Author: Ryan_Sherratt

East Staffordshire Borough Council (ESBC) has partnered with 3ti, the UK’s leading designer, installer and operator of smart solar EV charging infrastructure, to install a Papilio3 solar-assisted EV charging hub at The Maltings Car Park.

The launch forms part of the Council’s wider town regeneration programme, designed to deliver practical, sustainable infrastructure for both residents and visitors.

The national conversation around EV charging is missing the point. Instead of fixating on how many rapid or ultra-rapid chargers the UK needs, we should focus on delivering solar powered EV charging infrastructure that’s accessible, cost-effective, and aligned with real-world driver behaviour.

Last week, Robert Llewellyn and the Fully Charged Show visited the University of Surrey to see Papilio3 in action! With slow grid upgrades often delaying EV infrastructure, 3ti’s solar-powered, container-based charging hub offers a rapid, scalable solution—installed in under 8 hours.

The University of Surrey will use Papilio3 to support destination and workplace charging, reinforcing its commitment to sustainability. Designed for fleets, businesses, and public spaces, Papilio3 leverages solar energy and longer dwell times to provide fast, reliable, and low-carbon EV charging.

Already deployed at sites like Bentley Motors, Silverstone, NHS facilities, and police forces, Papilio3 transforms parking spaces into revenue-generating assets while easing the transition to EVs.

Merseyside Police has become the first police force to install a Papilio3 smart solar EV charging hub, supporting its transition to an electrified fleet. Installed on 26th June 2024, the unit provides 12 fast-charging points (7, 11, or 22kW) and generates 18MWh of solar power annually, equating to 64,000 EV miles.