BICESTER, UK — UK electric vehicle charging innovator TUAL has announced the first commercial rollout of its battery-buffered PowerUp Charger technology across three key SP Energy Networks operational depots.
Following a pilot program at Middlewich in Cheshire, the technology is now deployed across SP Energy Networks sites in Middlewich, Liverpool, and Cambuslang near Glasgow. The rollout supports the network operator’s high-utilization fleet vehicles in grid-constrained environments where traditional charging upgrades are hindered by leased land, site capacity, or complex civil engineering requirements. For fleet operators with limited grid capacity or leased sites, this means ultra-rapid charging can be deployed quickly without costly grid upgrades or major civil works.
Deployment Overview
| Project Metric | Specification & Deployment Detail |
|---|---|
| Deployment Locations | Middlewich (Cheshire), Liverpool, and Cambuslang (Glasgow) |
| Technology Type | Battery-buffered ultra-rapid DC charger |
| Turnaround Operational Goal | Ultra-rapid charging tailored to 30-minute vehicle dwell times during driver breaks and restocking |
| Emergency Power Capacity | ~600 miles of stored driving energy during power outages |
| Key Operational Advantage | Rapid deployment, reduced civil engineering, and relocation flexibility |
Bypassing Grid Constraints for Critical Fleet Operations
TUAL’s PowerUp Charger integrates battery energy storage directly with high-power DC charging hardware. The system harvests electricity from available low-power grid connections during off-peak periods, storing energy on site to deliver high-power DC charging sessions when fleet vehicles plug in.
For SP Energy Networks, fleet operational protocols mandate fast turnaround times to maximize vehicle availability. The PowerUp units allow vehicles to replenish charge within 30-minute dwell periods during routine driver breaks and equipment restocking without waiting for grid upgrades.
Philip Clarke, Founder and CEO at TUAL, stated:
“PowerUp offers a pathway to making critical fleet electrification a reality now. Operators such as SP Energy Networks need charging solutions that work within the realities of their sites, their vehicle utilization and their operational responsibilities.”
“This deployment shows exactly why we built PowerUp. It delivers ultra-rapid DC charging capability where conventional charging is constrained by infrastructure capacity, lease structures, civil works or redevelopment timelines. For fleets responsible for nationally important services, charging needs to be dependable, flexible and available where vehicles actually operate.”
On-Site Battery Resilience for Nationally Critical Infrastructure
Beyond overcoming grid connection bottlenecks, the battery-buffered architecture provides operational continuity for emergency response and field maintenance crews. In the event of an external power outage, each deployed charging unit stores approximately 600 miles of driving energy, keeping mission-critical service vehicles functional.
Phil Jones, SP Energy Networks, noted:
“Our teams work around the clock to keep power flowing and the lights on, 24/7 and 365 days a year, so it’s vital that our electric fleet is ready to go at a moment’s notice.”
“The trial in Middlewich 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 – all with the added bonus of the flexibility to be easily relocated if needed to meet our site needs. It was a no-brainer to build on the success of our trial by rolling-out this innovative technology to these three key locations.”
The expansion aligns with TUAL’s focus on high-utilization fleets across logistics, emergency response, commercial utilities, ports, and defense sectors where vehicle uptime and deployable infrastructure are operational prerequisites.
FAQ: TUAL PowerUp Charger Deployment at SP Energy Networks
What is the TUAL PowerUp Charger?
The PowerUp Charger is a battery-buffered DC charging system that combines integrated energy storage with high-power output, allowing fast EV charging on grid-constrained or leased commercial sites.
Where are the SP Energy Networks chargers located?
The initial UK commercial rollout covers three SP Energy Networks operational depots located in Middlewich (Cheshire), Liverpool, and Cambuslang (near Glasgow).
How does the battery buffer support fleet resilience during power outages?
The PowerUp system stores energy on site, holding up to approximately 600 miles of stored driving energy per unit to charge critical fleet vehicles even during a mains grid disruption.
