Copper Taps Miele to Build Its New Charlie 2.0 Battery‑Powered Induction Range — A Landmark Partnership for Clean Cooking
Copper’s mission to make clean cooking easier just took a major step forward. The startup behind the world’s first battery‑powered induction stove has unveiled Charlie 2.0, a faster, more flexible, plug‑and‑play range designed to help households ditch gas without expensive electrical upgrades. And in a move that’s turning heads across the white‑goods sector, Miele will manufacture the new model at its U.S. plant in Opelika, Alabama — the first time in its 127‑year history that the German premium brand has produced an appliance for another company.
A Breakthrough Appliance Gets a Serious Manufacturing Partner
Copper’s original Charlie model proved that battery‑assisted induction could bypass the usual 240‑volt installation barrier. Charlie 2.0 pushes the concept further with:
– 3,000‑watt burners — around 7% more powerful
– Rapid oven preheat — 350°F in roughly four minutes
– Dual‑voltage compatibility — works on 120V or 240V
– 5 kWh internal battery — enough stored energy to keep cooking during outages
But the real story is the manufacturing shift. Copper is moving production from China to the U.S., and Miele is stepping in as the builder — a partnership that blends startup innovation with century‑old engineering discipline.
Why Miele Is Getting Involved
This isn’t a casual OEM deal. It’s a strategic alignment.
1. A Controlled, Premium Manufacturing Environment
Miele’s Opelika facility already produces high‑end ovens and ranges. It’s built for precision, consistency, and long‑term reliability — exactly what Copper needs as it scales a complex, battery‑integrated appliance.
2. A New Category With Long‑Term Potential
Battery‑assisted appliances are emerging as a practical pathway to electrification. For Miele, partnering with Copper offers:
– Early access to a fast‑growing niche
– Insight into battery‑integrated cooking systems
– A foothold in future “plug‑anywhere” appliance categories
This is Miele quietly positioning itself for the next decade of home electrification.
3. A Values Alignment Around Clean Cooking
Copper’s mission — reducing indoor air pollution and helping households transition off gas — aligns with Miele’s long‑standing “Immer Besser” ethos. Clean cooking, better indoor air quality, and safer kitchens are becoming mainstream consumer priorities.
4. A U.S. Manufacturing Boost
Producing Charlie 2.0 in Alabama gives Copper:
– Shorter supply chains
– Higher quality control
– Faster delivery
– Better access to U.S. incentives for electrification
And it gives Miele a new revenue stream without diluting its brand.
What Copper Gains From Miele
Copper gets more than a factory — it gets credibility.
– Premium‑grade build quality
– A manufacturing partner trusted by retailers
– A smoother path into showrooms and distribution networks
– A production footprint that can scale with demand
For a young company selling a £5,000+ appliance, Miele’s involvement is a major trust signal.
Real‑World Demand Is Rising Fast
Copper has already sold thousands of units and is expanding its installer network across major U.S. cities. Key milestones include:
– First retail partnership with Royal Green Appliance
– A $32 million New York City programme to design and install 10,000 plug‑in induction stoves in public housing
– A 100‑unit pilot beginning next year
Charlie 2.0 is built specifically to meet this demand — and Miele’s manufacturing muscle ensures Copper can deliver.
Price and Positioning
Starting at $6,799, Charlie 2.0 sits above traditional induction ranges. But for households switching from gas, avoiding a 240‑volt electrical upgrade can make it the cheaper overall option.
What This Means for the White Goods Sector
This partnership is a signal. Battery‑integrated appliances are moving from niche innovation to commercial reality. Copper brings the breakthrough; Miele brings the manufacturing discipline. Together, they’re creating a new category: premium, plug‑anywhere induction cooking.
Expect more manufacturers to explore battery‑assisted cooking, laundry, and heating solutions as consumers look for cleaner, simpler home upgrades — and as governments push for electrification without costly infrastructure changes.
