're able to put one of our Smart Grid solutions into the hands of actual consumers, thanks in part to our partnership with Pecan Street,” says Paul Pebbles, global manager-electric vehicle and smart grid services at OnStar.

Currently the app is only available for OnStar equipped EVs and also features a “Ticker” screen that tracks national values for total miles driven. GM and OnStar initially will test the app at the Pecan Street demonstration project, a smart grid community in Austin, TX-based research, Texas.