A Decade Later, No One Can Get Wireless Charging Right
- Israeli company has tried one business model after another
- With competition heating up, Powermat is roiled by infighting
A Powermat Technologies charging spot. Photographer: Chris Ratcliffe/Bloomberg
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When he started Powermat Technologies Inc. in 2006, Ran Poliakine envisioned a cordless future where millions of consumers would watch television, charge their phones and power up their kids’ toys without plugging into a wall socket.
A decade on, Poliakine’s vision is a long way off. While Powermat’s charging technology is increasingly being used in phones, cars and Starbucks cafes, widespread adoption remains elusive. It doesn’t help that the Israeli company is being roiled by management infighting, dividing the board and prompting Chief Executive Officer Thorsten Heins to offer his resignation.