Tesla, the renowned electric vehicle (EV) manufacturer, has expressed its interest in acquiring Wiferion, a small wireless charging startup based in Germany, as reported by Business Insider. This development comes after Tesla hinted at the possibility of launching its own EV wireless charger.
While various companies have been exploring wireless charging technology for EVs in recent years, it has yet to gain widespread adoption due to several challenges. One such obstacle is its relatively lower efficiency compared to traditional cable charging. However, advancements have been made, narrowing the efficiency gap in recent times. Additionally, wireless charging tends to be more expensive as it involves embedding a charging pad securely into the ground, as opposed to mounting a charger on a wall.
Furthermore, wireless charging addresses a relatively minor inconvenience—plugging in one’s vehicle. The act of physically connecting a car to a charger is neither particularly difficult nor time-consuming. Nevertheless, Tesla has previously discussed the concept of automating this task in preparation for self-driving technology. In a future where vehicles are capable of autonomous operation, it would make sense for them to charge themselves without human intervention.
Tesla has previously shown a preference for an automated robot arm to handle charging duties, rather than wireless charging technology.
However, recent developments indicate a shift in Tesla’s approach.
Earlier this year, Tesla unveiled a teaser image of a new wireless home charging station, hinting at the company’s interest in the technology.
Now, it appears that Tesla may have found a potential solution to expedite the process.
According to a filing from Wiferion, the German wireless charging startup, Tesla has displayed interest in acquiring the company. The filing, extracted from the commercial register, states, “The shareholders intend to sell their shares in the company to Tesla International BV through a purchase agreement.” When questioned by Gründerszene, two of the startup’s investors confirmed the occurrence of the exit but refrained from revealing the buyer’s identity. One investor described the buyer as an “interesting buyer.” Thus far, both Tesla and Wiferion have not responded to inquiries from the media, as reported by Business Insider.
Established in 2016, Wiferion specializes in inductive charging solutions for industrial robots and electric vehicles. The company has successfully deployed over 8,000 chargers, primarily catering to the industrial robot sector.
Considering Tesla’s extensive reliance on industrial robots in its manufacturing facilities, both of Wiferion’s business segments could prove beneficial to the automaker.
To date, Wiferion has raised approximately $16 million in funding, and if the acquisition proceeds, industry insiders anticipate the deal to range in the mid to high double-digit millions of dollars.
As the situation unfolds, the potential acquisition of Wiferion by Tesla, as reported by Business Insider, holds significant promise for the wireless charging market and the future of EV charging technology.
