Resembling a fueling station, VersiCharge XL—a new electric vehicle (EV) charging concept structure—can charge large numbers of EVs in outdoor areas ranging from small office building parking lots to last-mile logistics hubs to stadium parking lots.
The developers—Siemens Smart Infrastructure, which creates intelligent and adaptive infrastructure, and Nexii Building Solutions, a green construction technology company—say the modular, scalable solution is the industry’s first EV-charging system housing all the necessary electrical infrastructure components in an above-ground, enclosed, and low-carbon structure. The above-ground design minimizes disruption to existing parking lots, while also reducing on-site construction waste and environmental impact.
Rapidly developed in just six months last year, the innovative product was installed in only three days’ time in February at Siemens’ research and development hub for electrical products and e-mobility solutions in Peachtree Corners, Ga.
“The massive growth of electric mobility requires an easy and rapid expansion of a reliable and sustainable charging infrastructure. This specific concept shows how Siemens and its partners are working on new, innovative ideas to help support this growth in the US market,” Markus Mildner, CEO of eMobility at Siemens Smart Infrastructure, says in a statement.
The prototype uses Nexii’s building material Nexiite, which has similar properties as concrete but with significantly less embodied carbon, for the vertical structure supporting the Siemens Sentron Busway systems that power the EV chargers. The co-patented design combines Nexii’s sustainable building products and rapid delivery of green buildings with Siemens’ expertise in residential and commercial chargers, charging depots for commercial fleets, and infrastructure systems to power electrified bus lines.
“Construction and transportation are two of the biggest sources of carbon emissions driving climate change today,” Stephen Sidwell, cofounder and CEO of Nexii, says in a statement. “Bringing together Siemens and Nexii demonstrates the power of rapid ideation and development of solutions to some of the world’s biggest problems.”
Related Stories
Projects | Apr 6, 2022
Ryan Companies expands Chicago presence with new West Loop office
Ryan Companies US, Inc. (Ryan), a national leader in commercial real estate services, announces it has enhanced its Chicago presence with the opening of a new downtown office at 224 North Desplaines in the city’s West Loop neighborhood.
Projects | Apr 5, 2022
San Francisco Giants open new training facility in Phoenix
The new San Francisco Giants Player Development Center at Papago Park in Phoenix, Ariz., includes a first-of-its-kind space for Major League Baseball training facilities: an indoor half field.
Multifamily Housing | Apr 5, 2022
New Covenant House New York contains multiple services for youth in crisis
The new Covenant House New York, a crisis shelter for homeless youth in the Hell’s Kitchen neighborhood, provides a temporary home and multiple services for young people.
Projects | Apr 1, 2022
University complex encourages exchange between academics and residents
In the small Danish city of Horsens, C.F. Møller Architects has created a university complex that unites higher education with urban life—creating synergies among students, staff, businesses, and residents
Projects | Mar 31, 2022
Tech school designed to prepare students for high-wage, high-skill careers
In Wesley Chapel, Fla., a half-hour north of Tampa, Kirkland Ranch Academy of Innovation (KRAI) is “not going to look like anything you’ve ever seen before,” Kim Moore, assistant superintendent at Pasco County Schools, said in a statement.
Multifamily Housing | Mar 28, 2022
Singapore’s new Irwell Hill residences will be built around heritage rain trees
The recently unveiled design of Irwell Hill, twin 36-story residence towers, calls for the development to be situated among copious greenery including preserved heritage rain trees.
Projects | Mar 24, 2022
A Hollywood home for creatives
A Hollywood development will serve as a collaborative center for artists, students, and those in the entertainment industry.
Projects | Mar 22, 2022
Fast-growing Austin adds a $3 billion community
The nation’s fastest-growing large metro area is getting even bigger, with the addition of a $3 billion, 66-acre community.
Projects | Mar 22, 2022
AREA15 to open second location in Orlando, Florida
AREA15, an immersive and experiential art, entertainment, dining and retail center, recently announced that it will open its second location in Orlando, Florida, in 2024.
Projects | Mar 22, 2022
Austin multifamily project to feature 60 micro-housing apartments
A new 34,364 sf multifamily project, Sixth and Chicon, in Austin, Texas, will feature 60 micro-housing apartments designed for “the urban minimalist.”