Voltempo is developing the next generation of rapid chargers for electric vehicles (EVs). Its EV hub charging technology is quick to install and can charge a battery from flat to full in as little as six minutes, making it the world’s fastest charging capability.

The technology is suitable for both large and small vehicle fleets – including for buses, HGVs and taxis – and also for large-scale public charging infrastructure.

Our Energy Launchpad provided expertise in Business Model Innovation to Voltempo to support it on its commercialisation journey and to help boost growth.

Voltempo in one of several SMEs we’re supporting through the Climate Innovation Platform (CIP) Low Carbon Energy Solutions Innovator Challenge, a collaborative programme backed by HSBC UK and the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) and delivered with University of Birmingham.

The Innovation

Voltempo’s innovative EV hub charging technology not only charges at some of the world’s fastest speeds – it’s also able to support a range of charging requirements from just one unit, meaning up to 24 vehicles can share power from a single charger.

The modular central charging hub concept means it’s easier to install and upgrade than other chargers. The entire system is delivered complete to a site for installation in a matter of days, and new power modules and technologies can be plugged in to keep pace with new developments and standards.

A unique smart power management system also ensures Voltempo’s technology is sympathetic to the grid, reducing peak power consumption with minimal impact on charge times.

The Challenge

As the number of EVs on roads around the world increases, demand for fast charging services is going to rise substantially – particularly as EV battery technology becomes increasingly capable of receiving an ultra-rapid charge.

Getting the appropriate type and scale of infrastructure in place today is critical to meet the requirements of EV users over the coming decades, whether that’s motorists needing a quick top-up to local authorities managing a fleet of electric buses. Integrating this charging infrastructure with energy systems in a way that supports decarbonisation progress and ensures resilience remains a key challenge.

Voltempo needed support to help them commercialise its offering, target the right market and prepare for investment to scale.

The Solution

Energy Systems Catapult is home to the Energy Launchpad that draws on Catapult capabilities and assets, along with those of our partners. The Energy Launchpad provides innovators with tailored incubation and acceleration support to selected SMEs to help address systemic barriers, de-risk innovation, help businesses scale and secure investment.

Voltempo is one of several SMEs we’re supporting through the Climate Innovation Platform (CIP) Low Carbon Energy Solutions Innovator Challenge, a collaborative programme backed by HSBC UK and the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) and delivered with University of Birmingham.

We’re providing expertise to Voltempo in the form of:

• Business Model Innovation: Providing support through series of workshops to help accelerate the company’s commercialisation journey. The workshops helped Voltempo understand its target market, implement business modelling techniques and explore routes to market partnerships within the value chain.
• Investor Readiness: Advising and supporting Voltempo to prepare an investor pack, identify target investors and and developing the pitch to help it secure additional funding.

Impact

In October 2023 the eFREIGHT 2030 consortium, led by Voltempo, secured £49.2 million of government support to unlock an expected £500 million private investment by consortium members in electric vehicles and charging hubs by 2030. The announcement was made by Roads Minister, Richard Holden at the Birmingham Energy Innovation Centre.

The eFREIGHT 2030 consortium brings together some of the UK’s leading specialist logistics providers, alongside familiar High Street names and a number of leading hauliers, all seeking to lead the way in decarbonising their operations and business sectors. The project will introduce 100 electric HGV 4×2 and 6×2 tractor units, and 32 new charging locations, all of which will have megawatt-charging capacity from day one.

Roads Minister, Richard Holden, said: 

“Freight and logistics are the beating heart of our economy and it is only right that we celebrate the sector so that it gets the recognition and support it deserves.

“From boosting zero emission tech across freight to attracting the future generation of talent to the industry, we are working hard to drive innovation, create jobs and grow the economy by building a brighter, more innovative future for one of our most crucial industries.”