Watertown, Massachusetts – Wireless power transfer technology company WiTricity is buying technology from cellphone chip maker Qualcomm Inc. The deal will streamline technology development that enables electric vehicle (EV) charging by simply parking over wireless charging ground pads located at home, in garages, and public parking spots
EV drivers will be able to recharge hands-free, without the need for cables. Electrified autonomous vehicle (AV) fleets will require wireless charging since there will be no human drivers present to plug in.
Through the transaction, Qualcomm Incorporated will become a minority WiTricity shareholder.
“WiTricity’s wireless charging technology is key to the future of mobility which is clearly electric, and increasingly shared and autonomous,” said WiTricity CEO Alex Gruzen. “EV drivers and fleets demand a simple, effortless charging experience. Bringing the Qualcomm Halo technology into the WiTricity portfolio will simplify global interoperability and significantly accelerate commercialization.”
Qualcomm and WiTricity have been collaborating with global standards organizations to establish protocols for each company. The acquisition will simplify ratification of the standard and help ensure interoperability across automakers.
“With Qualcomm technology and expertise, we have been able to deliver innovative automotive solutions, like Qualcomm Halo wireless electric vehicle charging (WEVC), not only to support the shared vision of a more efficient, safer and cleaner urban mobility, but also to transform the automotive experience,” said Steve Pazol, advisor, and former vice president and general manager of wireless charging at Qualcomm.
Last year, BMW’s 530e iPerformance sedan came factory equipped with WiTricity technology.