The Future Of EV Charging Could Literally Be In The Street
What’s the Latest Development?
New York City-based startup Hybrid & Electric Vehicle Optimization (HEVO) Power has developed patent-pending technology that co-founder Steven Monks says could replace the standard plug-in electric vehicle (EV) charging station. Their version comes in the form of manhole covers that are installed into the street and work via electromagnetic resonance. Instead of plugging in, drivers would simply park on top of them to charge their cars. The company is currently working with students from the Polytechnic Institute of New York University to help further the concept.
What’s the Big Idea?
Monks says there are four major problems with current plug-in charging stations: possible collisions with cars, vandalism and theft, faulty connectors, and drivers’ forgetfulness. Building unobtrusive chargers into parking spots could fix all of these while charging EVs at the same rates and efficiencies as plug-in stations, says co-founder and CEO Jeremy McCool. NYU is the company’s first customer as well as its partner: The first two stations will be installed in Washington Square, and the university has purchased its first two EVs to use with them. Future focus will be on powering commercial electric fleets such as those currently employed by companies like Frito-Lay and Pepsi.
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