Tesla is set to buy a major share in Freiburg-based start-up Wiferion, known for its innovative wireless charging systems for industrial applications. The High-Tech Gründerfonds, a federal initiative to boost start-ups, is among the largest shareholders with a 13.55 percent stake, and is ready to finalize the sale, reports Gründerszene (via Teslamag.de).
The proposed sale reported on Tuesday has been corroborated by official documents. Publicly available business registry entries show that Wiferion’s shareholders had their intent to sell the shares verified on June 12th at a notary office. The purchaser was named as Tesla International BV, Tesla’s Netherlands-based European branch.
The sales process is well underway, according to the Gründerszene report. Two of Wiferion’s investors have confirmed that the sale has been finalized, though they have not disclosed the exact terms. The identity of the buying party was also not directly mentioned, yet the reference in the notary document provides a strong hint that Tesla is indeed the interested party.
Wiferion, established in 2016, specializes in providing battery and wireless charging systems for factory vehicles and robots in the industrial sector. Their technology promises nearly instantaneous charging transition, offering systems capable of delivering up to 12 kilowatts of power.
Tesla’s acquisition of Wiferion is likely to enhance its battery production and electric car factories worldwide. With rumors of a wireless home charging solution for Tesla electric cars emerging as early as March this year, this move could be a strategic play. Moreover, the purchase could potentially contribute to the development of “Optimus,” a humanoid robot under construction by Tesla, which might also benefit from wireless charging technology.
Part of Tesla’s recent Investor Day in March, the company shared a slide deck that read “Can’t Forget to Do Cool S***” and teased a picture of a Model S that seemingly was parked above a wireless charging mat. Ever since then speculation has run rampant wireless charging may arrive one day for Tesla owners.