Tesla patents foreign object detection for wireless charging pad

Tesla has published a patent application, filed in March, for a wireless charging pad that detects foreign metal objects under varying temperatures. The system uses inductive coils in resonant tanks and distinguishes temperature-driven frequency and magnitude shifts from those caused by foreign objects. The technology targets Cybercab and Robotaxi, with Tesla claiming wireless charging efficiency above 90%.

• Application filed in March, published October 1, 2026
• Detector separates temperature effects from foreign objects via resonant frequency shifts
• Metal detected by rising coil resistance and falling inductance
• Tesla claims Cybercab wireless charging efficiency above 90%