Summary
– DC charging is typically used for high-powered stations, but a portable DC-to-DC charger was used for a 24,000-mile trip from the Netherlands to South Africa and back
– Availability of public charging stations is still an issue for electric vehicle owners
– The DC-to-DC charger used in the trip was 20% more efficient than a regular AC to DC wallbox
– A Dutch couple used a custom-built solar panel holder with 60 portable solar panels to charge their EV in remote locations
– The system, made by Venema E-mobility, allowed the couple to be completely off-grid for their year-long trip
Article
**Innovative DC Charging Solution for Electric Vehicles on Epic Overland Trips**
DC charging is typically reserved for high-powered stations, but one Dutch couple took a different approach during their 24,000-mile overlanding trip through 38 countries. Facing the challenge of unreliable public charging infrastructure in many remote locations, Renske Cox and Maarten van Pel came up with a creative solution. They equipped their Skoda Enyaq EV with a custom-made portable DC-to-DC charger, powered by 60 solar panels, to ensure they could charge their vehicle wherever they were, without relying on traditional charging stations.
**Charging Efficiency with Portable Solar Panels**
The DC-to-DC mobile charger used by the couple proved to be 20% more efficient than a regular AC to DC wallbox. While this may not seem significant at first glance, the added efficiency became crucial during their long journey. With over 5,500 kilowatt-hours of energy generated from the solar panels, and a solar energy utilization rate of 54%, the couple was able to maintain their vehicle’s battery charge without the need for traditional charging infrastructure or power grids. This innovative approach highlights the possibilities of using renewable energy sources to power electric vehicles on long-distance trips.
**Meet Renske Cox and Maarten van Pel: The Dutch Couple on a Unique Adventure**
Renske Cox and Maarten van Pel embarked on an adventurous journey from the Netherlands to South Africa and back, relying on their customized Skoda Enyaq EV as a multi-functional vehicle for transportation, accommodation, and more. Their preparations included outfitting the EV with all-terrain tires, heavy-duty springs, a rooftop tent, an air compressor, a mobile generator, and an induction cooktop, among other essentials. Their innovative use of portable solar panels and a custom solar panel holder in the trunk enabled them to charge their vehicle efficiently and sustainably throughout their year-long journey.
**The Role of Venema E-mobility in Developing the Portable Charger**
The DC-to-DC charger used by Renske Cox and Maarten van Pel was designed and developed by Venema E-mobility, a company based in the Netherlands. This mobile charger, in conjunction with the 180 W-rated solar panels, provided a total potential power output of 10.8 kW, allowing the couple to charge their EV off-grid in remote locations. The success of this portable charging solution showcases the potential for innovative technologies to overcome challenges faced by electric vehicle owners, especially during long-distance overlanding trips through diverse landscapes and environments.
**Challenges and Benefits of Off-Grid Charging for Electric Vehicles**
While traditional DC charging stations may not always be available in remote or off-grid locations, the use of portable solar panels and custom chargers offers a practical solution for EV owners seeking to travel long distances sustainably. Renske Cox and Maarten van Pel’s experience demonstrates the feasibility of utilizing renewable energy sources to power electric vehicles during extended journeys. By combining innovative technologies with careful planning and preparation, EV owners can overcome challenges related to charging infrastructure and access reliable options for powering their vehicles in remote areas.
**Conclusion: The Future of Sustainable Energy Solutions for Electric Vehicles**
The Dutch couple’s remarkable overlanding journey serves as a testament to the ingenuity and resourcefulness of electric vehicle owners facing challenges related to charging infrastructure. As technology advances and renewable energy sources become more accessible, the potential for off-grid charging solutions for EVs continues to grow. By embracing innovation and sustainability, electric vehicle owners can explore new horizons, embark on epic adventures, and contribute to a greener future for transportation. Renske Cox and Maarten van Pel’s unique approach to charging their EV with portable solar panels exemplifies the possibilities of combining renewable energy sources with electric vehicles, paving the way for a more sustainable transportation landscape worldwide.
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