12.2.2013 New V-Tent offers renewable EV charging

V-Tent is a new parking system that has been designed to protect and charge up electric vehicles whilst they are parked.

It is a collapsible solar panel canopy that can be stretched over an electric vehicle whilst parking in public or personal parking spaces – the flexible solar array surface provides both shelter and renewable electricity for the car.

V-Tent has been designed by Halan Gursu, aiming to create an eco-friendly and sustainable system for the urban environment, that can physically protect electric vehicles from outdoor conditions whilst providing clean electricity for charging.

The flexible solar mats will be folded up on a frame whilst not in use, which will prevent visual problems and keep car parking areas tidy. The solar cover will be moved down over the car once it has been driven into position.

In public use, it is intended that users will be able to select a charging duration and then pay immediately by card. The system will be able to be access remotely via a smartphone, so that state of charge etc can be monitored.

Solar power goes hand in hand with electric vehicles – because if electricity produced renewable is used to charge up a car’s battery then the miles driven on that charge are truly emission free. A common concern with battery electric vehicle power is that the emissions produced whilst a power station creates the electricity used to charge are harmful to the environment.

The V-Tent is thought to have many additional benefits, like keeping your car cool on hot days, and deterring thieves from your vehicle. However, the V-Tent does take up more room than your average parking slot.

Still in its design stage, the concept is a long way from being implemented in public car parks, but the idea is quite feasible, particularly in more remote regions where space for parking is not a concern.