In an ever-changing world where technology is advancing at a rapid rate, we know it can be hard to keep track of the most cutting-edge innovations. We wanted to shine a spotlight on the latest trends in e-mobility that are helping us get closer to our global net-zero targets. From renewable innovations to electric vehicle advancements, check out the low-down below…
Super fast charging batteries
New lithium-ion batteries, developed by StoreDot, have marked a significant step towards electric cars becoming as fast to charge as filling up petrol or diesel vehicles. These batteries are capable of fully charging in five minutes and have already been demonstrated in phones, drones and scooters. Although the batteries would require higher-powered chargers than used today, StoreDot is aiming to use available charging infrastructure to deliver 100 miles of charge to a car battery in five minutes by 2025. It’s hoped this will encourage even more drivers to choose electric and accelerate action against climate breakdown.
The all-electric car charging forecourt
The next generation of EV charging is here, with Britain’s first all-electric car charging forecourt, which charges electric vehicles with 100% renewable energy. The company’s £1bn UK-wide program represents a major breakthrough in the expansion of electric vehicle charging infrastructure in the UK and aims to make EV driving an ultra-convenient experience. The forecourt enables 36 electric vehicles to be charged simultaneously, delivering up to 350 kW of charging power, which will enable people to add 200 miles of range in 20 minutes. This site in Essex is the first of over 100 Electric Forecourts® being built by GRIDSERVE over the next five years and we can’t wait to see how this develops.
Wave Powered Energy
The Scottish government had initially banned the sale of new cars powered solely by petrol or diesel by 2032. Now with the UK bringing forward its phase-out plans to 2030, news of the world’s first tidal energy powered electric vehicle charger is something we can get behind.
Installed by marine energy pioneers Nova Innovation at Bluemull Sound in Cullivoe Harbour on the island of Yell, the second-largest of Scotland’s Shetland Islands, electric vehicle drivers on the Scottish archipelago can now harness the power of the Atlantic Ocean to recharge their cars. This technology, partly funded through a grant by Transport Scotland, supports the country-wide shift from petrol and diesel-powered vehicles.
Waste-powered planes
It’s no secret that the aviation industry is a big emitter of fossil fuels – contributing to approx 2.8% of global CO2 emissions. However, with an ever-increasingly connected world, it’s clear flights are here to stay. So, what can we do about it?
Determined to provide alternative, more sustainable ways to power our planes, Velocys believes repurposing waste could be the answer. Using the Fischer-Tropsch method of gasifying waste, they are developing sustainable fuels for both the aviation and heavy goods transport sectors. Velocys hopes technology like theirs provides a route to sustainable fuels and could lead the way in decarbonising the transport industry.
The green charging robot
Earlier this year, Envision Group launched “Mochi”, the world’s first mass-produced, mobile smart charging robot, that is powered by 100% green electricity. Charging stations are currently limited for EV drivers, in part because pre-installed charging points are often occupied by other users in public spaces. Mochi can be deployed in many locations and will automatically find and charge EVs, which saves time and hassle for the drivers and it can charge an EV in just two hours for a cruising range up to 600km. It’s currently scheduled to be commercially available in June, and we can’t wait.
By offering creative solutions that bring us ever closer to net-zero targets, it is innovations like these that spur our commitment to the race against climate change. So, if you’re keen to hear more, you’re in luck – this will be part of a monthly series. Stay tuned for more innovation in our next blog!