Tesla has received a regulatory waiver from the U.S. Federal Communications Commission (FCC) allowing the use of ultra-wideband (UWB) radio technology in its wireless charging system for the upcoming Cybercab robotaxi, clearing a key obstacle for cable-free charging in the United States.
The Cybercab, designed as a fully autonomous two-seat vehicle without pedals or a steering wheel, is being prepared for series production, with early units reportedly assembled at Tesla’s plant in Austin, Texas. The new charging approach is intended to enable unattended operation by eliminating the need for physical connectors.
Tesla’s system uses static inductive charging, consisting of a pad embedded in the ground and a receiver mounted on the vehicle’s underside. When the vehicle stops above the pad, electricity is transferred wirelessly through magnetic induction. Achieving precise alignment between the vehicle and the charging surface is critical for efficiency.
According to an FCC filing, Tesla’s positioning technology uses pulse-based UWB communication between transceivers installed in the vehicle and the ground unit. “The Tesla positioning system is a pulse UWB radio system that enables peer-to-peer communication … to achieve optimal positioning for wireless EV charging,” the document states.
Tesla indicated that the radio signals are active only briefly as the vehicle approaches the pad and are largely confined to the space between the car and the ground station. The company also noted that the vehicle body significantly attenuates the signals, reducing potential interference.
Before deploying UWB technology, Tesla plans to use Bluetooth as an interim positioning solution. The Cybercab is also expected to retain compatibility with conventional charging infrastructure, with prototypes previously observed using standard Supercharger stations, according to Teslarati.
Wireless charging is considered particularly important for autonomous vehicles operating in fleets, as it allows fully automated energy replenishment without human intervention, potentially improving utilization and reducing operating costs.