The world’s first pop-up mini solar car park and electric vehicle charging hub, deployable in just 24 hours, has been revealed at the Surrey Research Park, Guildford. 

The Papilio3 is built around a recycled shipping container and can support up to 12 fast charge points of up to 22kW. The solar and battery-boosted charging system optimises the speed of charge and is said to reduce the carbon intensity of electricity used. 

“Overnight charging at home generally provides the most cost effective, carbon efficient, sustainable form of charging, but in the UK, around 50% of households will not be able to do this,” explains Tim Evans, 3ti founder & CEO, and leader of the teams responsible for the two largest solar car parks in the UK, at Bentley Motors, Crewe and JP Morgan, Bournemouth. 

“If you live in a flat, a tower block, a rented house, in temporary accommodation or even in a £10m terraced town house in Chelsea, you’re probably not going to be able to charge at home. 

“By utilising dwell times of several hours, when cars are parked at work or when the driver is visiting a shopping or leisure venue, for example, 3ti’s system ensures that EVs can achieve a level of charge that covers day to day driving needs and does it in the most low carbon way.” 

Papilio3 is fitted with three modular canopies that support 36 solar panels and has battery storage capacity of up to 250 kWh. It has been designed for roll-out at workplaces and public destinations such as hospitals, hotels, meeting venues, sports or shopping centres, tourist attractions and town centres. 

Each unit offers sheltered, illuminated and secure parking, with a mixture of 7, 11 and 22 kilowatt chargers. 

The world’s first Papilio3 has been revealed at the Surrey Research Park, Guildford, home to over 200 businesses, from newly formed start-ups to global corporates such as Airbus and BAE Systems. 

"Widespread adoption of solar car parks will turn underutilised spaces into renewable energy generating assets, and adding batteries and EV charge points will accelerate decarbonisation of the UK’s transport sector,” explains Evans. “Allowing businesses to generate renewable energy right outside their front door not only gives them greater control of energy costs, it also makes a huge statement to customers and visitors that they are serious about tackling climate change and reducing carbon emissions.”

The hubs use recycled shipping containers and can be put in place in 24 hours