Gravity shows new fast-charger for curbside charging in cities
The cable system is said to bring fast-charging to the curbside. That is how Gravity puts it. According to the startup, the system requires no utility upgrades and offers 200 or 500 kW. All systems deliver 1,000 volts.
Other features include that the cable system is “bidirectional-ready” and “designed to accommodate other smart city technologies, such as traffic safety cameras, coloured LED street and curbside lighting, 5G, public Wi-Fi, air quality sensors and integrated audio/video for public communication.”
According to the press images, it looks rather unusual, as it has a hinged swing arm that can be pulled down to connect the cable to the vehicle. According to the company’s press release, “the arm raises automatically and the EV connector seamlessly latches back onto the pole and out of sight” once charging is completed. The reason behind the design is simple. This way, passers-by won’t trip on the cable, and the plug can reach the inlet of every make or model of EV. Moreover, it is supposed to have a “minimal visual profile that won’t clutter streets.” For the design, gravity teamed up with the design firm Rangr Studio.
The cable system is thus said to offer less visual impact and more charging power – a winning combination, says Moshe Cohen, Founder and CEO of Gravity. “Right now, American cities are choosing the curbside charging that drivers will use for decades to come. Unfortunately, many are looking to obsolete overnight Level 2 charging with cables that clutter sidewalks and that don’t fit the needs of urban EV drivers,” the CEO says. “EV drivers require and deserve so much better. We took up the challenge of making every aspect of the on-street charging experience faster and better and can’t wait to deploy our new DEAP Trees by the thousands.”
The name DEAP Trees is derived from the acronym for Distributed Energy Access Points, which is DEAP. Gravity points out that it would outperform Superchargers that provide 75 to 150 kW. However, it might be a while before the DEAP Trees will become part of the urban landscape.
The young company just recently opened its flagship infrastructure project in Midtown Manhatten in New York City. It offers 24 charge points with 500 kW each, installed in a parking garage on West 42nd Street.
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