Recently, Vilion (Shenzhen) New Energy Technology Co., Ltd. (hereinafter referred to as "Vilion") has completed a pre-A round financing of millions of dollars, exclusively funded ZWC Partners. The funds raised in this round will be primarily used for product research and development as well as market expansion.

Company background

Vilion, established in 2019, is a high-tech enterprise specializing in commercial and industrial battery energy storage products and solutions. Its founder, Mr. Shawn Song, and core team members are from the Electric Power Research Institute (EPRI) of BYD. As early as 2008, the founding team at EPRI initiated the R&D of battery energy storage systems and has since led or participated in major projects exceeding 2GWh. By the end of 2020, the founding team has accumulated experience in designing, manufacturing, and delivering over 2,000 energy storage systems, with a global track record of zero accidents. The team's extensive practical experience in global product and project implementation has greatly honed our skills and forged Vilion's core competitive advantage --"Knowhow"  in the field of battery energy storage system. 

Main business

Since its official operation, Vilion has steadfastly chosen the racing track of C&I user-side energy storage, predating many of its current peers. Now, Vilion's energy storage products, specifically designed for C&I users, can meet various application scenarios, including intelligent microgrid systems with off-grid capabilities, integrated C&I applications combining solar and BESS (such as system capacity expansion, peak-load shifting, emergency backup power, etc.), and green flexible charging systems combining solar, BESS, and charging.

The EnerCube containerized battery energy storage system adopts a modular design, cutting the traditional lead time of containerized energy storage systems from 15 days to 7 days. The modularized O&M feature of EnerCube allows individual module maintenance or replacement in case of a single module failure, without causing a complete system shutdown, significantly enhancing system availability and safety. Currently, multiple Vilion products have obtained authoritative certifications such as European CE (IEC62477, IEC62619, IEC61000), G99, EN, AS, VDE, UN, and have been successfully delivered to Europe, Africa, Japan, Australia, and other regions.

Technological innovation

Vilion focuses on innovative battery energy storage technology. The independently developed Active in Parallel (AiP) technology for battery clusters combines innovative optimization based on extensive application data analysis. By connecting the battery cluster in series with the AiP control unit, it dynamically adjusts the terminal voltage of the battery cluster, achieving active control of the battery cluster current without relying on Power Conversion Systems (PCS). The application of this technology not only effectively suppresses safety hazards brought about by parallel circulation in multiple clusters but also increases the available capacity rate of the battery cluster to 100%. Compared to the current string-type solution (where each battery cluster is configured with a PCS unit), the power part cost is reduced by approximately 10%. Compared to the distributed solution (battery clusters connected in series with a DCDC, then combined to the DC side of PCS), it achieves an efficiency improvement of about 3% and a cost reduction of about ¥0.08-¥0.1/W. Additionally, the AiP technology enables more convenient expansion of battery clusters without expanding the AC side capacity.

Development strategy

While continuously innovating new battery energy storage system technology, Vilion also adheres to a sustainable development strategy. Since 2020, BYD, Pand (Vilion's angel investor), and Itochu Corporation had established a solid strategic partnership regarding the technology for recycling utilization of retired electric vehicle batteries. Adhering to sustainable principles, Vilion maintains cutting-edge, abundant, and reliable battery resources through industry partnerships. Simultaneously, leveraging a mature supply chain for battery utilization, Vilion continuously innovates and iterates in system integration technology and battery management. This approach aims to provide users with differentiated, more economical, and safer energy storage solutions, meeting the diverse needs of energy storage products in various C&I applications and contributes to a sustainable and affordable energy world.

Investor's message

As an investor in the company's Pre-A round of financing, Michael Yao, the representative of ZWC Partners, said, "With the implementation of the 'Peak Carbon Dioxide Emissions' and 'Carbon Neutrality' strategy, ZWC Partners has been focusing on investment opportunities arising from technological changes in the new energy industry since 2020, covering related areas of new equipment and materials. We are optimistic about the Vilion team due to their long-term dedication to overseas C&I energy storage, their steady and pragmatic work style, and their swift execution capabilities. Under Mr. Shawn Song's leadership, the team achieved rapid growth in 2023, and we hope the Vilion team will continue to enhance its technological advantages, seize the development opportunities in overseas C&I energy storage and continuously move forward."

Vilion will continue to build an efficient, flexible and economical "smart energy sponge" with the BESS technology as the cornerstone and let the green energy flow with demand.