Wireless charging uses electromagnetic induction to transfer energy between two objects over short distances, allowing devices to charge without plug-in cables. Its history dates back to Nikola Tesla's 1902 patent, though modern wireless charging standards like Qi were established in 2009. It works by using a transmitter coil to produce alternating current which induces a current in a receiver coil to charge a battery. Applications include charging phones, laptops, electric vehicles and more, though it has lower efficiency and slower charging than wired methods.