Irish company EVHACS has announced that is has received international certification for its innovative new product that is said to be the world's first electric vehicle (EV) charger, heat pump and air conditioning unit all in one.
Catering to two growing demands
The Co. Kildare-based company, launched by Puma Social Limited and wholly Irish owned, has put the unit through a rigorous certification process ahead of a proposed launch in the domestic and international markets later this year.
EVHACS has identified that there are roughly 35 million EVs and plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs) on the world's roads, with another 16 million likely to join the global fleet in 2024. Similarly, around 150 million air-conditioning units and heat pumps will be installed on an annual basis in the coming decade as the planet transitions from fossil fuels for transport and heating to more renewable sources of energy.
Its solution is to combine the two requirements into one device, installing a purpose-designed and built AC smart charger for EVs into outdoor-use heat pumps and air-conditioning units at its Kildare base.
EVHACS' software can then manage the power supply to both the domestic property and the EV charger, including dynamic load balancing of house heating and EV charging, solar power matching - which ensures that any energy you generate is used efficiently by your own building, instead of being exported to the grid - and more.
€1m investment in 2023
EVHACS is backed by Enterprise Ireland and secured a €1 million round of investment for the project in 2023, with the company also winning multiple awards last year for its work.
The aim is to get the combined EV charger, heat pump and air-conditioning unit to fall under the SEAI's remit, thus enabling customers to avail of heat pump and EV charger grant schemes to resuce the costs of installation.
EVHACs also cites further financial gains from not requiring a standalone energy management system for properties, either.
On a commercial scale, the EVHACS unit would represent saving to housing developers, engineers, installers and more in the industry, through the means of economies of scale, bulk purchasing discounts, fewer materials and less labour required to install just the one unit, instead of separate EV chargers and HVAC systems.
'Game-changer'
Jeff Aherne, the CEO of EVHACS, said: "The EVHACS system is an EV charger and heat pump/air-conditioning unit in one.
"We're delighted to report to market this development as we present a world-first solution which is a game-changer for those looking to provide their household with a heating and energy distribution system between their home and car that costs even less than installing a standalone charger and heat pump.
"EVHACS, as a proud Irish company, is delighted to offer our product exclusively to Irish homes and is ready to take orders now. We're also excited to launch our commercial and fleet charging offerings to Irish businesses soon."