General Motors (News - Alert) decided to go wireless. In this Reuters report, the company shared that it has invested $5 million in wireless charging startup Powermat and plans to add its technology for small consumer electronics to GM vehicles like the Chevy Volt in 2012.
The investment was made through the GM Ventures and is expected to support the company’s development of the technology. GM is hoping to adopt the technology quickly in the auto sector, as well as other areas, according to GM executives.
This move into wireless is part of a larger effort by GM to establish a reputation as a technology leader. The company is leveraging the development of its Chevy Volt plug-in hybrid as proof of its commitment. GM also promotes that the Volt runs first on electricity with a gasoline engine that will extend its range.
Times are looking much better for GM, a company that entered government-funded bankruptcy at the onset of the deep recession. The company emerged from this bankruptcy in July of 2009 and last year completed the largest-ever IPO. The automaker now plans a sharp turnover of its vehicle lineup.
The multiyear and multimillion-dollar commercial deal with Powermat technology ensures GM has exclusive use of the platform for one year. The automaker can place the system in vehicles worldwide.
GM Ventures President, Jon Lauckner, told Reuters (News 
- Alert) that this technology transcends any particular brand of vehicle, any particular market segment and any particular customer group.
The GM investment is convertible to equity in Powermat within six months and is the third publicly announced investment for GM Ventures. The division also invested in electric car startup Bright Automotive and lithium ion battery developer Sakti3 and expects to make two more announcements shortly.
GM plans to demonstrate the power of Volt at CES this week. The demo vehicle has charging mats in the front console and in the back seat. This will be one of the first vehicles to receive the wireless charging technology. The automaker has not yet decided which vehicles will lead the pack on integrating the new technology.
Founded in 2007, Powermat has already sold millions of its wireless systems that can charge a smartphone, music player, handheld games and other devices. The company expects to experience “hockey stick” type growth, according to Chief Executive, Ran Poliakine.
Susan J. Campbell is a contributing editor for TMCnet and has also written for eastbiz.com. To read more of Susan’s articles, please visit her columnist page.Edited by
Jaclyn Allard
