Hillcrest and Equipmake to Develop Inverter for Heavy-Duty EVs

Hillcrest Energy Technologies Ltd. has entered into a Technology Collaboration Agreement with Equipmake Limited to develop an 800-volt traction inverter using Hillcrest's Zero Voltage Switching (ZVS) technology. This inverter is targeted at heavy-duty trucks, buses, and off-highway equipment. If successful, Equipmake will exclusively manufacture and distribute the inverter, paying Hillcrest royalties on sales.

The collaboration seeks to improve energy efficiency and reduce noise and voltage spikes in electric vehicles. Hillcrest's ZVS technology has shown a promising 99.7% efficiency in lab tests, with reduced electromagnetic interference and motor-terminal voltage overshoot.

This Agreement marks Hillcrest's first definitive commercial licensing partnership, providing a pathway to market without the need to develop its own manufacturing capabilities. Equipmake will integrate ZVS technology into its existing products, potentially gaining a market advantage.