By ATN
Summary: The Matrix Charging Interest Group (MCIG) has been established to standardize Matrix Charging, an automated conductive charging technology developed by Austrian company Easelink. Founded by Audi, Easelink, Nissan, and Voyah, the group aims to coordinate industry-wide adoption as multiple global vehicle manufacturers integrate the technology into future platforms. MCIG will work alongside existing ISO and IEC standardization efforts, operating under Fair, Reasonable, And Non-Discriminatory (FRAND) licensing terms to ensure patent access and interoperability.
Key engineering takeaway: Matrix Charging uses automated conductive connection rather than wireless induction, with MCIG coordinating interface parameters and specifications to ensure cross-manufacturer compatibility between vehicles and charging infrastructure.
Why it matters: Standardization is critical for scaled deployment of automated charging systems, and establishing industry consensus now—while vehicles are still in series development—prevents fragmentation that has plagued other EV charging standards and enables seamless infrastructure rollout.
Today, the Matrix Charging Interest Group (MCIG) announces the start of an industry cooperation to standardize the Matrix Charging technology – an automated conductive charging solution for electric vehicles developed by the Austrian tech company Easelink.
Vehicle manufacturers from across the world are incorporating Matrix Charging into the series development plans for their future vehicle platforms. These vehicle manufacturers urgently need the standardization of this automated charging interface to ensure interoperability between all vehicles and the automated charging infrastructure.
The MCIG sees itself as a complementary platform to the standardization work already underway in ISO and IEC committees. Its purpose is to enhance traditional standardization processes with industry-driven, Matrix Charging-specific coordination. This will allow all relevant interface parameters and specifications to be harmonized at the necessary speed, in parallel with series development.
MCIG’s Fair, Reasonable, And Non-Discriminatory (FRAND) licensing policy gives product developers access to essential patents, enabling competition, innovation, product differentiation, and broad market availability.
“Our goal is to establish Matrix Charging as the global standard for automated charging. By making our essential patents available on FRAND terms, we give MCIG members maximum operational flexibility and planning security for both the use and further development of the technology.”
Hermann Stockinger, founder and CEO
The MCIG is chaired by Menno Treffers, who brings decades of industry experience in interface standardization. He previously served as Chairman of the Wireless Power Consortium and Secretary General of the Zhaga Consortium.
“MCIG follows the successful model of Special Interest Groups, such as those behind the development of Bluetooth and NFC. Its mission is to standardize the Matrix Charging interface, oversee its cross-industry market introduction, and ensure validation, testing, and certification in line with clearly defined industry specifications.”
Menno Treffers, Chairman of the MCIG
The foundings member of MCIG are Audi, Easelink, Nissan, and Voyah. Companies with strategic interest in the development and market rollout of Matrix Charging are invited to actively participate in shaping the standard.
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