CHARGING & INFRASTRUCTURE
CHARGING & INFRASTRUCTURE
To understand more about the idea , we spoke to Harry Corrigan ( HC ), Executive Chairman of SolarBotanic Trees , whose role is to oversee the research and development around the charging concept .
TS - “ Tell me more about SolarBotanic Trees and the solution it ’ s developing .”
HC - “ The SolarBotanic Tree as a product concept was devised over seven years ago , designed in collaboration with potential customers , architects , and suppliers to ensure an aesthetically attractive , functional , and affordable alternative to conventional solar panels .
“ The tree has been developed in collaboration with Co-Innovate — a business support programme that supports SMEs in London by using academic and innovation resources at Brunel University London , the Manufacturing Technology Centre ( MTC ) in Coventry , and the AMRC ’ s Design and Prototyping Group , who will be conducting the prototype testing .”
TS - “ How do you see the solution scaling in line with EV industry growth ?”
HC - “ EV charging infrastructure is 20 years behind schedule . According to the Times , there is now one for every 30 EVs compared with 16 in 2020 . “ The Government target of installing 300,000 EV charge points by 2030 looks to be wildly optimistic , at best . With that same situation globally , we will target areas that require both solar energy and aesthetic value so that people will see the tree as a symbol of a clean environment .
“THIS FIRST- GENERATION SOLARBOTANIC TREE WILL EVENTUALLY SPAWN A FAMILY OF PRODUCTS ”
HARRY
CORRIGAN EXECUTIVE CHAIRMAN OF SOLARBOTANIC TREES
“ We believe that the interest in EVs and the SolarBotanic Tree will be synonymous with helping the environment .”
TS - “ Who will use the SolarBotanic Tree ?”
HC - “ This first-generation SolarBotanic Tree will eventually spawn a family of products . These initial products will be primarily aimed at the rapid electric vehicle charging market for homes , businesses and commercial car
EVMAGAZINE . COM [ April 2023 ] 47