The lack of charging facilities is a major obstacle that hampers the growth and popularity of EVs. However, in this field, many innovative charging stations have been proposed that can give the much needed push to the nascent state of our electric vehicular industry. In fact, many such conceptions adroitly fuse efficiency and aesthetic value for enticing more consumers, thus having the potential to create an improved economic eco system.
E-Vine EV charging station concept
The designers have rather taken the artistic route for conceiving the E-Vine, an organic system that utilizes solar energy to generate electricity for powering automobiles. Looking more like some exquisite architectural piece, the comprehensive system comprises of a cluster of nodes divided into a Leaf and a Charging Pad. The Leaf section is a canopy of solar cells extending over posts, buildings or any vacant space, for harnessing of sunlight. While, the Charging Pad, as the name suggests is the main charging station to be used by EVs.
PS power station
A strikingly minimalist approach to designing, the PS power station epitomizes the virtue of simplicity. Conceived by industrial designer Diego Vencato, the station features an unobtrusive bearing that readily coalesces into a natural or artificial surrounding. With this essence of inconspicuousness, we as consumers can easily recognize and interact with the sustainable system, while it charges our cars.
Solar Plug-in Car Station will recharge your EV on renewable energy
While, EVs emanate lesser levels of greenhouse gases, the electricity offered by charging stations is generally derived from fossil fuels. In this regard, designer, Tom Miller, has conceptualized his version of a charging station powered by solar energy. The scope entails a modular kind of a charging set up that can be installed at any location, preferably with sunny climate. Moreover, the entire control unit uses open source software for better integration of social networks and customer interaction.
Plug EV charging station
Till now, we have seen conceptions that bend the conventional ambit. However, in case of Plug, a charging station developed by students at the Volkswagen Design Center Potsdam, the design alludes to a standardized charging facility for EVs. In this universal scope, the system would cater to consumers according to the parameters set for the overall electric infrastructure. The factors would include the utilization of renewable energy, a smart grid and the supply of charging points at credible locations.
E-Move Charging Station
E-Move poses as a multi role charging station for various devices ranging from laptops, iPods to Segways and electric vehicles. The brain child of Michael Scherer from Brixen, the system comprises of an array of eight mono crystalline photovoltaic modules, which collectively supplies 1.76KWp of solar power. In its present iteration, the set up is capable of catering up to eight vehicles. However, with further development, the designers are looking forth to have an increased output of about 2000KWh of electricity, for more vehicles and devices.
Solar Forest
Though, still in its conceptual stage, the Solar Forest is one of the most fascinating design proposals we have come across. Envisaged as a collective system of charging vehicles by designer Neville Mars, the whole scope is defined by artificial ‘trees’, with solar cells embedded on their canopy. The cars can be connected to these tree poles with a socket, for powering up. Moreover, the exquisitely crafted glass canopies can also pose as an expansive shading device for the people waiting in their long line of cars.
Autonomous battery charging station
One of the major disadvantages of charging EVs is the relatively long waiting time, especially when compared to their gasoline fueled counterparts. In this regard, designer Metin Giousouf has thought of self sustaining robotic system that could replace the car batteries, instead of providing them with electric charge. As a matter of fact, the whole replacement process can be made under two minutes, with an automated conveyer belt and an underground battery recharge point. Moreover, the station along with its automation will be powered by renewable energy systems like solar and wind energy.
Antares solar charging station
Designed by Italian based automotive company Pininfarina, the Antares is a prototype of a charging station powered by solar energy. Consisting of a mechanical ‘tree’, its solid branches support a sq m roofing, consisting of 20 photovoltaic panels of 230Wp each. However, beyond the rated power output of 4.6kW, the system is conveniently modular, with an assembly of steel parts and aluminum connections. This means the entire system can be ported from one location to another, as per the existing economic demand.
Solarflora: A solar power generating tree gets to traveling
Combining the essence of visual allure and utter sustainability, the SolarFlora can be seen as a wondrous tribute to green living. However, beyond its purely aesthetic value, the elegant sculpture has up to four solar panels and can supply as much as 750 watt hours per day, for powering street lighting and electric bikes and small vehicles. Furthermore, the whole contraption is created from reused materials, and has been showcased as a definitive public art on many occasions.
Car Arc Concept
Envisaged as a simplistic carport with an avant garde style, the Car Arc can act as a docking space for both your electric car and bikes. The conspicuous curve of the polycarbonate element protects your vehicle form external conditions, while it is also draped with transparent solar film for harnessing of sun energy. This in turn helps in charging the docked vehicles with clean solar power. But, taking into account that the whole scope is in conceptual stage, it remains to be seen on how much energy can the curved facade capture.
