Hillcrest Successfully Completes Technology Evaluation with Global Tier 1 Automotive Supplier

Executive Summary

• Hillcrest Energy Technologies completed Phase 1 of its Zero Voltage Switching (ZVS) technology evaluation with a global Tier 1 automotive supplier, proving technical feasibility for EV inverter applications.
• The company highlighted up to 99.7% efficiency in prototype inverters and projected 6% system‑level efficiency gains, positioning the technology for near‑term licensing and partnership revenue.
• Hillcrest announced development of its ZVS PCS1000 (200 kW | 1000 V) grid‑connected inverter, with A‑sample prototypes expected in Q2 2026 targeting data centers, energy storage, EV charging and other high‑value markets.

Key Details

• Phase 1 objectives were met: conversion of supplier half‑bridge power modules to ZVS operation, baseline measurements, hardware design, prototype production, double‑pulse testing and final hardware delivery.
• Validation confirms ZVS can be integrated into Tier 1 automotive inverter platforms, delivering measurable performance benefits.
• Automotive inverter prototypes achieved 99.7% efficiency and demonstrated up to 6% system‑level efficiency gains at low‑power operating points (WLTP).
• Commercial focus will prioritize licensing, joint development agreements or strategic partnerships with OEMs, Tier 1 suppliers and other high‑value partners.
• Grid‑connected product roadmap: ZVS PCS1000 (200 kW | 1000 V) targeting data centers, AI workloads, energy storage, EV charging; A‑sample prototypes slated for Q2 2026.
• PCS1000 design offers modular scalability from single units to >1.2 MW installations with N+1 redundancy and hot‑swap capability.
• Efficiency >99% translates to significant cost savings in large data centers (e.g., 0.5% efficiency gain saves ~500 kW on a 100 MW facility).
• Component‑level advantages: ZVS‑optimized inductors provide up to 75% cost reduction, 4× weight reduction, and 3.3× volume reduction versus conventional designs.
• Strategic discussions underway with Pasqua First Nation and Apeiron Resources Ltd. for Canadian manufacturing and commercialization of grid inverter products, emphasizing economic participation and energy sovereignty.

Notable Quotes

“The completion of this project phase represents an important proof point for our technology and demonstrates a clear pathway for ZVS integration into established automotive supplier platforms.” – Don Currie, CEO

“We have demonstrated our technology's practical integration into demanding automotive applications, while simultaneously advancing our grid‑connected product pipeline toward commercial launch.” – Don Currie, CEO