10. October 2024

VERBUND X Ventures invests in Graz-based deep-tech company Easelink

Automated charging as a key technology for the e-mobility of the future.

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From left to right: Gregor Eckard (Easelink), Sara Toth (Verbund X), Hermann Stockinger (Easelink), Peter Schiff (Verbund X)
Press Releases

VERBUND X Ventures, the corporate venture capital unit of Austrian energy company VERBUND, is investing EUR 1.5 million in Easelink, a leading high-tech company based in Graz. The investment supports Easelink in expanding international customer relationships with OEMs and in further developing the global industry standard.

Pioneer of automated charging technology for electric vehicles

Easelink was founded with the vision of revolutionizing the charging infrastructure for electric vehicles. The patented Matrix Charging® technology enables fully automated, conductive charging of electric vehicles without manually plugging in a charging cable. As soon as the vehicle is positioned over a charging pad, the Matrix Charging® Pad, a connector lowers from the underbody of the car and connects to the pad fully automatically. This method is characterized by a transmission efficiency of over 99%, making it one of the market’s most energy-efficient automated charging solutions.

Easelink's automated charging solution offers the potential to significantly support electromobility and accelerate the transition to a sustainable energy system. With this investment, we are making an important contribution to decarbonization in Europe by further developing innovative, customer-oriented solutions in the field of electromobility.
Michael Strugl, CEO of VERBUND AG

Strong market opportunities and the importance of automated charging infrastructure

E-mobility is gaining in importance worldwide. By 2030, around 9 million electric vehicles are expected to be sold annually in Europe. Nevertheless, the charging infrastructure remains one of the biggest challenges for the widespread introduction of electric vehicles. With its Matrix Charging® technology, Easelink is positioning itself as a leading solution provider 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. It is particularly important for us to work closely with Easelink to support the company in scaling and further developing its business models.
Franz Zöchbauer, Managing Director at VERBUND X Ventures

Cooperation and international growth

Easelink is already working with leading car manufacturers who want to integrate Matrix Charging® technology into their future vehicle models. With offices in Austria and China and a highly qualified team of around 40 employees, Easelink is ideally 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.
Hermann Stockinger, CEO & Founder of Easelink

By investing in Easelink, VERBUND X Ventures underlines its commitment to innovation in the energy sector and the promotion of e-mobility. Easelink is a key player whose technology will help to increase the acceptance of electric vehicles and improve the energy management of the future.

About VERBUND

VERBUND is Austria’s leading energy company and one of the largest producers of electricity from hydropower in Europe. The company generates around 98% of its electricity from renewable energy sources, primarily hydropower. VERBUND trades in electricity in 12 countries and, with around 3,800 employees, achieved a Group result of around EUR 2,266 million and EBITDA of around EUR 4,490 million in 2023. With subsidiaries and partners, VERBUND is active in everything from electricity generation and transportation to international trading and sales. VERBUND has been listed on the Vienna Stock Exchange since 1988 and 51% of the share capital is held by the Republic of Austria.

VERBUND is the key player for the success of the energy transition in Austria. The challenges that lie ahead require the entire company to take a unified approach, which VERBUND is driving forward with Mission V. Mission V is a long-term and comprehensive transformation program and stands for the will to confront the climate crisis as a force for change. This program is based on the VERBUND Strategy 2030 with its three thrusts: Strengthening the integrated domestic market, expanding renewable energies in Europe and establishing ourselves as a European hydrogen player. With Mission V, VERBUND is accelerating the achievement of the strategic goals for 2030 and ensuring their implementation. Further information: www.verbund.com

About Easelink

Easelink is a high-tech company headquartered in Graz, Austria, and dedicated to development of the automated conductive charging solution “Matrix Charging®” for electric vehicles. The innovative character of Easelink can be seen in its many patents and trademarks. Easelink, with sites in Austria and China, currently has approx. 40 employees and actively contributes to various standardization bodies for charging technology, such as the relevant working groups of the Charging Interface Initiative (CharIn), the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) and the International Organization for Standardization (ISO). Within the framework of cooperative projects, a number of leading automotive manufacturers and suppliers, infrastructure providers and vehicle fleet operators are already making use already of the innovative Matrix Charging® technology.