Hillcrest Energy Technologies announces it has signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with a global Tier 1 automotive leader in mobility innovation. According to the terms of the MOU, Hillcrest and the supplier will collaborate to integrate an optimized version of Hillcrest's 250-kilowatt (kW), 800-Volt (V) inverter into a future powertrain system. The joint project is expected to run through 2023.

Throughout the process, Hillcrest and this new partner will test a series of configurations with the end goal of commercializing a nominal 350kW product that takes advantage of Hillcrest's unique and highly efficient inverter. The adaptable nature of Hillcrest's technology allows a high level of optimization and seamless integration with the supplier's future product. Hillcrest's inverter technology is designed to be smaller, lighter and more powerful than currently available inverters.

By leveraging higher switching frequencies and soft switching capabilities, Hillcrest's inverter technology has been proven in product testing to reduce losses and dramatically improve inverter efficiency, performance and reliability. Hillcrest's 250kW, 800V Silicon Carbide (SiC) commercial inverter prototype uses these benefits to improve performance of the full system. Optimized versions of this inverter can be deployed in a variety of power systems, from commercial and industrial electric transport to grid-tied renewable energy and storage.

The company expects these systems to deliver increased efficiency, performance, payload and reliability while decreasing overall weight, complexity and cost.