Tesla has formally acquired Germany-based wi-fi charging startup, Wiferion, because the automaker is anticipated to launch its personal wi-fi charging platform.

Earlier this yr, we reported that Tesla was the main potential acquirer of Wiferion, a Germany-based wi-fi charging startup identified for inductive charging know-how for industrial robots and electrical autos, in line with official firm paperwork.

Now, a couple of months later, a number of German publications have confirmed that Wiferion has accepted a proposal to be totally acquired by Tesla.

The official value of the transaction hasn’t been disclosed, however as beforehand reported, it’s anticipated to be within the excessive double-digits – possible between $50 and $100 million.

A yr in the past, this transfer would have been shocking for Tesla, which has by no means proven any curiosity in wi-fi charging.

The issue wi-fi charging solves is just not a significant one. It alleviates needing to plug in your automobile, which isn’t a brilliant troublesome or time-consuming job. Nonetheless, Tesla has beforehand talked about automating the duty with the intention to be prepared for self-driving know-how. If the vehicles may drive themselves, it might make sense for them to have the ability to cost themselves with no human needing to plug them in.

Through the years, Tesla has favored an automatic robotic arm as an alternative of wi-fi charging to finish this job, however issues have modified not too long ago.

Earlier this yr, Tesla teased a brand new wi-fi residence charging station – pictured above.

Now it’s possible that this acquisition may speed up this effort.

Wiferion was based in 2016 and has developed inductive charging options for industrial robots and electrical autos. It has reportedly deployed over 8,000 chargers, primarily for industrial robots.