Tesla Enthusiast Adds Wireless Charging To His Own Car In California
By Mia Yamauchi
Rick of Rick’s Performance and the Plugless Team Get Ready for the Install
![The Plugless team was thrilled to deliver the first Plugless for Model S autonomous charging system to Rick Soderberg. Owner of a Model S and Rick's Performance in Pleasanton, CA.](https://pluglesspower.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/12/P1010110-1024x637.jpg)
The Bay Area Plugless team swung by Rick’s Performance in Pleasanton, CA, on Monday to deliver a brand new Plugless for the Model S autonomous charging system to Rick Soderberg. Rick owns a Model S and is the owner of the high-end auto shop where the unit was installed.
What Surprised Rick the Most About the Wireless Charging Adapter? It’s Insanely Thin!
![Rick shows off the ultra thin receiving coil that will allow his Tesla to receive wireless charging.](https://pluglesspower.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/12/0_-va-thin-P1010186-1024x683.jpg)
Rick shows off the ultra-thin receiving coil that will allow his Tesla to receive wireless charging.
Installing the Wireless Charging Adapter Under Model S’ Front Shielding
![The vehicle adapter is installed underneath the shielding under the front end of the Model S.](https://pluglesspower.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/12/0_-va-installation-P1010278-1024x683.jpg)
The vehicle adapter is installed underneath the shielding under the front end of the Model S.
Wireless Charging Adapter for Model S Completely Disappears After Installation
![VA is totally invisiable after installation](https://pluglesspower.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/12/0_-thin-va-installed-P1010353-1024x683.jpg)
Wireless charging adapter for Model S is totally invisible after installation. The “brains” of the operation also installs seamlessly in the interior of the car.
Unpacking The Wall Unit, or “Control Panel” For Hands-Free Tesla Charging
![Rick unpacks his control panel - the unit that will light up to guide him to park over the Parking Pad that sends a charge wirelessly.](https://pluglesspower.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/12/P1010126-1024x683.jpg)
Rick unpacks his control panel – the unit that will light up to guide him to park over the Parking Pad that sends a charge wirelessly.
The Control Panel Hangs on the Wall & Connects to a 240V Outlet
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Control panel installation is as simple as hanging it on the wall and connecting to a 240V, or “Level 2” outlet. This is the same type of outlet as the one used by an electric dryer.
The Parking Pad Sends a Charge to the Model S Over the Air
![Plugless Parking Pad](https://pluglesspower.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/12/0_-plugless-pp-unpack-P1010137-1024x683.jpg)
The Plugless Parking Pad will be placed at the Model S’ normal parking space to charge the car automatically when parked.
Rick’s Tesla Model S Can Now Charge Itself
Rick uses the Tesla as a customer shuttle at the shop and loves the idea of his Plugless Tesla being part of customers’ experience.
![Tesla Model S charges itself with Plugless.](https://pluglesspower.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/12/0_-Parking-pad-under-Tesla-Plugless-PC200152-1024x702.jpg)
Tesla Model S charges itself with Plugless.
Watch the Video of Rick’s First Hands-Free Charge
See video of the Tesla charging port indicating a charge in progress with no cord connected as well as video of Rick driving the his self-charging Tesla over the parking pad for wireless charging.