VERBUND X Ventures invests in the Graz-based high-tech startup Easelink
Automated charging as a key technology for the e-mobility of the future: VERBUND X Ventures, the corporate venture capital unit of Austrian energy firm VERBUND, is investing 1.5 million euros in Easelink, a leading high-tech start-up based in Graz. The investment will support Easelink in expanding international customer relationships with automotive manufacturers and in further developing the global industry standard.
Pioneer in automated charging technology electric vehicles
Easelink was founded with the vision of revolutionising the charging infrastructure for electric vehicles. The patented Matrix Charging® technology enables fully automated, conductive charging of electric vehicles without having to manually plug in a charging cable. As soon as the vehicle is positioned over a charging plate, the Matrix Charging® Pad, a connector is lowered from the underbody of the car and connects to the plate fully automatically. This method is characterised by a transmission efficiency of over 99%, making it one of the most energy-efficient automated charging solutions on the market.
“The automated charging solution from Easelink offers the potential to significantly support electromobility and accelerate the transition to a sustainable energy system,” explains Michael Strugl, CEO of VERBUND AG. “With this investment, we are making an important contribution to decarbonisation in Europe by further developing innovative, customer-oriented solutions in the field of electromobility.”
Strong market opportunities and the importance of automated charging infrastructure
Electromobility is gaining in importance around the world. Sales of around 9 million electric vehicles per year are expected in Europe by 2030 (Forbes 2024). Nevertheless, the charging infrastructure remains one of the biggest challenges for the broad-based introduction of electric vehicles. With its Matrix Charging® technology, Easelink is positioning itself as a leading provider of a solution that significantly simplifies and automates the charging process.
“Easelink is pursuing a high level of ambition with a potentially disruptive technology developed in Austria. This innovation fits in with our strategy of promoting disruptive technologies. Close cooperation with Easelink is particularly important to us in order to support the company in scaling and further developing its business models,” adds Franz Zöchbauer, Managing Director of VERBUND X Ventures.
Cooperation partnerships and international growth
Easelink is already working with leading car manufacturers who want to integrate Matrix Charging® technology into their future vehicle models. With branches in Austria and China as well as a highly qualified team of about 40 employees, Easelink is superbly positioned to tap into the international market. Thanks to its first-mover position and comprehensive patent protection, the company has a significant competitive advantage in the field of charging infrastructure.
“We are convinced that automated charging is the key to the widespread adoption of electromobility. With Matrix Charging®, we offer an efficient and user-friendly solution that benefits both end users and the infrastructure itself,” says Hermann Stockinger, CEO and founder of Easelink.
By investing in Easelink, VERBUND X Ventures is emphasising its commitment to innovation in the energy sector and the promotion of electromobility. Easelink will use its technology to help increase the acceptance of electric vehicles and improve the energy management of the future.
About Easelink
Easelink, headquartered in Graz, is a high-tech company that develops the Matrix Charging® automated conductive charging solution. Easelink’s patented Matrix Charging® technology is the most cost-effective and energy-efficient solution on the market for global car manufacturers and their Tier 1 suppliers. With offices in Austria and China and around 40 employees, Easelink works with a number of leading automotive and infrastructure partners to deliver this technology in a range of applications.
Contact / Please direct inquiries to
Patricia Krenn, MSc
Head of Marketing & Communications
Mobile: +43 (0) 676 848 741 220
Email: patricia.krenn@easelink.com
Website: www.easelink.com