Qualcomm acquires Halo IPT technology underlining confidence in the future of electric vehicles and induction charging technology
Halo IPT’s leading wireless charging technology for electric vehicles, developed by Arup and Auckland Uniservices, has been acquired by Qualcomm Incorporated (NASDAQ: QCOM).
The UK-based technology development company was founded by Auckland University’s technology development vehicle, UniServices, in conjunction with Arup and the support of the Trans Tasman Commercialisation Fund and the New Zealand Venture Investment Fund.
Since its inception in May 2010, Halo IPT has pioneered the development and production of wireless charging technology for the transportation sector. The company’s objective is to bring its wireless charging technology to market for road vehicle applications on a global scale.
”In only 18 months, we have brought world-class university research to the attention of the global automotive industry. Through really innovative design, we have demonstrated the huge potential for wireless charging to the world’s leading vehicle manufacturers.
Electric vehicles hold great promise and the success of HaloIPT demonstrates the value of Arup’s investment of time and resources in activities we feel can make a real difference to the world around us – like developing skills and knowledge needed for a global shift to low carbon economy."
– John Miles, Executive Chairman of HaloIPT and a Director at Arup.
According to Andrew Gilbert, Qualcomm’s Executive Vice President, European Innovation Development, “Qualcomm has been investing in wireless power for a number of years and the HaloIPT acquisition will further strengthen our technology and patent portfolio. Building off 20 years of development and innovation in wireless power at the University of Auckland and the global expertise and market knowledge at Arup, the HaloIPT team has established itself in a relatively short period of time as a leading developer in wireless electric road vehicle charging – with HaloIPT winning industry acclamation and awards.”
Arup has a longstanding interest and expertise in low carbon mobility. The group is currently leading several major projects in this area, including the UK’s CABLED Consortium (Coventry and Birmingham Low Emission Demonstrators) programme – the UK’s largest trial of electric vehicles. This project is one of eight regional trials in the Technology Strategy Board’s Ultra Low Carbon Vehicle Demonstrator programme.
Arup is also leading a consortium contributing to a £11m research programme – led by the Energy Technologies Institute. The initiative aims to support the future roll-out of electric vehicles. Working with the University of Leeds and E.ON, Arup is developing a model to analyse the economics of UK-wide electric and hybrid electric vehicle usage to support potential carbon reduction.