‘I Feel So Dumb. Read Your Manuals:’ Driver Gets Chevy Malibu. Then She Discovers This Little-Known Feature 5 Years Later

"Malibu owner since 2020."

Photo by: @determinedbeauty_97

Mustafa Gatollari

By: Mustafa Gatollari

Jul 11, 2025 at 5:00pm ET

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A Chevrolet Malibu owner was stunned to discover a feature in her car five years after she bought it.

Hayley Simone (@determinedbeauty_97) revealed her discovery in a TikTok that’s accrued over 5 million views. She says that knowing about it sooner could’ve saved her at least one argument and $20.

Simone begins her video recording her 2018 Chevy Malibu’s center console, showing off its two front cupholders and shifter. She writes in a text overlay, “POV: Malibu owner since 2020, found this out June 2025.”

Next, she focuses the lens on a small, recessed compartment beneath the shifter and cupholders and above the front cubby/armrest.

“This thing right here, did you know it’s a [expletive] wireless charger?” she remarks, panning her camera to the Malibu’s owner’s manual.

In the booklet, she highlights a section that explains “the wireless charging system is located in a pocket below the armrest console.”

“I took the time to read this on my break,” Simone explains. “I’m pretty sure I’ve got into an argument about leaving a charger at home while we went on a road trip with my boyfriend. And we had to stop, buy a $20 charger… And we had a wireless charger here the whole time? Wow.”

In the caption, she adds, “I feel so dumb. Read your manuals.”

An Uncommon Feature

The Chevy Malibu has included chargers for several years. It depends on year and trim level, but Malibus have either a wireless charger, a USB port, or a 12V power outlet.

The wireless charging pocket, while relatively rare, isn’t specific to Chevrolet.

The 2024 Nissan Patrol Warrior, for instance, also features a wireless charging pocket.

BMW also offers wireless charging pockets inside of the front seat’s center console armrest on some of its 7 Series vehicles.

Some who replied to Simone’s video said they, too, were surprised to learn about the Malibu’s recessed pocket’s usage.

“Why are things not labeled anymore, been charging my sanitizer,” one person penned.

Others said that instead of powering their phones, they’ve been giving their spare change some electrons.

“Not me using it for my coins,” one said. Another echoed, “I’ve been charging my change.”

Yet another said that the dealership is to blame for Simone unwittingly driving around with a wireless charger this whole time.

What do you think?

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“They so busy trying to get you to sign your life away. They’re not telling all the car features anymore. I found all kinda stuff just fiddling around in my car,” they said.

Motor1 has reached out to Simone via TikTok comment for further information. We'll be sure to update this if she responds.