In the ongoing quest to embrace the electric vehicle (EV) revolution, several key challenges remain. One major hurdle is the shortage of batteries, which limits automakers' ability to meet the growing demand for EVs. Additionally, making EVs more affordable is crucial, as the average price of a new EV surpassed $61,000 by the end of 2022. Another pressing concern is the need for better charging infrastructure. To address this last challenge, a novel mobile EV charger called Ziggy has emerged.
Traditional EV charging stations typically pose fewer issues for homeowners with garages or carports, but installing them at multifamily dwellings or commercial parking facilities can be far more complex. Obtaining permits and upgrading electrical infrastructure can be time-consuming, especially when planning to install Level 3 DC fast chargers, which demand significant amounts of electricity from the grid.
Ziggy, developed by EV Charge Safe, flips the conventional charging model on its head. Rather than requiring drivers to park near a stationary charger, Ziggy moves autonomously to reach parked EVs. "The idea originated from customer demand," explained Caradoc Ehrenhalt, the founder and CEO of EV Charge Safe. "Many people reached out asking if we had a charger with onboard power, given that we were the first company to offer a comprehensive rental solution for both Level 2 and DC fast chargers."
EV Charge Safe currently rents out static chargers, such as those used by car manufacturers for test drives or promotional events. "Wherever there's a need for temporary EV charging, or if someone is awaiting permits, they can rent our chargers," Ehrenhalt mentioned.
Around the world, shopping centers, hotels, airports, and other venues face similar challenges when it comes to installing fixed charging infrastructure. These include high costs, logistical hurdles, and long wait times for upgrades. As a result, there’s a clear demand for mobile charging solutions like Ziggy.
Ziggy's design is essentially a battery-powered cart on wheels. Inside, it houses a robust battery pack and advanced power electronics, while its exterior features interactive display screens for advertisements, similar to chargers from companies like Volta. Once fully charged—either at a dedicated location or remotely—it can navigate within a geofenced area to reach individual parking spots, delivering EV charging to locations without existing infrastructure.
Ehrenhalt elaborated, "Ziggy typically operates within specific environments such as commercial parking lots, including airports, shopping centers, office complexes, hotels, and multi-unit housing. It’s also ideal for urban areas where it can charge not just cars but also smaller vehicles like scooters and bicycles, offering a versatile mobility solution."
Ziggy's adaptability makes it highly customizable for client needs. Initially, it will provide Level 2 AC charging, with plans to introduce Level 3 DC capabilities soon. While I'm still awaiting details on the battery capacity of the Ziggy set to debut at Dallas-Fort Worth (DFW) International Airport this summer, the company anticipates significant interest.
Naturally, concerns about vandalism arise with any mobile device handling high-voltage components. "Ziggy is quite heavy due to its battery, equipped with cameras and sensors, including GPS," Ehrenhalt noted. "While there’s always a risk, we're hopeful for the best. Plus, the potential for self-harm to a vandal attempting to tamper with a high-voltage charger seems unlikely to repeat."
Despite these precautions, Ziggy won't be operating continuously at DFW. Instead, it will serve as part of a demonstration project testing different charging technologies across five parking lots at the airport from May to August this year. If you’re flying into DFW and own an EV, you can register online to participate in these trials.
This innovative approach could revolutionize how we think about EV charging, providing flexibility and convenience where traditional infrastructure falls short. Whether Ziggy becomes a permanent fixture remains to be seen, but its potential impact is undeniable.
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