Summary
– Google-backed start-up Gravity aims to bring clutter-free curbside fast charging to the U.S., starting with New York City
– Congested cities like New York need innovative curbside charging solutions due to high real estate costs and slow building permits
– Gravity’s “DEAP Trees” curbside charging solution offers Level 3 DC fast chargers that can add 200 miles of range in 13 minutes
– Gravity’s DEAP Trees feature swing arm-hinged cables that retract when charging is complete, making it efficient and unobtrusive
– Gravity’s charging poles can also accommodate traffic safety cameras, street lighting, public Wi-Fi, and more, making them versatile for city use.
Article
Title: Gravity Bringing Innovative Curbside Fast Charging to NYC
With the increasing adoption of electric vehicles in cities like New York, the need for a reliable public charging infrastructure, especially fast and clutter-free curbside charging, has become apparent. High real estate costs and slow building permits in NYC make it challenging to construct large charging stations with no parking fees. In response to this issue, start-ups like Google-backed Gravity are working to provide innovative solutions to this problem by installing smart curbside chargers. Gravity recently inaugurated a 500-kilowatt, 24-stall charging station in Manhattan and is now introducing a curbside charging solution called “DEAP Trees.”
DEAP Trees, which stands for distributed energy access points, offers Level 3 DC fast chargers on sidewalks, unlike traditional Level 2 curbside chargers. These chargers can add 200 miles of range in 13 minutes with a 200 kW dispenser or five minutes with a 500 kW charger, depending on the EV and its voltage architecture. The poles holding the chargers feature a hinged swing arm with a cable that pivots down for charging and automatically raises when charging is complete. Gravity’s innovative charging solution not only provides fast and reliable charging but also requires no utility upgrades and is compatible with all EVs.
The compact design of Gravity’s curbside chargers allows for the integration of additional features such as traffic safety cameras, street lighting, public Wi-Fi, air quality sensors, and public communication systems. This multi-functional approach makes Gravity’s charging poles a versatile addition to city infrastructure. Additionally, the sleek design of the chargers adds to their aesthetic appeal, with Brooklyn-based start-up itselectric also working on innovatively designed Level 2 chargers to meet the growing demand for curbside charging solutions in urban areas.
Despite initial concerns about the reliability and weatherproofing of the poles holding Gravity’s curbside chargers, the company remains confident in the durability and functionality of its design. The retractable swing arm and heavy cables are designed to ensure ease of use for EV owners while maintaining a low profile on city sidewalks. With a high usage rate of curbside chargers reported by the NYC Department of Transportation, it is evident that there is a demand for convenient and efficient charging options in urban areas. Gravity’s innovative approach to curbside charging aims to meet this demand and contribute to the continued growth of electric vehicle adoption in cities like New York.
In conclusion, Gravity’s introduction of curbside fast charging solutions in NYC represents a significant step towards addressing the challenges of providing adequate public charging infrastructure in congested urban areas. By offering Level 3 DC fast chargers on sidewalks, Gravity is revolutionizing the way EV owners access and utilize charging stations, making it more convenient and efficient for residents without dedicated parking spaces to charge their vehicles. With the potential for additional features to be integrated into the charging poles, Gravity’s curbside chargers have the capacity to enhance city infrastructure and provide a multifunctional solution to urban mobility challenges. As the demand for electric vehicles continues to grow, innovative charging solutions like those offered by Gravity will play a crucial role in supporting the transition to sustainable transportation in cities around the world.
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