UK parcel delivery company DPD is set to trial a mobile powerbank charging concept that could provide a solution for commercial van drivers unable to charge their vehicles at home overnight.
The OnCharge ZIR0 prototype charging system will be trialed at DPD’s Bicester eco-depot where drivers can collect a take-home powerbank from the depot before driving home.
The prototype powerbank should charge the main traction battery of the van overnight, resulting in total recharge by the start of the driver’s day.
The prototype is said to be the world’s first purpose-built ruggedised powerbank, designed for fleet commercial vehicles.
With an operating capacity of 50kWh, the OnCharge system reportedly takes 90 seconds to load and unload.
According to DPD, the system could provide a solution to the 70% of fleet van drivers without access to off-street charging and could help avoid reliance on public charging.
The trial will see OnCharge and DPD engineers gather field data and review driver feedback, as well as provide insight into potential integration with DPD’s Bicester on-site solar panel array.
Olly Craughan, head of sustainability, DPD, said: “Working together will give us the opportunity to really understand the impact this system can have on our drivers first-hand.
“It allows both us and OnCharge to see how the system works under different scenarios and allows our transport and sustainability teams to explore how an agile powerbank model can amplify our investment in EV and on-site renewable generation.”
The trial is part of OnCharge Energy’s Field Test and Development programme toward scaling up customer production in late 2023.
Innovations and achievements such as this will highlighted and celebrated at the second annual CiTTi Awards, which takes place at the De Vere Grand Connaught Rooms in London on 21 November 2023. Entries are now open and close on July 28. For more information, please visit www.cittiawards.co.uk
