What Purkeys does

Purkeys, founded in 1990 in Lowell, Arkansas, is a designer, manufacturer, and distributor of heavy-duty battery charging and electrical power-management systems for commercial trucks, trailers, and fleet vehicles. The company invented the first liftgate charging system and builds a portfolio of roughly 159 products spanning DC/DC-converter-based liftgate chargers (Direct and Select lines), pure sine wave inverters (1500W and 2000W) featuring patent-pending DynaBalance battery state-of-charge technology, MPPT/PWM solar charging systems (Solar Bolt, Solar Dash, Solar Dart), Trailer Auxiliary Power Systems (TAPS) for in-trailer AC power, the SAFEX electric standby shore-power system for CARB-compliant hybrid eTRU reefers, and auxiliary products including SafeFreight anti-theft alarms and the Aware audio interrupter. The company sells through a hybrid GTM combining a U.S.-wide enterprise field-sales force of account-manager sales application engineers (covering fleets and dealers across all 50 states with 120+ years of combined experience) and a direct e-commerce storefront for owner-operators and replacement parts, with products carrying a standard 3-year warranty and build-to-order ~3-week lead times.

Since 2019, Purkeys has operated as a wholly-owned subsidiary of Mission Critical Electronics (MCE), a California-based multi-brand designer and manufacturer of premium electrical power solutions, sitting within MCE's Vehicle Power Division alongside sister brands Kussmaul Electronics and Xantrex. Under MCE, Purkeys expanded its portfolio with the ZeroRPM idle-mitigation system (via parent acquisition in 2021), Xantrex-branded lithium-ion batteries (2022), and the SAFEX system targeting CARB regulatory compliance for zero-emission reefer infrastructure. The business serves a diversified customer base including large enterprise fleets (1000+ trucks), independent owner-operators, reefer and trailer OEMs, distribution centers, grocery stores, and truck stops, with pricing structured as per-unit hardware sales typically ranging from $365 to $1,862 per unit.

Name

Purkeys

Legal name

MCE Purkeys FE, LLC

Website

https://purkeys.net

Company type

Private

Founded year

1990

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Short description

Purkeys designs and manufactures heavy-duty battery charging and electrical power-management systems for commercial trucks and trailers, serving large enterprise fleets, owner-operators, and reefer/trailer OEMs. Founded in 1990, it operates as a subsidiary of Mission Critical Electronics (MCE) within the Vehicle Power Division.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Heavy-duty truck battery and electrical power management systems

NAICS

Electrical Apparatus and Equipment, Wiring Supplies, and Related Equipment Merchant Wholesalers (423610)

akta.pro primary industry

Aftermarket Battery, Charging & Power Accessories Manufacturing (12V Batteries/Jump Starters/Chargers/Inverters) (IMACANAL)

akta.pro secondary industry

Automotive Charging Hardware Manufacturing (On-board Chargers, Charge Inlets, DC-DC) (IMACAJAK)

Keywords

• Heavy-duty battery chargers
• Liftgate charging systems
• Truck electrical power solutions
• Fleet battery management
• Commercial trailer power

Headquarters

HQ city

Lowell

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices2 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Hardware or Manufacturing

Cost components

Supply Chain, Personnel, Technology or R&D, Marketing or Sales, Operations

Revenue model

1. Heavy-duty battery charging and electrical products: Purkeys generates revenue through the sale of proprietary heavy-duty electrical products for commercial trucks including liftgate charging systems, inverters, solar charging products, auxiliary power systems, and related accessories and replacement parts. Products are sold directly through account managers to fleets and dealers, and through e-commerce for owner-operators. Average lead time is 3 weeks for build-to-order manufacturing.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion2 records

Distribution channels3 records

Marketing channels7 records

Core offering

Purkeys develops, manufactures, and distributes proprietary heavy-duty battery charging and electrical power management products for the commercial trucking industry, including liftgate charging systems (Direct, Select, and nosebox variants), pure sine wave inverters with DynaBalance technology, solar charging systems (Solar Bolt, Solar Dash, Solar Dart), trailer auxiliary power systems (TAPS), the SAFEX electric standby shore power system for meeting CARB regulations on hybrid eTRU reefers, cargo theft alarms, audio interrupters, and battery state-of-charge indicators. Products are sold build-to-order with an average 3-week lead time, carry a standard 3-year warranty, and are distributed through direct field sales to large fleets and dealers and via e-commerce to owner-operators across the United States.

Product overview

Purkeys is a battery solutions company established in 1990, specializing in heavy-duty electrical products for the commercial trucking industry. The company offers a comprehensive portfolio of battery charging, power management, and safety systems built around their core expertise in liftgate charging technology (having invented the first liftgate charging system). Their product ecosystem centers on several key product lines: (1) Liftgate Charging Systems (Direct, Select, and associated nosebox variants) using DC/DC converter technology with voltage boosting and temperature compensation; (2) Pure Sine Wave Inverters (1500W and 2000W) featuring proprietary DynaBalance technology for battery state monitoring; (3) Solar Charging products (Solar Bolt, Solar Dash, Solar Dart) using MPPT/PWM controllers; (4) Trailer Auxiliary Power System (TAPS) for powering electric pallet jacks; (5) SAFEX electric standby power system for hybrid eTRU reefers meeting CARB regulations; (6) Safety and monitoring products including SafeFreight cargo theft alarm, Aware audio interrupter, and battery state of charge indicators (Indicate, Status); (7) ZeroRPM idle mitigation systems acquired through parent company Mission Critical Electronics; and (8) Xantrex Lithium Ion Batteries. All products come standard with a 3-year warranty. Purkeys is a subsidiary of Mission Critical Electronics (MCE) headquartered in Huntington Beach, CA, operating under the MCE Vehicle Power Division alongside sister brands Kussmaul Electronics and Xantrex.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• Direct Liftgate Charging System Liftgate charging system using DC/DC Converter to boost voltage for optimal charging, compensating for temperature and voltage drop so liftgate batteries remain well-charged.
• Select Liftgate Charging System Multiple source liftgate charging system supporting multiple charging sources including basic, plus extension, and reefer charging options.
• Direct Nosebox Nosebox variant of the Direct liftgate charging system for dual source charging applications.
• Select Nosebox Nosebox variant of the Select multiple source liftgate charging system.
• BOSS Dump Trailer Charging System Dump trailer battery charging system that uses the truck's own power while boosting voltage for fast, efficient charging, with optional solar charging for cold weather maintenance.
• Invert Pure Sine Wave 1500 Watt Inverter 1500 Watt DC to AC pure sine wave inverter (12 VDC to 110 VAC) with patented DynaBalance controller that measures battery state of charge and prevents batteries from becoming too depleted to start the engine.
• Invert Pure Sine Wave 2000 Watt Inverter 2000 Watt DC to AC pure sine wave inverter bringing home conveniences into the cab while ensuring truck batteries are never too depleted to crank the engine.
• Solar Bolt Solar Charging System Patent-pending solar charging system using MPPT controller to provide power to liftgate batteries whether the vehicle is on or off.
• Solar Dart PWM Solar Charge Controller PWM solar charge controller for solar charging applications.
• Solar Dash PWM Solar Charge Controller PWM solar charge controller that keeps vehicle batteries at a good state of charge when the truck is not in operation.
• Solar Indicate Solar Charging System Solar charging system with battery state of charge indication capability.
• Trailer Auxiliary Power System (TAPS) AC power system providing reliable power at the back of commercial trailers for electric pallet jack charging; converts DC to AC power when truck is running with safety features protecting truck batteries.
• SAFEX Electric Standby Power System Electric standby power system for reefers allowing hybrid eTRU units to be safely plugged into 480 VAC shore power at the dock, meeting CARB regulations; features automatic power detection, button activation, and automatic cable ejection when vehicle brake is engaged.
• SafeFreight Anti-Cargo Theft Alarm System Delivery truck alarm system providing an audible alarm if a vehicle door is opened without authorization; modular design with no annual maintenance fees and off-the-shelf parts.
• Aware Audio Interrupter Advanced audio interface management system that automatically silences competing audio signals and reroutes messages from mobile phones and telematics devices through vehicle speakers for driver safety.
• 5th Wheel Light Kit LED coupling light that illuminates the king pin lock-jaw position to reduce dropped trailers and help drivers verify proper tractor-trailer connection.
• SteadyCharge Auxiliary Battery Charger Auxiliary battery charger that maintains accessory batteries on trailers (such as heater batteries) during months of non-use without overcharging or depleting tractor batteries, using the existing 7-way cable.
• Indicate Battery State of Charge Indicator Battery state of charge indication system with automatic LED indicators allowing drivers and technicians to monitor proper system function.
• Status LED Battery State of Charge Indicator LED battery state of charge indicator for monitoring source power and liftgate battery status.
• Status 2.00 LED Battery State of Charge Indicator Updated LED battery state of charge indicator for monitoring battery status.
• Dual Shield Low Voltage Disconnect Low voltage disconnect system designed to reduce parasitic drain on vehicle batteries by shutting off parasitic loads by voltage or time, with fuse-protected junctions for additional electronic devices.
• Xantrex Lithium Iron Phosphate (LiFePO4) Batteries Lithium Iron Phosphate (LiFePO4) batteries with internal BMS, cell balancing, Bluetooth connectivity, and parallel stacking capability; available in 105AH, 125AH, and 240AH 12V variants with up to 6,000 cycle lifespan.
• ZeroRPM Idle Mitigation and Hybrid Conversion System Idle mitigation and hybrid conversion system that automatically shuts down the engine when in park while providing power for HVAC and electronics; uses lithium-iron batteries with five-year warranty and provides engine-off A/C and heat through factory vents.
• Multimeter Training Unit (MTU) Classroom training aid simulating troubleshooting scenarios for technicians to practice multimeter functions including voltage drop, resistance, frequency, state of charge, current, and capacitance.

Quantifiable outcome

• CARB compliance: All TRUs in CARB-states must register by 2022, facilities must complete electric infrastructure by 2024
• +2 more outcomes

Named customers3 records

Segments5 records

Ideal customer profiles4 records

Technology focussed Yes

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature3 records

Partnerships

Nine partnerships are on record, tiered core, major and minor.

• ZeroRPMcoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 30 March 2021Technical and distribution partnership where Mission Critical Electronics (including Purkeys) offers ZeroRPM's patented idle mitigation and hybrid solutions exclusively to the heavy duty truck market. ZeroRPM's technology converts conventional vehicles into cost-efficient hybrid units by eliminating idling while continuing to power all on-board equipment including HVAC. ZeroRPM was later acquired by MCE in 2021.
• Kussmaul ElectronicscoreTechnology or Integration · 1 January 2021Kussmaul Electronics is a sister company under MCE. Their proven Auto Eject technology with 250,000+ installations and 25+ year track record forms the core of the SAFEX system. Kussmaul specializes in auto eject shore power connections for emergency vehicles.
• XantrexmajorTechnology or Integration · 1 January 2021Xantrex is a sister brand under MCE. Lithium Ion batteries sold by Purkeys are Xantrex-branded products (Xantrex 105AH, 125AH, and 240AH Lithium batteries). ZeroRPM products are also distributed through Xantrex, Kussmaul, and Purkeys brands.
• Mission Critical Electronics (MCE)coreOthers · 1 January 2019Purkeys was acquired by MCE in 2019. MCE is a California-based designer and manufacturer of premium electrical power solutions for specialty vehicle, marine, network, and industrial markets. MCE operates under leading brands including Kussmaul Electronics, Xantrex, Newmar Power, ASEA Power Systems, Power Products, and American Battery Charging. MCE headquarters is in Huntington Beach, CA.
• GFIminorOthersGFI is a transportation customer featured as a testimonial case study for the SAFEX system. Transportation Manager Biscuit Nunnally provided a quote praising the SAFEX ROI and Purkeys partnership.
• ABC ChargersminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorListed as a partner brand alongside Purkeys under the Mission Critical Electronics Vehicle Power Division, suggesting a distribution or reseller relationship.
• ASEA Power SystemsminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorListed as a partner brand alongside Purkeys under the Mission Critical Electronics Vehicle Power Division.
• Newmar PowerminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorListed as a partner brand alongside Purkeys under the Mission Critical Electronics Vehicle Power Division.
• Power ProductsminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorListed as a partner brand alongside Purkeys under the Mission Critical Electronics Vehicle Power Division.

Scale indicators4 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Direct peers

• Xantrex: Sister brand under MCE producing power inverters, battery chargers, and lithium batteries for vehicle, marine, and industrial markets. Directly comparable power electronics and battery products; Purkeys distributes Xantrex-branded lithium batteries as part of its portfolio.
• Go Power: Manufacturer of solar charging systems, inverters, and battery management products for RVs, commercial vehicles, marine, and off-grid applications. Direct overlap with Purkeys' Solar Bolt, Solar Dash, and Solar Dart product lines for liftgate and vehicle battery solar charging.
• ZeroRPM: Idle mitigation and hybrid conversion system acquired by MCE in 2021 and distributed through Purkeys. Directly comparable in addressing fleet electrification and CARB compliance; uses lithium batteries to power HVAC and electronics with engine off.
• Sterling Power Products: UK-based manufacturer of DC-DC chargers, battery-to-battery chargers, and split-charge systems for commercial vehicles, marine, and motorhomes. Comparable product technology (DC/DC converters for commercial vehicle battery charging) and target market of heavy-duty vehicle electrical systems.
• Samlex America: Manufacturer of power inverters, battery chargers, solar charge controllers, and DC-DC converters for commercial vehicles, marine, and industrial markets. Comparable product portfolio targeting commercial fleet and specialty vehicle electrical systems.
• Kussmaul Electronics: Sister company under Mission Critical Electronics specializing in auto-eject shore power connections for emergency vehicles and specialty vehicle electrical systems. Directly comparable product portfolio and MCE parent company integration; overlaps with Purkeys' SAFEX automatic shore power technology.
• Newmar Power: Sister brand under MCE producing DC power systems, battery chargers, and inverters for marine, RV, and specialty vehicle markets. Directly comparable product portfolio and MCE parent company integration; overlaps with Purkeys' power electronics offerings.

Broad incumbents

• Tripp Lite: Large diversified manufacturer of power protection and connectivity products including inverters, chargers, and UPS systems. Broader IT and consumer focus but overlapping power conversion technology applicable to vehicle and mobile applications.
• Victron Energy: Established global manufacturer of power inverters, battery chargers, and energy management systems for marine, vehicle, off-grid, and industrial applications. Broader portfolio than Purkeys but significant overlap in commercial vehicle battery charging and inverter technology.
• Deltran Battery Tender: Long-established manufacturer of battery chargers, maintainers, and accessories for powersports, automotive, marine, and commercial applications. Comparable battery charging and maintenance technology but broader consumer/SMB market rather than heavy-duty trucking specialization.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Xx.com/PurkeysFE
• YouTubeyoutube.com/channel/UCzRFV2j3W3JQ4y_tHm7Zn9g
• Facebookfacebook.com/Purkeys
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/purkeys

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles7 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Purkeys