3ti launches solar containerised pop-up EV charging hub
Surrey-based solar energy company 3ti has launched a pop-up, solar-powered electric vehicle (EV) charging hub, which is deployable in just 24 hours.
Called Papilio3, the solar and battery-boosted charging system is built around a recycled shipping container. It has a battery storage capacity of up to 250 kWh and can support up to 12 EV charge points of 7, 11 and 22 kilowatts.
Developed by 3ti with Cambridge Design Partners, the hub has been designed for roll-out at workplaces and public destinations such as hospitals, hotels, meeting venues, sports and shopping centres, tourist attractions and town centres.
“Overnight charging at home generally provides the most cost effective, carbon efficient, sustainable form of EV charging, but in the UK, around 50% of households will not be able to do this,” said Tim Evans, 3ti founder and CEO.
“If you live in a flat, a tower block, a rented house, in temporary accommodation or even in a £10m terraced town house in Chelsea, you’re probably not going to be able to charge an EV at home.
“We believe that solar and battery boosted destination and workplace charging will become the best EV charging solution for drivers, irrespective of the type of home they live in.
“By utilising dwell times of several hours, when cars are parked at work or when the driver is visiting a shopping or leisure venue, for example, 3ti’s system ensures that EVs can achieve a level of charge that covers day to day driving needs and does it in the most low carbon way.”
Evans says widespread adoption could turn underutilised spaces into renewable energy generating assets, while adding batteries and EV charge points will accelerate decarbonisation of the UK’s transport sector.
“Papilio3 isn’t just about providing the UK with a broader range of EV charge points,” he explains. “It also focuses on the capture and management of renewable energy, as a way of reducing the country’s draw on carbon-intensive energy for EV charging at peak times."
.The first pop-up EV charging hub was unveiled at the Surrey Research Park, Guildford, home to more than 200 businesses, from newly formed start-ups to global corporates such as Airbus and BAE Systems.
Owned by the University of Surrey, the Research Park businesses employ more than 4,500 staff and was the preferred locational choice because of the park’s client base, its growing cluster of companies working on sustainability and the deep links with the University of Surrey.
Grant Bourhill, chief executive officer at Surrey Research Park, said, “The roll out of Papilio3 reflects our commitment to sustainability in addition to testing new innovation and supporting business growth.”
Papilio3 units are owned by 3ti, provided on a monthly rental basis, require limited approvals and no capital investment by customers.