Technology

Meet the Only Worldwide ZVS Inverter Manufacturer

Are you looking to invest in a soon-to-become leader company that accelerates Canada’s and the world’s energy transition? Hillcrest Energy (CSE: HEAT, OTC: HLRTF, FRA: 7HIA) will likely be the one you would go for.

Marc Zerbola Challande
August 9, 2023
3
 min read

Article Highlights

Are you looking to invest in a soon-to-become leader company that accelerates Canada’s and the world’s energy transition? Hillcrest Energy (CSE: HEAT, OTC: HLRTF, FRA: 7HIA) will likely be the one you would go for. The Company’s breakthrough technology helps to reduce by 15% the cost/weight/size of batteries & augments by 13% EV performances. Choosing Hillcrest Energy means a win-win for both EV manufacturers and users. 

Why Does the Electric Vehicle Market Matter? 

The EV Market is already a boiling sector. First and foremost, there is a genuine concern about our planet and climate change, leading to a worldwide politic of decarbonization. This translates into changing our daily habits and, more significantly, our transportation service. In addition, demanding emission standards and regulations are passed by governments and environmental groups all over the world to reduce automobile emissions in response to rising environmental concerns. It is anticipated that this would raise customer demand for electric vehicles and spur industry growth. The Electric Vehicle Market was valued at USD $193.55B in 2022 and is expected to grow quickly. Indeed researches indicate it should expand at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 17.30% until 2030 to top USD $693.7B. 

As an investor, you will be delighted to see the EV inverter market currently witnesses tremendous growth. It is expected to grow at a CAGR of 22.66% until 2027, reaching USD $14.1B by 2027. 

Why is Hillcrest Energy Innovative? 

Hillcrest Energy’s breakthrough technology is explained in a single word: inverters. If you are unfamiliar with EV technology, inverters convert DC power to AC power in the motor. They change the motor’s rotation speed by adjusting the frequency of the alternating current. The current issue manufacturers face is the most recent inverters reduce switching losses thanks to hard-switched bandgaps, but this approach compromises performance, reliability, longevity, and safety. This is where the company comes into play. 

Hillcrest developed a Zero Voltage Switching inverter, meaning that operating frequencies are at higher voltage and improve efficiency, thermal control, and system reliability. The positive impact has been tested and proven: 

Hillcrest Energy also thought about conquering the most market share possible. Its universal technology means the system can operate on any motor without restrictions. It took a year and a half to develop the ZVS inverter and now is time to commercialize it. On April 18, the company share in a news release that it successfully completed its first bench test for a global Tier One automotive supply. Down the road, the ultimate goal is to deliver an optimized inverter, followed by the potential commercialization of a 350-kW product in 2024. 

This is the first of several testing configurations that will be conducted with the supplier in 2023. The integration of the customer’s motor with the Hillcrest SiC inverter at the Hillcrest plant will be the following significant step, which will be followed by the integration of the inverter and motor into a demonstration system at the customer’s facility. The MOU plans to go on to the integration of a 350kW Hillcrest inverter for future commercialization after these goals have been met. As a reminder, Hillcrest signed a Memorandum Of Understanding with Hercules Electric Mobility to collaborate, build and test powertrains for a range of e-mobility products. 

“Completion of this milestone provides yet another validation of the capabilities of our proprietary ZVS technology. I’m extremely proud of the team and the results we’ve achieved and excited to move forward to the next phase of activities with the global Tier One supplier.”
Hillcrest CTO, Ari Berger.

The company’s product portfolio doesn’t stop here. Hillcrest also develops an enhanced powertrain solution that will increase the charging efficiency by up to 14% as it will eliminate onboard chargers and boosters. 

Share Structure / Financials

The latest financial statements occurred for the period ending December 31, 2022. At this time, the company had $456.2k in cash, $3.1M in total assets, and $690k in total liabilities. 324.8M shares were issued and outstanding, and the company also has 36.5M warrants at $0.29 and 21.6M options at $0.18. Because Hillcrest currently doesn’t have revenue, it led the board to issue a $2M private placement. 25M additional shares were issued at $0.08, and each share was entitled to a $0.15 warrant (available for 24 months). The net proceeds will be used for ongoing technology development, commercialization activities, and general working capital. 

Despite market uncertainties, the company’s stock price remained relatively steady. Over the last 52 weeks, the stock variated between $0.07 to $0.18 and now trades at $0.10 (May 3, 2023). 

Keep in mind 2023 is a transitional year for Hillcrest as the company moves from testing to commercialization, and other products will be available by 2024.  

“Hillcrest creates solutions that unlock efficiencies in electrification and maximize the performance of integrated electric systems now and into the future. From concept to commercialization, we are investing in the development of energy solutions that will power a more sustainable and electrified future.”

What We Like About Hillcrest Energy (CSE: HEAT, OTC: HLRTF, FRA: 7HIA)

  • The urgent need for more efficient power electronic solutions is driving up global demand;
  • The pipeline of new technologies that are now being developed offers significant advantages;
  • Hillcrest Energy’s technology provides benefits to EV users and manufacturers;
  • The  ZVS inverter is unique in the world and solely held by the company;
  • Commercialization of its  is expected to happen as of 2024;
  • The company is well-funded thanks to the $2M recent financing. 

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