Search: HeyCharge

Munich-based HeyCharge has secured a €2.5 million grant from the European Innovation Council Accelerator to fund its SecureCharge FLEX project, which will accelerate development, certification, and large scale piloting of its patented offline EV charging platform across multiple European countries. The company, backed by BMW i Ventures, Statkraft Ventures, and Y Combinator, has raised €6.3 million in total private funding to date. HeyCharge's technology eliminates the need for communications infrastructure in underground garages, cutting installation costs by more than 40 per cent, according to founder and CEO Chris Cardé.

Why it matters: The grant supports a solution targeting apartment dwellers and underground parking, where nearly half of Europe's population lives and where internet dependent chargers often fail. Lower installation costs and no ongoing communications infrastructure requirements could open new procurement opportunities for residential and mixed use developments across Europe.

South Korea is moving to strengthen oversight of its electric vehicle charging sector as Chinese manufacturers gain market share. The policy shift comes as domestic players expand: Chaevi, the country's largest rapid charging operator with more than 5,700 ports, has filed for a Kosdaq listing, while SK Signet has partnered with a BlackRock backed renewable energy startup to roll out ultra fast charging infrastructure. BMW Group Korea, GS Group and LG Group have also opened a new EV Charging Hub Lounge in Seoul, and Humax has teamed with Germany's HeyCharge to develop next generation commercial chargers.

Why it matters: Tighter regulatory control in South Korea signals a potential shift in procurement rules that could favour domestic suppliers and reshape tender criteria for CPOs and OEMs operating in the market. The flurry of partnerships and IPO activity underscores strong investor appetite and competitive pressure, making it a bellwether for how other Asian markets may respond to Chinese hardware dominance.