A pop-up solar car park and electric vehicle (EV) charging hub has been installed at Raigmore Hospital in Inverness, Scotland.
Papilio3 was designed and installed by operator 3ti and is reportedly the first of its kind in operation in Scotland.
Made from a recycled shipping container, the solar-powered facility integrates with existing local power to fast charge up to 12 EVs simultaneously at 7, 11 or 22kW.
With a solar capacity of 19.32kWp, the installed Papilio3 will generate on average 18MWh of electricity annually – which equates to more than 63,000 miles of EV range.
The structure features a water-tight canopy designed to keep EV drivers dry, while energy-saving motion sensors automatically operate the lights when a customer approaches.
Fully operational CCTV also provides additional safety and security for the public.
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According to 3ti, Papilio3 has been designed with portability in mind and should be easily transportable to harder-to-access areas.
With a fleet of EVs currently in operation at the hospital, Papilio3 seeks to improve Raigmore’s EV charging infrastructure.
Head of energy, environment and sustainability at NHS Highland, Brian Johnstone, said: “As part of our commitment to supporting the delivery of healthcare in the future, we understand that our environmental responsibilities go beyond our own services.
“As an organisation, we are looking to develop innovative ways to harness electricity and utilise renewable energy on-site which Papilio3 is a great example of.
“With the introduction of Papilio3, NHS Highland is now in better positioned to support patients, staff and visitors with EVs at Raigmore.
“We hope that this investment in EV infrastructure helps to convince others to make the switch over to zero-emission vehicles.”
The announcement comes after the NHS said it sought to greatly improve its EV charger coverage across the UK.
Achievements and innovations in parking management will be celebrated at the third annual CiTTi Awards, which will be held on 26 November 2024 at the De Vere Grand Connaught Rooms in London. Nominations officially open in March 2024. Please visit www.cittiawards.co.uk to learn more about this unmissable event for the UK’s transportation sector.
