Commercial Partnership Accelerates High-Efficiency Tech for Electric Trucks

2026-11-09 companies

Vancouver, Monday, 9 November 2026.
Hillcrest and Equipmake finalized a commercial licensing deal to deploy power-saving inverter technology in heavy-duty electric vehicles, achieving 99.7% peak efficiency to substantially cut fleet operating costs.

Partnership Formalized to Accelerate Heavy-Duty Electric Vehicle Efficiency

Hillcrest Energy Technologies Ltd. (CSE: HEAT, OTCQB: HLRTF, FSE: 7HI) and Equipmake Limited have finalized a definitive commercial licensing and technology collaboration agreement to jointly develop and license Zero Voltage Switching (ZVS) inverter technology for heavy-duty electric vehicles, as announced on November 9, 2026 [1]. The partnership combines Hillcrest’s proprietary soft-switching architecture with Equipmake’s high-performance electric powertrain systems, targeting energy efficiency gains, reduced thermal losses, and lower total system costs for fleet operators.

ZVS Technology Demonstrates Breakthrough Performance Metrics

Laboratory testing conducted at global automotive OEMs and Tier 1 suppliers has demonstrated the technology’s exceptional efficiency, achieving a peak efficiency of 99.7% [1]. Bench testing reported in a peer-reviewed paper accepted for IEEE ECCE 2026 showed a greater than 90% reduction in motor-terminal voltage overshoot, highlighting ZVS’s capability to enhance reliability and performance in demanding applications [1]. These metrics position ZVS as a potential industry benchmark for next-generation electric vehicle inverters.

Commercial Milestones and Exclusive Rights Framework

Under the agreement, Equipmake will hold exclusive manufacturing and sales rights for Hillcrest’s ZVS-based 800-volt traction inverter in core markets, subject to the achievement of specified acceptance criteria and the payment of royalties [1]. The companies have committed to completing technical specifications and resource plans within six months of the agreement’s signing, followed by a milestone-based development program featuring two prototype stages [1]. The initial commercial term is set for six years post-acceptance, with potential extensions based on performance outcomes.

Strategic Rationale and Market Implications

Don Currie, CEO of Hillcrest Energy Technologies, described the agreement as a milestone-based plan to bring ZVS technology to heavy-duty vehicles, where efficiency, durability, and total system cost are critical factors [1]. Ian Foley, Founder and CEO of Equipmake, emphasized that integrating ZVS into Equipmake’s inverter platform would enable the delivery of drivetrains that are efficient, durable, and cost-effective over long duty cycles, positioning the company to retain existing customers and attract new ones [1]. The collaboration reflects broader industry momentum toward high-efficiency electrification solutions for commercial fleets.

Broader Validation and Industry Sentiment

The definitive agreement follows earlier expressions of interest from major players in the industrial and automotive sectors. Lenze SE signed a Letter of Intent (LOI) in June 2026 to evaluate ZVS for integration into high-power inverter product lines, with activities including technical integration, performance validation, and a commercial study of licensing terms [3][5]. Market observers have noted that the progression from LOI to definitive commercial licensing with Equipmake signals strong technical validation for ZVS, particularly in contrast to any unconfirmed reports of technical underperformance [3][5].

Outlook and Next Steps

The joint development program is structured to deliver prototypes within an initial six-month window, with subsequent certification, manufacturing, and commercialization phases anticipated over the coming years [1]. The agreement also includes provisions for pursuing government grants and other funding opportunities to support the initiative’s scale-up [1]. While specific financial terms of the licensing deal have not been disclosed, the collaboration underscores growing confidence in ZVS technology as a transformative solution for high-power electric vehicle applications.

Sources

Electric vehicles Power electronics