Charging stations should be imaginative, inspiring spaces that stimulate interest and generate enthusiasm for electric vehicles. By Alex Hearn
Accelerating the transition to the widespread adoption of electric vehicles (EVs) is a fundamental step in the journey to Net Zero, and, currently, EV charging is a key area that underdelivers. While the number of charging points are rising (up 47% in the last year in the UK alone), unreliable, slow and uninspiring charge points are the bane of EV drivers’ lives. Significant infrastructure gaps persist, but these well-documented issues challenge us to think differently, reject the status quo and create another way.
The opportunity now is to be bold, with an innovative approach that creates an enticing consumer experience, while utilising the latest innovations in smart technology and artificial intelligence to deliver a holistic approach to the husbandry of energy. With their daring, space-age aesthetics, fuel stations of the 1950s and 1960s represented the promise of an exciting and dynamic future. Now, as we stand on the cusp of another technological leap forward, visionary architecture for EV charging stations should stimulate interest, generate enthusiasm and provide a sense of optimism.
The solarpunk movement is a striking inspiration for this new architectural approach, promising a tantalising concept of futuristic utopias that integrate ‘green’ technology with building designs inspired by and connected harmoniously to nature. With sustainability and optimism at its core, solarpunk shuns climate doomerism, and when applied to EV charging hubs, has the power to reward consumers with visually and culturally captivating spaces to recharge their vehicles and, just as importantly, themselves. Along with charging, these attractive and enriching spaces should drive community engagement and provide a sense of belonging—other solarpunk ideals —as well as inspire pivotal change.
Respecting the fact that charging an EV takes longer than filling an internal combustion engine vehicle, imaginative, inspiring spaces, specifically tailored for drivers can enthrall and entertain, delivering on the promise of a net zero future similar to that of the futuristic, confident designs of the Atomic Age. The difference now is that the solarpunk movement is not just an aesthetic but a real commitment to bringing technology, design and nature together. Its duty is not just to enhance the visual and emotional experience but to also positively impact and influence the biodiversity and natural environment that it inhabits, weaving the new infrastructure harmoniously into the local environment.
Renewable energy is key to the ‘solar’ aspect of the solarpunk philosophy. Harvested solar power energy at these new high-power charging hubs can be gathered and stored in on-site batteries. Nothing goes to waste. It’s true energy husbandry, relieving pressure on strained electricity grids where infrastructure gaps remain.
Imaginative, inspiring spaces, specifically tailored for drivers can enthrall and entertain
Integrating innovative and smart technology, and designing with nature to deliver a significantly richer, engaging and enticing infrastructure vision is fundamental to fostering and stimulating attitudinal shifts, accelerating the transition to EVs.
The future is not gas stations for electricity, but something very different, more exciting and much better. A new and exhilarating reimagining—a positive experience for drivers making the move to EV charging has the potential to be transformative.
On a wider level, strikingly elegant and energy-efficient infrastructure holds great power to both stimulate and shift public perception of all sustainability initiatives and technologies. It should inform and delight, reinforcing the positive environmental—and emotional—messages around a hopeful and confident future. There is still much to be done to relieve climate anxiety, but paradigm shifts such as this can accelerate us along the path to reverse climate damage with a sense of hope, purpose and optimism.
The opinions expressed here are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the positions of Automotive World Ltd.
Alex Hearn is Chief Executive and Co-Founder of Lightstate
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