HIKO Unlimited came about in 2019 when co-founder Garry Parker was approached by a humanitarian & emergency response client to investigate building a portable power system for their land mobile radio (LMR) telecommunications systems able to be deployed into remote locations quickly and safely yet be extremely robust and relatively light.

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​Current battery technologies such as those based on nickel-metal hydride (NiMH) or lithium present safety concerns especially when required to be transported by air. 

International CAA aeronautical rules state that both lithium-ion and lithium metal batteries are considered Dangerous Goods when transported this way, and this prohibition coupled with the need for rapid-charging capability once on site led to the next step on the HIKO portable power system journey. 

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​In addressing this challenge, Garry and technical expert & co-founder, Tony Martin set about conceptualizing something new that would not only meet the clients' requirements but also fit into a compact, light & strong suitcase size container.

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It would also feature higher power ratios, an extended run-time over existing chemical-based batteries, operate at more extreme temperature conditions, charge and re-charge at faster rates than incumbent technologies, and be air-safe. 

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Most of all it would need to be environmentally sustainable and able to be disposed of more easily than traditional chemical batteries.    

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​Along with fellow co-founders, Don Purdon and Michael Durie, the team worked on a plan to build and test an EED (Electronic Energy Device) - a portable energy product with battery-like capabilities but distinct enough to overcome the limitations of lithium-ion batteries. Fundamental to its design was the incorporation of carbon-based hybrid power-capacitors that provide the benefits of lithium-ion with the power discharge capabilities of super-capacitors.

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During this early developmental stage, HIKO Unlimited was incorporated and the team commenced working with undergraduate student engineers from the University of Canterbury, supported by the Callaghan Innovation agency.

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As an aside, the name HIKO Unlimited was chosen as it represents the Maori word for ‘electricity’ or ‘spark’ that coupled with a desire to create unlimited and sustainable power solutions for future generations, perfectly encapsulates the four co-founders’ aspirations for a game-changing global business. This purpose is further summarized within the company tagline: 

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‘Building a Better World by

Creating Tomorrows’ Energy Today’.

Over six months commencing early 2020, the HIKO and University teams worked together to design, create, source and build a working EED prototype suitable for ‘proof of concept’ with the client. This step provided logistical challenges not helped by the effects of COVID-19 and intermittent community lockdowns. 

​Work continues on the next phase of the EED product range with enhanced product testing underway, alongside a new undergraduate team from UC with the company working on product and market applications, both domestic and international.  

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Ko te pae tawhiti, whāia kia tata,

Ko te pae tata, whakamaua kia tina.

Seek out distant horizons, and cherish those you attain.

Maori Proverb