We have seen numerous solar charging station conceptions integrated into parking areas, but the Antares photovoltaic charging station designed by Italian automotive company Pininfarina for urban furniture makers Metalco, comes with a clear and convenient difference. Instead of conventional immobility, the important factor in this case hinges upon the design’s touted portability.
Exhibited at MoTechEco (along with the Nido EV, an electric prototype of a small car) the Sustainable Mobility Show hosted on the premises of Rome’s Environment Department, this singular conception comprises of an array of solar panels upheld in their position by an artistically conceived mechanical ‘tree’. From the vehicular perspective, the station will have the capacity for charging two electric cars (with 75 km range).
Coming to the dimensions, this modular charging station will exhibit 6700×4940 mm, with a minimum height of 2380 mm. Incorporating an assembly of steel parts and aluminum connections, the 33 sq.m roofing consists of 20 photovoltaic panels of 230 Wp each, capable of producing total rated power of 4.6 kW.
Now, coming to the ‘tree’, other than the appealing aesthetics, the practical nature of functionality is also touched upon in this composition. Basically acting as support system with ‘branches’, it has been intentionally designed to facilitate the mobility and, above all, the assemblies of the photovoltaic panels and hence reduce the number of operators required. So at the end of the day, we have a modular, energy efficient charging system that has the potential to be applicable in any urban context because of its advantageous adaptability.
Source: Pininfarina
