British startup SolarBotanic Trees has created a unique solution to the challenge of powering electric vehicles (EV) in public spaces. The company has designed metal trees that have a solar panel-covered seven-meter canopy and nano photovoltaic "leaves" to capture energy from the sun. The device is also equipped with energy storage capability within the tree trunk, enabling charging even at night or during low-light conditions. A new prototype of the tree has been completed and SolarBotanic Trees will begin building a full-scale version before commercial production later this year.
The new charging station design aims to address issues of EV infrastructure shortages in the UK and elsewhere, which have become increasingly apparent as EV uptake grows. By the end of April 2023, it was reported that over 40,000 EV charging points had been installed, reflecting a 37% growth rate over the previous year. However, current rates of growth have not yet met the needs of the UK's growing electric fleet, with the Climate Change Committee estimating that there is a need for 325,000 charging points by 2032.
SolarBotanic Trees has a first order of 200 trees from Raw Charging Group, a supplier of EV infrastructure, which is planning to incorporate the devices as part of its network of charging sites across Europe. The easy-to-install trees cater to the demand for aesthetically pleasing solutions, which current designs haven't fully addressed. The trees are an ideal solution for spaces needing shade and aesthetic appeal, such as corporate offices, luxury hotels, business parks, and shopping malls.
SolarBotanic Trees is also working on producing a more compact and affordable version, which can be used in various scenarios, such as smartphone and laptop charging, LED lighting, and electronic advertising. With charging speeds of five and 3.2 kilowatts respectively, users can charge electric vehicles and charge different types of appliances. Additionally, an AI-driven energy storage and power management system will be equipped in each tree, which can link multiple trees to form local microgrids or connect to the national grid. The system will ensure an excess of energy can be saved and utilized when there is little or no sunlight.
SolarBotanic Trees has achieved backing worth £340,000 ($420,000) and plans to raise more funds to accelerate the production of at least 1,000 trees per year starting from 2025. While focusing on the UK market initially, the company aims to expand to the rest of Europe and North America. The incorporation of solar-powered trees into public spaces is an important step towards transitioning to more sustainable energy sources and making EV charging easily accessible and attractive to the public.