TUAL Deploys Battery-Buffered Chargers for UK Utility Fleet
TUAL has installed its PowerUp battery-integrated DC fast chargers at three SP Energy Networks sites in the UK.
Charging technology firm TUAL has deployed its PowerUp Charger systems at three UK sites operated by utility SP Energy Networks. The rollout follows a successful pilot in Middlewich, Cheshire, and aims to support the electrification of the utility's fleet where conventional grid connections are insufficient.
SP Energy Networks, which manages electricity transmission and distribution, will use the chargers at its locations in Middlewich, Liverpool, and Cambuslang near Glasgow. The company's operational needs require charging to fit into 30-minute breaks during vehicle restocking visits. TUAL's system provides a solution that meets this tight schedule while handling site-specific grid limitations.
How the PowerUp Technology Works
The PowerUp Charger combines integrated battery energy storage with high-power DC charging. It draws and stores energy from the available grid supply over time, then delivers it rapidly to vehicles when needed. This buffer allows for ultra-rapid charging at locations where upgrading the grid connection would be slow, expensive, or impractical due to lease agreements or planned redevelopment.
Philip Clarke, founder and CEO of TUAL, stated the system addresses real-world fleet challenges. "PowerUp offers a pathway to making critical fleet electrification a reality now," Clarke said. He explained that the technology delivers necessary charging capability at sites constrained by infrastructure capacity or civil works timelines.
Meeting Mission-Critical Demands
For SP Energy Networks, ensuring fleet vehicles are always ready for emergency response is most important. The utility's teams work continuously to maintain the power network. The built-in battery in the PowerUp system provides operational resilience, guaranteeing charging availability even if the local grid experiences issues.
Phil Jones of SP Energy Networks highlighted the benefits observed during the Middlewich trial. The trial showed that TUAL’s PowerUp Charger can be deployed quickly, deliver the DC charging capability we need and support operational resilience thanks to the built-in battery, Jones said. He added that the flexibility to relocate the units easily if site needs change was a significant advantage, making the wider rollout a logical decision.
Deployment Advantages and Future Potential
The system reduces the need for extensive civil engineering work typically associated with installing high-power charging infrastructure. This leads to faster deployment times and lower upfront costs. The mobility of the units offers future-proofing, allowing SP Energy Networks to adapt its charging assets as its fleet operations or site layouts evolve.
This deployment represents a practical application of battery-buffered charging for commercial electric vehicles in a demanding, real-world setting. The technology is positioned as a key enabler for fleets that cannot afford downtime and operate from sites with limited grid capacity. The successful pilot and subsequent expansion suggest such integrated solutions could become more common as other logistics and service fleets electrify under similar constraints.
