German tech giant Siemens has partnered with Vancouver, BC-based green builder Nexii to develop the VersiCharge XL — a quick-to-install charging station. And when we say quick, we’re only talking about two to three days to build a system capable of charging multiple electric vehicles using level 2 or 3 chargers.
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Part of what makes the stations so easy to set up is their materials. The VersiCharge XL consists mainly of Nexiite, a weather-resistant material similar to concrete but with less embodied carbon. The structure houses all the necessary electrical infrastructure, meaning no drilling is needed to get below ground. In particular, it contains Siemens Sentron Busway Systems — efficient power delivery solutions.
It’s an all-in-one solution that can stand anywhere, from parking lots to gas stations, without onsite construction.
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Many EV companies recognize the need for more charging solutions. For example, Tesla is currently testing to make their charging stations available to all EV drivers in Europe.
Siemens and Nexii hope to offer a more cost-effective and carbon-neutral solution.
As more consumers choose to go electric, we must ensure that our communities have the infrastructure to accommodate electric vehicles. With 2030 only eight years away, it is critical we get to work building a network capable of supporting our climate goals and millions of new EVs.
-Representative Carolyn Bourdeaux
The VersiCharge XL prototype is still in its early stages. Developed in late 2021, it went from concept to reality in six months. So the company still has some testing to do before beginning broad production.
Given that construction and transportation are still two of the most significant sources of carbon emissions, an electric solution that avoids those steps is promising. The technology seems a good complement to other alternative power sources, such as solar. Stay tuned for more updates on when you can expect to use the VersiCharge XL in your local lot.