peak hours. So responds that this
isn’t convenient for drivers and that
another solution is needed.
POWER FOR THE ROAD
“At Nextgen Nano, we believe the
solution is to rethink how EVs can
charge,” So explains. “Instead of
just plugging into charging points
connected to the grid, we have the
potential to facilitate charging through
solar panels contained on the car
itself, which enhances convenience
for drivers and complements
charging points.”
So says this can be achieved using
Nextgen Nano’s PolyPower organic
solar cell technology. PolyPower
combines nanotechnology,
biopolymer materials and organic
polymer solar cells (PSCs) to
offer a robust, flexible, sheet-like
photovoltaic product that can be
easily incorporated into the design
of EVs.
“This technology means that EVs
can be decentralised and, as long as
there is sufficient sunlight for the cells
to harvest, the vehicle’s battery can
be recharged on-the-go,” explains
So. “This complements the existing
charging infrastructure, alleviates
the strain on the grid and allows EV
manufacturers to extend the range of
their vehicles.
“What’s more, the use of
nanotechnology in developing
PolyPower means that it remains
incredibly thin, so automotive
designers can incorporate it onto
the exterior of the vehicle, without
compromising on vehicle aesthetics.”
It’s not just the electrical
infrastructure that would benefit
from this design choice, So says.
Consumers get the benefit of
recharging becoming a convenient
process that fits their lifestyle, while
the technology itself has the potential
to be low-cost and will therefore keep
the price of the vehicle low.
Likewise, the technology means
that EV manufacturers can produce
solar-powered cars that boast much
higher ranges than their competitors,
at a competitive price. And because
solar is a renewable energy source,
EV brands can also ensure vehicles
can run on entirely sustainable
power.
Nextgen Nano’s technology could
alleviate some of the expected
burden on electrical grids, but
today’s charging infrastructure
needs to be overhauled to ensure
a completely smooth transition to
EVs. For example, So says charging
systems should contain electrical
components such as power filters
that are designed to keep electrical
distortion controlled and mitigate
the risk of component damage
to either EVs or the network
infrastructure itself.
“Just as the EV market
is becoming increasingly
mature and prevalent, so too
is the charging technology
underpinning it,” says So. “If
automotive manufacturers invest
in the right technology, there is no
reason why EVs can’t become the
standard in the years ahead. And
after 125 years, it’s about time.” !
UK SMES LUKEWARM
ABOUT ELECTRIC
FUTURE
UK SMEs remain to be
convinced that EVs are
the future of motorised
transport in the UK,
despite many being
convinced by their
environmental
benefits, according
to the latest data
from Close Brothers
Asset Finance.
The survey of 900
firms conducted in April
2019 shows that while 41% think
EVs will become ubiquitous over time, for 36% it’s
‘too early to tell’ and for the remaining 23% it’s a
definite ‘no’.
“The recent report by the Transport Research
Laboratory stated that only one in four people
would consider buying a fully electric car in the
next five years,” said Neil Davies, CEO, Close
Brothers Asset Finance. “Our research shows that
while only 30% of those polled had ever driven an
electric car, the majority (59%) would consider
purchasing an EV if more incentives were available;
this figure rises to 73% for London business
owners, where the Ultra-Low Emissions Zones
were recently implemented.”
INHIBITING FACTORS
‘Range anxiety’ is often cited as the primary
reason for lack of EV uptake and, while important,
both the lack of public charging points and the
cost of vehicles rank higher in respondents’ list of
concerns.
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