TUAL Delivers 200kW EV Charging to 80% of Grid-Limited Sites
TUAL, a leading developer of swappable powerbanks and ultra-deployable charging solutions for commercial EVs, is set to transform the UK automotive retail sector. Recognising the pressing grid constraints faced by the country's 8,000 franchised automotive retailers, TUAL offers a solution tailored to dealerships that require rapid EV charging without the prohibitive costs and delays associated with grid upgrades.
Bridging the charging infrastructure gap
Following the success of recent fleet trials, TUAL strategically targets dealership groups that lease their premises—sites where demand for test-drive readiness, pre-delivery preparation and seamless EV handovers continues to rise.
However, these retailers frequently encounter inadequate charging infrastructure, making it challenging to meet operational needs. The significant upfront capital expenditure (CapEx) required for grid capacity upgrades remains an obstacle, leaving many dealers unable to justify the investment.
Introducing the PowerUp Charger: A game-changer for automotive retail
TUAL's battery-buffered PowerUp Charger provides a professional-grade, cost-effective, fully mobile charging solution that operates independently of extensive grid upgrades. Fully installed in under an hour, the PowerUp Charger delivers high-speed 200kW DC charging using a standard 11kW supply, a previously sufficient connection for slow AC charging.
Philip Clarke, CEO and Founder of TUAL highlights the urgency of this solution, stating:
"Automotive retailers are on the front line of the EV transition, but they're being let down by infrastructure that isn't fit for purpose. Whether it's a showroom in an urban centre or a pre-delivery inspection site on the edge of town, many retailers are stuck with slow or non-existent charging.
"We're bringing them the same rugged, fast-deployment technology that's transforming logistics and fleet depots across the UK. PowerUp makes EV charging possible now, not in three years' time."
Overcoming dealership charging challenges
Industry leaders are already recognising the transformative potential of TUAL's technology.
Jason Button, Managing Director at Cambria Property Investments, underlines the difficulties faced by dealerships, stating:
"The installation of rapid chargers at hundreds of dealership sites across the UK is a pipe-dream; prohibitively high CapEx, in some cases it could be years waiting for a supply upgrade or additional grid connection and potentially mired in planning red tape. TUAL's off-grid PowerUp battery-based EV charger could solve those issues. It has the potential to allow dealers to provide high-speed charging, cost-effectively and installation is quick."
Power supply constraints: The industry-wide problem
TUAL's data suggests that up to 80% of automotive retail and preparation sites face serious power supply constraints. Traditional grid upgrades typically require between one and three years to implement, with costs ranging from US$197,000 to US$3.9m—an expense that many dealerships cannot justify.
The PowerUp Charger eliminates these constraints by buffering and storing energy off-peak or integrating with on-site renewables. It enables up to 200kW DC charging at the point of use, allowing dealerships to:
- Speed up vehicle turnaround for EVs entering stock
- Ensure readiness for customer handovers
- Enhance test-drive experiences
- Provide rapid-charging facilities for customers visiting the dealership
With charging solutions increasingly viewed as a brand differentiator, automotive retailers implementing PowerUp can set themselves apart in an evolving market.
Partnering for success: Early adopters leading the charge
TUAL is engaging with a select group of early adopters across the UK and Europe, deploying PowerUp within retail networks that need rapid electrification. By delivering a robust, flexible, high-performance charging solution, these partnerships will enable dealerships to meet their operational needs without compromising efficiency or brand value.
This automotive initiative follows the successful four-week trial with Wincanton, a leading supply chain provider. During this trial, the PowerUp Charger supported the daily operation of 19 fully electric vans, quadrupling site charging output while using only an 11kW connection.
Philip reiterates TUAL's mission, "Whether you're selling electric vehicles or running them, you need charging to be fast, simple and reliable. TUAL exists to eliminate the barriers to electrification wherever they appear."
The future of EV charging in automotive retail
As the EV transition accelerates, the ability to provide immediate, high-speed and cost-effective charging solutions will be essential for the UK's automotive retailers.
With the PowerUp Charger, TUAL is leading the way in ensuring dealerships can meet the growing demand for EVs while navigating the challenges of grid constraints. By embracing innovative technology, the automotive sector can confidently overcome existing barriers and accelerate the shift towards electrification.
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