Embodiments are directed towards a multi-stage wireless power transmission system that includes a transmitting unit and a receiving unit. The transmitting unit transmits a power beam to the receiving unit, which converts the power beam into local electrical power and provides it to a personal electronic device without a corded connection between the receiving unit and a mains power supply. The transmitting unit includes a light-based transmitter to generate and transmit a power beam towards the receiving unit. The receiving unit includes a receiver to receive at least a portion of the power beam and to convert the received power beam into local electrical power. The receiving unit also includes a power output unit to provide the received local power to a personal electronic device when the personal electronic device, which is separable from the receiving unit, is electrically coupled to the power output unit.