Papilio3 is a pop-up solar car park (SCP) and EV charging hub developed by 3ti to combat the UK’s EV charging infrastructure gap and help to decarbonise the transport sector.

Based around a recycled shipping container Papilio3 can be installed in under 8 hours, providing a solution that can rapidly accelerate EV adoption through the provision of EV infrastructure. As a destination and workplace charging solution, it takes advantage of increased dwell times to provide an efficient EV charge that optimises the use of locally generated solar energy.

3ti has developed a product that offers a timely and innovative solution to many challenges facing the UK: boosting the EV charging infrastructure; supporting EV take-up; and providing control over energy costs and supply.

• 12 fast EV charge points at 7, 11, or 22kW
• 42 solar panels & local mains electricity
• Up to 250kWh of battery storage capacity
• Made using recycled shipping containers
• Designed & manufactured in the UK
• Branding & advertising opportunities
• Smart charging & back-office billing system
• No new grid connection**
• Waterproof shelter with integrated LEDs
• ‘ChargeSafe’ accredited
• CCTV security camera
• Visible commitment to net-zero targets

With around half of UK households unable to charge an EV at home, destination and workplace solar car parks are a cost effective, sustainable way of providing not only low carbon electricity but also charging infrastructure to support the switch to EVs. Cars spend 95% of their time parked, so why not charge in those locations? Workplace and destination charging provide the obvious answer, plus charging EVs using solar-generated electricity reduces demand on the grid and reliance on fossil fuels.

Papilio3 integrates three technologies that are more usually considered individually, or at best in pairs: solar photovoltaic (PV) electricity generation, Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS) and EV charge points. Combining the three technologies, alongside 3ti’s smart charging and intelligent electrical load management system, offers a range of benefits, including optimising the speed and carbon intensity of EV charging and providing grid balancing.