Austrian EV charging technology firm Easelink has secured €11.5 million ($12.4 million) in funding from the European Innovation Council (EIC) to support the standardization of its Matrix Charging system, the company said on Monday.
Easelink described the grant as part of the “most competitive EIC funding round to date,” noting that only 71 companies were selected from 1,211 applications. “We are delighted about the EIC support. It underlines that our standardisation efforts are in line with the EU’s electrification strategy,” said Hermann Stockinger, founder and CEO of Easelink. “When it comes to automated charging, interoperability is key.”
See also: Verbund Invests €1.5 Million in Easelink to Boost Automated Charging Solutions
Matrix Charging is a conductive charging solution that enables EVs to charge automatically via a connection between a retrofitted underbody plate and a charging pad mounted on the ground. Unlike inductive charging, which transmits power wirelessly with energy losses, Easelink’s technology establishes a direct conductive link, improving efficiency.
The company said it is working with automotive and energy industry partners in Europe, China, and Japan to advance standardization efforts. In addition to the EIC funding, Easelink raised €1.5 million from Austrian energy firm Verbund last October to support its international expansion.