With Matrix Charging, Easelink offers a fully automatic charging solution for e-cars that eliminates the need to manually plug in the charging cable. The Matrix Charging System consists of a unit in the vehicle underbody (connector) and a charging plate (pad) in the parking surface. As soon as the vehicle parks in the parking space above the charging plate, the connector automatically lowers from the vehicle underbody and connects to the charging plate. The charging system is compatible with most major e-car platforms and is being rolled out as a retrofit version as well as factory-installed equipment for new vehicles. As the most cost-effective and energy-efficient solution on the market, Matrix Charging is tapping into the volume segment for automated charging technology in addition to the premium segment.
The financing will further expand Easelink’s product team, deepen collaborations with the automotive and infrastructure industries, and continue the implementation of a global charging standard. Matrix Charging is already in use with strategic partners in several pilot projects, such as the eTaxi Austria project for automated charging of cab fleets in Vienna and Graz.
“In addition to our strong automotive partners, we are pleased to welcome our new investors who bring deep experience in e-vehicle charging infrastructure and the energy sector. This supports our goal to further develop Matrix Charging technology into a global standard,” explains Hermann Stockinger, founder and CEO of Easelink.
“Automated charging is indispensable for the mobility of the future, which will be electric, autonomous and constantly connected. We support the Easelink vision of fully integrating e-cars into a renewable energy system,” affirms Anton Arts, Managing Partner of SET Ventures, a leading venture capitalist in Europe with an investment focus on supporting the global energy transition.
“Easy operation with just a few simple steps is essential for a customer-oriented infrastructure. Matrix Charging is the fully automated charging solution that will accelerate the shift to e-mobility. We believe Easelink is positioning itself with the right technology and will play a key role in the charging space with its talented team. We are excited to be part of this innovation,” explains Dr. Marc Umber, Investment Director of EnBW New Ventures.
Smartworks is the investment vehicle of Wiener Stadtwerke and Wien Energie. Wien Energie is Austria’s largest energy supplier and has the strategic lead in the eTaxi Austria project. “We believe that decentralized and barrier-free charging points in public spaces are necessary for the electrification of urban transport – especially of vehicle fleets. Wien Energie’s successful cooperation with Easelink on the eTaxi Austria project convinced us to also support Easelink as an investor,” informs Andreas Straßer, Managing Director of Smartworks.
Easelink’s seed investor, Dr. Hermann Hauser, co-founder of ARM Limited, also participated in this financing round with his Austrian-based investment company HHI. “As an innovation- and technology-oriented person, I am excited to see how the Easelink team is implementing its ambitious plan,” proclaims Dr. Hermann Hauser.
The companies involved:
Easelink with its headquarters in Graz, Austria, is a high-tech company for the development of the automated conductive charging solution Matrix Charging. Easelink’s patented Matrix Charging technology is the most cost-effective and energy-efficient solution on the market for global automotive manufacturers and their Tier 1 suppliers. Through offices in Austria and China, Easelink is working with a number of leading automotive and infrastructure partners to deliver this technology in a variety of use cases.
SET Ventures is one of the most active European investors in the energy sector and has invested in companies such as Sonnen, Instagrid, Depsys and Energyworx. SET Ventures focuses largely on power generation, energy distribution and storage, and energy efficiency. The SET Fund III provides capital in its early growth phase to innovative companies that are helping to shape the energy transition through intelligent software and service-based business models.
EnBW New Ventures (ENV) supports entrepreneurs who develop sustainable solutions for smart infrastructure. We combine our financially driven VC structure with the reach and capabilities of the EnBW Group. With an investment volume of 100 million euros, ENV offers start-up founders access to professional investor know-how and a customer and supplier network in the energy and infrastructure sectors. The start-ups we invest in scale with EnBW as it transforms into a sustainable and digital infrastructure operator.
Smartworks Innovation is the corporate venture company of Wien Energie and Wiener Stadtwerke. The main goal is to invest in startups that offer innovative solutions to climate change and make Vienna even more livable. These startups support Wien Energie and Wiener Stadtwerke in the ongoing improvement of their operations and service offerings and tackle the challenges of tomorrow. Smartworks focuses on the areas of energy, smart city and digitization of services and operations.
The Hermann Hauser Investment GmbH (HHI) is the Austrian-based investment company of computer entrepreneur and venture capitalist Dr. Hermann Hauser. Since 2016, HHI has invested in more than 30 companies in Austria, Germany, the UK and the Netherlands. The focus is on seed investments in tech startups that have the potential to set new standards globally.
