FreeWire Technologies has announced plans to close its corporate headquarters in Newark, California, and lay off nearly all of its employees. The company, known for its innovative battery-based DC fast charging solutions for electric vehicles (EVs), had garnered significant attention recently for its technology and partnerships.
FreeWire’s unique approach involves using batteries to store energy, allowing for fast charging without the need for expensive utility buildouts. This method has enabled them to provide a 200 kW DC fast charging experience at a fraction of the cost of traditional infrastructure, garnering praise from the Biden-Harris Administration and securing deals with major brands like Chevron and General Motors.
Despite these successes, reports indicate that FreeWire will be closing its primary business location at 7200 Gateway Blvd. in Newark this June. The closure is expected to impact all 113 on-site employees, according to a mass layoff notice issued by the company.
🚨 LAYOFF ALERT – California 🇺🇸
FreeWire Technologies, Inc. will close permanently, affecting 113 employees at 7200 Gateway Blvd., Newark, CA 94560 on June 24, 2024, as indicated in a WARN notice. pic.twitter.com/jzeFV40Fbf
— The Layoff Tracker 🚨 (@WhatLayoff) May 2, 2024
The company originally moved into the 66,000-square-foot facility in 2022, touting it as their “global headquarters and hub for R&D, testing, and manufacturing.” However, the recent decision to shutter this location suggests a significant shift in their operations.
While FreeWire’s website offers no further details on the layoffs, a press release from May 2nd, coincidentally the same day news of the layoffs broke, highlighted the installation of a FreeWire charging station at a South Bay, California truck depot.
The closure of FreeWire’s Newark headquarters raises questions about the future of the company and its technology. With its promising approach to EV charging, many will be watching closely to see how FreeWire navigates this challenging period.
