A pop-up, solar-powered electric vehicle (EV) charging hub, which is deployable in just 24 hours, has been launched by 3ti. Called Papilio3, the company says it tackles the UK’s need to expand EV infrastructure ahead of the Government’s ban on the sale of new diesel and petrol vehicles in 2030.
The unit is built around a recycled shipping container and can support up to 12 EV charge points. The solar and battery-boosted charging system optimises the speed of charge and reduces the carbon intensity of electricity used.
Papilio3 is available from 3ti, which is funder and operator of Solar Car Parks (SCPs), on a rental contract and therefore requires no capital investment by customers.
“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.”
Papilio3 is fitted with three modular canopies that support 36 solar panels and has battery storage capacity of up to 250 kWh.
It has been developed by 3ti with Cambridge Design Partners and has been designed for roll-out at workplaces and public destinations such as hospitals, hotels, meeting venues, sports or shopping centres, tourist attractions and town centres.
Each unit offers sheltered, illuminated and an EV charging experience that supports a mixture of 7, 11 and 22 kilowatts.
Evans said: “Widespread adoption of SCPs will turn underutilised spaces into renewable energy generating assets and adding batteries and EV charge points will accelerate decarbonisation of the UK’s transport sector.
