At the moment they are only a prototype, but it promises…
There are many challenges that the automotive industry faces to move towards decarbonisation. They are looking for more cars that are respectful with the environment, that have more autonomy, take less time to recharge and that can do it almost anywhere. But the latter can be a problem if it clashes with the aesthetics of the streets.
SolarBotanic is a British startup that has devised a curious innovation so that electric cars can be recharged on any street without charging points being an uncomfortable, impractical and less aesthetic element.
Solar recharging ‘trees’
The invention is doubly useful because in addition to being kind to urban aesthetics, it is one hundred percent ecological.
They call them solar ‘trees’ because where this element of nature has leaves they have placed small solar panels that are responsible for generating the electricity needed by electric vehicles and plug-in hybrids in a totally sustainable way.
The plugs and connectors necessary to carry out the charging process have been placed on the stick that makes up the trunk.
Those responsible for the project add one more benefit: the treetops can be used to protect pedestrians from the sun and rain.
prototype under investigation
From SolarBotanic they explain that the idea arose just a few months ago from a research project initiated by the University of Sheffield.
At the moment, the solar charging trees are only prototypes and their creators are looking for investors to believe in their project so that they can start production. At the moment the company has obtained a first client, Raw Charging Group, with whom it has signed a contract valued at several million euros.
