Project background
Voltempo became the first industry partner to trial at the University of Strathclyde’s Advanced Net Zero Innovation Centre (ANZIC), running early validation of its next-generation HyperCharger—a modular Megawatt Charging System (MCS) designed and manufactured in Birmingham for electric heavy goods vehicles (eHGVs) and commercial fleets. The architecture is scalable beyond 1 MVA and supports simultaneous rapid charging across multiple outlets, positioning it for depot and hub applications central to the UK’s freight decarbonisation plans. The ANZIC engagement was delivered with PNDC (a University of Strathclyde facility), marking the first full-scale industrial trial at the centre and showing how academic–industry collaboration can de-risk grid-connected, megawatt-scale EV infrastructure prior to field deployment.
The testing method and results
Testing focused on grid-interface behaviour and efficiency under controlled conditions. An EGSTON 1 MW AC grid emulator supplied the charger, while an ETPS 1.08 MW bidirectional programmable DC load absorbed output current— enabling control of voltage and dynamic load profiles representing different load conditions.
Key findings:
- Voltage THD remained below 8% across all scenarios, aligning with limits referenced in IEEE 519-2022 and the UK ENA G5/5 recommendation used to guide analysis.
- Current THD at full load (1 MW AC input) measured 3.01%, within the 5% IEEE 519-2022 threshold; individual harmonic components were also within permissible ranges.
These results indicate low harmonic emissions, supporting compatibility with typical UK distribution networks.
The distinct capability at ANZIC
ANZIC brings multi-megawatt, multi-voltage level testing capacity together with power-hardware-in-the-loop capability, allowing industry to evaluate devices at full scale under controllable, repeatable conditions. For Voltempo, ANZIC’s platform made it possible to emulate real-world grid and fleet conditions—including circulating power within the test network—without the practical limitations of vehicle batteries or live grid connections. This accelerated iteration on control strategies and thermal performance while giving early visibility of grid-interface behaviour. As PNDC’s first project delivered at ANZIC, the trial showcased a national testbed for high-power EV infrastructure, helping shorten the path from prototype to deployment.
Dr Kyle Jennett, Lead R&D Engineer at PNDC, adds: “This project showcases ANZIC’s new grid emulator and DC power-supply systems, giving industry a controlled yet highly realistic testbed for advanced clean energy technologies—underscoring the importance of collaboration between industry and academia to accelerate the decarbonisation of transport.”
The next stage for Voltempo deployment
Building on the ANZIC validation, Voltempo is progressing commercial rollout through eFREIGHT 2030, leading development of what is set to become the UK’s largest HGV-only EV charging network, with a roadmap to national deployment by 2026. The power-quality assurance achieved at ANZIC will inform site selection, complex grid connections and operational strategies as delivery scales.
Why it matters
Decarbonising HGVs is pivotal to the UK’s net-zero transition. Demonstrating that a megawatt-class vehicle charger meets harmonic limits under realistic, stress-tested conditions—and doing so in a facility that can replicate challenging grid states—reduces risk for fleets and network operators alike and smooths the path to large-scale, low-carbon freight.