Our Technology
Freedom. To create a better way
We need a new approach to electric charging. We need a world where chargers work every time, are available on arrival, charge faster and are simple and easy to use. To be designed as critical infrastructure. Not a short-lifetime fix. Charge anxiety is a real issue. We exist to overcome the challenges that hold our EV charging infrastructure back and build the capabilities of the future.
We gave ourselves the freedom to think differently, to reimagine a better way - from a blank piece of paper throwing out all the rules, using the best engineering talent and collaborating with leading visionaries, customers and suppliers. A new answer to the problem, rather than adapting an existing solution. It’s in our culture to push the boundaries of technology – as evidenced by seven UK Government grants we’ve won for innovation.
Our solution is transformational. Our patented rapid/ultra rapid charging technology, SDC (sinusoidal direct current) radically simplifies the AC-DC conversion process at the heart of DC fast chargers. It allows us to engineer a fast charging solution with superior reliability, scalability, modularity, availability and efficiency. Our technology solves the problems of today and provides the capabilities needed for the future of electrification.
Our innovative SDC technology is being delivered through Innovate UK projects FFLIP and ULTRA and has already been recognised with industry awards. Full details of Petalite’s DC rapid and ultra rapid chargers will be published closer to our commercial launch.
SDC explained
Our technology, take a closer look
At the heart of every fast charger is the crucial conversion of AC power from the grid, into the DC power that flows directly to the battery of an electric vehicle. At Petalite, we’ve pioneered and patented a completely new AC-DC conversion methodology that has game-changing benefits over existing technologies today. We’ve provided a new solution rather than adapting the existing approach to EV charging technology.
SDC technology combines the power factor front end of AC with the DC DC conversion stage, simplifying the implementation. Using Silicon Carbide (SiC) MOSFET technology and a proprietary high power high frequency (HPHF) transformer, in-house designed, each of the three phases are combined to create a DC output with reduced ripple. Utilising symmetry to ensure operational balance is the core design principle for our power conversion stage.
The benefits of SDC technology
Enhanced Reliability
By simplifying power supply design and utilising robust components, our technology eliminates the most complex circuitry, resulting in superior reliability.
Unmatched Power Scalability
Our SDC technology offers an unlimited ability to parallel power supplies, allowing for effortlessly scaling of charging power.
Superior Availability
SDC allows for unmatched power supply redundancy and modularity. In the event of single power supply failure, the system experiences only a fractional loss in output.
Best-In-Class Efficiency
Using the latest silicon carbide technology, SDC boasts best-in-class system efficiency, power factor and harmonics which reduces energy losses and minimises grid instability.
A better way reimagined
Robert Nash, Chief Technical Officer
Our technology in his own words:
“The SDC approach allows us to guarantee maximum availability, usability, and redundancy. The problems with existing technology is it’s based-on solutions that weren't designed for the problem it’s trying to answer".
Progressing forwards with the best engineers
From our West Midlands roots in the UK, renowned for its rich industrial heritage, we are creating technology that is moving the world forwards. We are a strong, experienced team unified around a shared purpose: to revolutionise electric charging technology. We are an engineering company first and foremost with power electronics ingrained in our DNA. We cannot progress without our people next to us. Diverse expertise across hardware, software, mechanical, systems, safety and quality assurance - driven by a shared commitment to engineering excellence. We exist to solve the challenges of electric charging. We confront them head on.
We welcome your questions...
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The time it takes to charge an electric vehicle (EV) depends on many factors as well as the maximum speed of the charger such as:
• vehicle battery size
• the charging capacity of the vehicle
• vehicle state of charge
• weather conditions
As a rough estimate, a high-end EV could charge from 20% to 80% in as little as 10-20 minutes using Petalite’s standard charge posts. To understand more about factors affecting and differences in charging speeds read our EV charging speeds explained blog.
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Petalite has established a partnership with one of the world’s leading electronics manufacturers. Our products are designed fully in-house, with manufacture and testing outsourced via a nearby facility in Europe.
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Dynamic power management is the capability to dynamically distribute power over multiple charge points. Petalite’s dynamic power management system is unique in both the amount of central power it can distribute and the number of charge points it can distribute that central power across.
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Our standard charge posts for EVs are capable at charging in excess of 350kW through a 500A cable. The power is limited by the temperature of the cable and battery technology of the EV under charge.
Our higher power charging posts for heavier vehicles will be capable of megawatt charging, future proofed for a Megawatt Charging System (MCS).
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Petalite’s commercial launch will be in 2025.
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Further details of Petalite’s products will be published in 2025. Petalite has a roadmap for product development beyond 2027.
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