U.S. Wireless Charging Supplier Forms China JV

Richmond, Va.-based Evatran Group Inc. has formed a joint venture with China’s Zhejiang VIE Science and Technology Co. with a combined $5 million investment to market and produce Evatran’s Plugless wireless electric vehicle charging system in China.

The partners expect to be in series production with an unnamed Chinese EV maker next year. They say the new joint venture, called Zhejiang VIE Evatran Electronic Technologies Co., combines Evatran’s technology with VIE’s manufacturing experience and customer relationships.

Evatran's Plugless aftermarket system currently supports 3.3-kW wireless charging for the Cadillac ELR, Chevrolet Volt and Nissan Leaf EV and plug-in hybrid models, according to the company. A second-generation system due later this year will support 7.2-kW charging for the Tesla Model S sedan and 3.6-kW charging for the 2017 Chevy Volt.

Earlier this year VIE invested $3.2 million in Evatran to help the company expand into China and other global markets. The Chinese company produces a variety of automotive components and claims annual sales of more than $1.2 billion.