• 2001

    Aker Wade is founded after a light bulb moment by John and Bret Aker. Seeking out solutions for mining power equipment, the two realize that power conversion technology could transform dangerous and dirty battery power operations to clean, efficient and productive operation centers on plant floors around the world, and across industry sectors.

  • 2002

    The creation of the new technology allowed for the world’s first “dedicated” fast chargers. Previous technologies split the charge between multiple vehicles. Aker Wade’s patented technology provided a full fast charge to each vehicle, making it possible to charge during breaks and shift changes. Dedicated fast chargers were soon adopted by the rest of the industry.

  • 2003

    Aker Wade’s dedicated Fast Charging technology drew the attention of General Motors, leading to the largest fast charge contract in the industry. Dedicated Fast Charge allowed GM to realize its full benefits of across multiple manufacturing plants in North America.

  • 2004

    EnerSys, the world’s largest battery company, selects Aker Wade as a key partner after performing an industry-wide search for the most advanced power conversion technology available.

  • 2005

    EnerSys and Aker Wade introduce the Express Fast Charge brand. Express features Aker Wade fast charge technology and a battery designed to leverage the new technology.

  • 2006

    Toyota Material Handling AUS selects Aker Wade as its technology partner following a nationwide evaluation of existing fast-charge technology by its engineering team. The partnership resulted in a supply contract with Toyota and a distribution agreement in Australia.

  • 2007

    FASTware™, Aker Wade’s first fast-charge management tool is introduced. Aimed at providing customers with the real-time information they needed to operate in a lean fleet management paradigm and maximize the value of the fast-charge system.

  • 2008

    The second generation UniMAX and TwinMAX marked the beginning of a continuous improvement cycle in Aker Wade product development. Engineered to be smaller and less expensive, the series would become so successful, Aker Wade for the first time has to find outside manufacturing partners to meet demand.

  • 2008

    Aker Wade develops its first electric vehicle (EV) fast charger based on its wildly popular industrial fast charging technology. The design was refined and delivered to a major automaker as part of a 2009 U.S. Department of Energy project.

  • 2008

    AW is selected by Linde as its technology partner, resulting in a distribution agreement for Spain and Portugal.

  • 2010

    Aker Wade launches Motive Power Manager, a complete fleet energy data management system. Building on the success of FASTware, Motive Power Manager supports all motive power applications, including battery changing and opportunity charging.

  • 2010

    Aker Wade opens its first European office in Amsterdam, Netherlands to support growth of fast-charging throughout the EU and to develop additional distribution partners.

  • 2011

    Aker Wade supplies the first public EV fast charging unit in Australia. Installed by Club Assist, the unit is located in front of Mitsubishi Motors Australia head office in Adelaide and is powered by 100 percent accredited green electricity.

  • 2011

    With more than a decade of experience, 10,000+ chargers in service and full suite of integrated products, Aker Wade Europe introduces Single Battery Operation (SBO) at CeMAT in 2011. SBO leverages intelligent data and fast charging technology to create a lean, efficient and safe battery power operation in any facility.

  • 2011

    Aker Wade delivers its 11,000th fast charge port in Indiana, making the company the fastest growing fast-charge manufacturer in the world.

  • 2015

    With the mainstreaming of electric vehicles and the advent of new battery chemistries, we see expanding opportunity to innovate the power conversion industry. EV drivers and industrial users alike are seeking faster charging experiences that feel as familiar as the designs and technologies they know. Aker Wade is now developing technologies that will make charging as familiar and fast as pumping gas, driving expanding acceptance of EVs and the infrastructure to support them.

History

Aker Wade grew from a basic idea: What if we could power the machines that help us live, work and play without one drop of gas? We’ve grown new technology and expanded that idea over the years, and we’re not done yet. In fact, we’re just getting started.