Tesla’s wireless power delivery system may not be dead after all. German wireless charging products start-up, Wiferion, which was acquired by Tesla earlier this year, has been sold to German-based Puls Power, a company that specializes in DIN rail power supplies. However, Wiferion’s engineers will remain with Tesla and are not included in the deal with Puls Power. This suggests that Tesla is still interested in developing contactless vehicle charging technology.
Tesla first dabbled in wireless charging back in 2015 when it demonstrated a prototype of a charging robot that could locate the charging port of a Model S. However, this idea never made it into mass production. Fast forward to March 2023, and Tesla teased an image of a wireless charging pad during its Investor Day event. The image showed a Model S being charged wirelessly, alongside a photo of a Tesla Diner.
Wiferion’s acquisition by Tesla came after the company had already begun a pilot program in the US, modifying several electric vehicles, including a Tesla Model 3, to accept up to 11 kilowatts of wireless power from its Halo system through a global licensing agreement with WiTricity.
In other charging news, Tesla’s wired Supercharger network recently reached a milestone of installing its 50,000th stall. Additionally, the company is currently installing the first V4 Supercharger stalls in the United States, which are expected to offer over 250 kW of charging power.
Overall, Tesla’s acquisition of Wiferion and its continued focus on wireless charging technology indicate that the company is still committed to exploring alternative methods of charging electric vehicles without the use of cables.
Tesla Acquires Wiferion Wireless Charging Startup While Retaining Its Engineering Team
In a significant move that highlights Tesla’s commitment to advancing wireless charging technology, the electric vehicle giant has acquired the wireless charging startup, Wiferion. The deal, which was finalized recently, not only demonstrates Tesla’s dedication to offering innovative charging solutions but also highlights the company’s appreciation for the expertise and talent within Wiferion’s engineering team. This acquisition is expected to accelerate Tesla’s wireless charging capabilities while solidifying its position as a pioneering force in the electric vehicle industry.
Wiferion, founded in 2016, has emerged as a leader in wireless charging technology for electric vehicles, industrial equipment, and robotic systems. The company’s groundbreaking solutions have gained recognition for efficiency, reliability, and ease of use. By eliminating the need for physical connectors and cables, Wiferion’s wireless charging technology streamlines the charging process, making it more convenient and accessible for electric vehicle users.
Tesla’s decision to acquire Wiferion is a strategic move aimed at bolstering its charging infrastructure and providing unparalleled convenience for its customers. By leveraging Wiferion’s wireless charging expertise, Tesla aims to enhance its Supercharger network, which currently relies on traditional plug-in charging systems. The acquisition also aligns with Tesla’s long-standing philosophy of developing cutting-edge technologies and pushing the boundaries of what is possible in the electric vehicle market.
Importantly, Tesla’s acquisition of Wiferion also emphasizes the significance of the engineering talent within the startup. Instead of dissolving the engineering team post-acquisition, Tesla has chosen to retain them, recognizing their valuable skills and expertise. This decision underlines Tesla’s commitment to fostering a culture of innovation and collaboration, enabling the company to tap into the Wiferion team’s deep knowledge of wireless charging technologies effectively. By integrating Wiferion’s engineers into its own engineering workforce, Tesla can leverage their capabilities to expedite the development of wireless charging systems customized for Tesla vehicles.
The acquisition of Wiferion comes as a part of Tesla’s broader efforts to expand its charging infrastructure, enabling electric vehicle owners to charge conveniently and rapidly. Tesla’s Supercharger network, considered one of the most extensive and reliable in the world, is continuously evolving to meet the increasing demand for electric vehicle charging. By incorporating wireless charging technology, Tesla aims to further enhance the user experience, providing customers with a seamless and hassle-free charging process.
Furthermore, this acquisition aligns with Tesla’s commitment to sustainability by promoting the adoption of electric vehicles on a global scale. As wireless charging technology becomes more widespread, it eliminates the barriers and inconveniences associated with charging infrastructure, encouraging more individuals to switch to electric vehicles. Tesla’s acquisition of Wiferion highlights its dedication to developing and implementing technologies that drive the widespread adoption of sustainable transportation solutions.
In conclusion, Tesla’s acquisition of the wireless charging startup, Wiferion, signifies a substantial step forward in its commitment to revolutionize the electric vehicle charging experience. By incorporating Wiferion’s wireless charging technology and retaining its engineering talent, Tesla aims to accelerate the development of wireless charging systems customized for its vehicles. This strategic move emphasizes Tesla’s dedication to innovation, sustainability, and providing superior experiences for its customers. With this acquisition, Tesla solidifies its position as a pioneering force in the electric vehicle industry, driving its Supercharger network to new heights and encouraging the wider adoption of electric vehicles worldwide.