Ideas Lab
Public charging point concept designed for the TInnGO project by Sanjeevi Suganthi Pugazhenthi
PAUL MAGEE
The UK’s transport industry is transitioning towards electric mobility in response to ongoing climate crisis and push from government. As the infrastructure is being developed, a variety of public charging points have been installed but some of them are unfriendly to a wide range of users.
The proposed public charging point concept considers accessibility, enhances user experience and is environmental friendly.
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The concept is made accessible to wheelchair users
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It has a display screen & accepts card payment also ‘removing the
compelling need of smartphone apps’
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It is compatible with two types of charging plugs that are widely used in
electric vehicles: Type 2 plug & CCS plug
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The concept has ‘retractable connecting cables’; users do not need to carry heavy charging cable from their car boot and connect the charging point and car’s socket (a strenuous task for elderly)
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The charging point structure is ‘narrow’ and positioned along the road- side edge of the pavement/ sidewalk to ‘reduce its footprint on the pavement’ and to ‘avoid trip hazard’
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A perch seat is provided (on the pavement side) to accommodate two persons (either charging point users or pedestrians)
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The concept also has ‘different plants’ which can attract bees and contribute to the environment; this adds greenery and beauty to streets
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Small water collectors are provided to collect rain water so that birds & bees can drink & recharge themselves
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Sustainable materials such as Hempcrete and Pinatex could be used