One of the biggest challenges for automakers -- and one of the most sought-after features for consumers -- is being able to cut the cord between the car and portable electronic devices that constantly need power.

There’s nothing quite as unsightly as having cables running all over your car's interior -- or as inconvenient when your Big Gulp gets tripped by a wire and splashes all over your cockpit. 

That’s why Bluetooth audio for wireless streaming has become popular, although you still need to plug in to provide power to your portable device when using the feature. Audi showed a wireless charging system at the 2012 SEMA Show, and GM last year announced intentions to add the Powermat wireless charging system to the Chevy Volt.

Chrysler has beat them both to the punch by becoming the first automaker to offer wireless charging of smartphones by making the Powermat system available as an accessory through the automaker's Mopar parts division. The first vehicle to get it will be the 2013 Dodge Dart when it hits dealers’ lots later this year.

To wirelessly get juice to a smartphone when the engine is running, a “power bin” that measures 8.27 by 9.5 by 3.25 inches is installed below the center stack in front of the center console. When a driver places a device inside the bin, a built-in charging grid is activated and the device's battery gets charged sans wires.

A case that’s specifically designed for the smartphone is required and is available for a variety of devices. The case is included in the $199.99 (plus installation) price of the wireless charging system.

Just make sure you never lose it, and maybe carry a charging cable just to be on the safe side.