U.S. company Gravity has announced innovative “tree-shaped” high-speed charging units for sidewalks, taking up less space while offering fast charging speeds of up to 500 kW and eliminating cable clutter. The New York-based startup, specializing in charging infrastructure for electric vehicles, aims to enable quick and convenient roadside charging without the need for dedicated charging stations.
Compact Design with Movable Arms
The system comprises a pole with a movable arm and a charging unit mounted on top. This design ensures minimal space occupation on the ground and eliminates cable clutter by delivering the cable from above. During charging, the arm moves downwards, and once the charging process is complete, it returns to its original position, securely locking the charging connector to prevent tripping hazards.
High-Speed and Bi-Directional Charging
Gravity’s charging system, featuring units capable of 200 kW and 500 kW outputs, supports up to 1000 V. The poles serve as distributors, drawing power from a central power cabinet. The system is also ready for bi-directional use, allowing electric vehicles to feed power back to the grid. Initially implemented in a parking lot in Manhattan, Gravity plans to extend this efficient solution to sidewalks, aiming for quick and hassle-free roadside charging for electric vehicles.
This new approach to EV charging infrastructure addresses space constraints and reduces clutter, making it a promising solution for urban environments. As the demand for electric vehicles continues to grow, innovations like Gravity’s “charging trees” are set to play a crucial role in developing efficient and accessible charging networks.
What do you think about these “charging trees”? Could they be the future of urban EV infrastructure? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
