Designer, installer, funder and operator of solar car parks 3ti has completed the installation of a pop-up solar car park and EV charging hub at Surrey County Council’s depot in Merrow, Guildford.
The Papilio3 design combines local mains power with solar and is built around a recycled shipping container that can be installed in under eight hours.
It can fast charge 12 EVs at seven, 11 or 22kW simultaneously, ideal for a range of destinations with two to five-hour dwell times, removing the reliance on carbon-intense and costly ultra-rapid charge points.
Pre-fitted with a range of safety features, including motion lighting, CCTV and full accessibility for wheelchair users, Surrey County Council has agreed a three-year hire for Papilio3.
The council will use the facility to charge its growing EV fleet.
Paul Wheadon, Strategic Contract Group Manager for the Council’s Highways and Transport Department said, “With charging capacity up to 22kW, multiple operational vehicles – when not in use – can be charged throughout the day, ensuring vehicles remain operational without the need for long dwell times on low-powered charging options.
“As well as the benefit of generating solar power to charge our fleet, the nature of the structure means we have the flexibility to conveniently relocate the unit elsewhere on the site in the future if needed, unlike with other charging solutions.”
Ben Marchant, CEO at 3ti, said: “The installation of Papilio3 at the council depot centre is enabling the council to expand its electric fleet and deliver on its commitments to securing a greener future by decarbonising the transport sector.”
