Racing Towards Sustainable Mobility: Silverstone's Solar-Powered EV Charging Solution

Silverstone

Towcester

Our Shift to Zero initiative is well underway as we strive to improve sustainability across the venue. We are always looking at ways to further reduce our carbon footprint, and installing solar-powered EV charging was an obvious step.

Stuart Pringle

Managing Director at Silverstone

3ti installs two custom-branded Papilio3 solar EV charging hubs at the iconic Silverstone Circuit, accelerating the venue’s Shift to Zero sustainability strategy.

Background

Silverstone, the home of British motorsport, hosts some of the biggest racing events in the world, drawing thousands of visitors annually. As a leader in the motorsport industry, Silverstone has committed to improving sustainability across its venue through its Shift to Zero initiative, which aims to systematically reduce the carbon footprint of all operations.

The iconic venue recognised that providing sustainable EV charging infrastructure would be a critical component of their sustainability journey, especially as the number of electric vehicles on UK roads continues to grow. This aligns with broader industry trends as motorsport increasingly embraces sustainable technologies and practices.

Challenge

Silverstone faced several distinct challenges in implementing EV charging infrastructure:

  • The need for rapid deployment of charging facilities before major racing events
  • Providing sufficient charging capacity for both staff and visitors
  • Minimising disruption to existing operations and infrastructure
  • Ensuring alignment with their Shift to Zero sustainability initiative
  • Utilising existing renewable energy resources efficiently

The solution needed to be scalable, quickly deployable, and visibly demonstrate Silverstone’s commitment to sustainability while providing a practical service for EV drivers.

Our Approach

3ti installed two Papilio3 solar car parks with integrated EV charging hubs at strategic locations around the Silverstone circuit:

  • Each unit was custom-branded specifically for Silverstone, maintaining the venue’s iconic identity
  • Each Papilio3 hub features just under 20kWp of solar capacity
  • Each hub provides 12 fast-charge points operating at 7, 11, or 22kW, for a total of 36 new charging points
  • One unit was enhanced by connecting to 1MW of energy from an existing solar array on the roof of the Wing International Conference and Exhibition Centre
  • 3ti’s smart charging and intelligent electrical load management system was implemented to optimise charging speeds and carbon intensity

The installation was completed ahead of one of the biggest weekends in British motorsport, ensuring maximum visibility and utilisation of the new charging infrastructure.

Results

The partnership between 3ti and Silverstone delivered significant benefits:

  • Rapid deployment of 36 new EV charging points with minimal disruption
  • Immediate availability of sustainable charging options for staff and visitors
  • Enhanced utilisation of existing renewable energy resources through integration with the Wing building’s solar array
  • Visible demonstration of Silverstone’s commitment to its Shift to Zero initiative
  • Improved carbon footprint through the use of solar power for EV charging
  • Optimised charging speeds and grid balancing through smart energy management

Stuart Pringle, Managing Director of Silverstone, highlighted the strategic importance of the installation: “Our Shift to Zero initiative is well underway as we strive to improve sustainability across the venue. We are always looking at ways to further reduce our carbon footprint, and installing solar-powered EV charging was an obvious step. We were drawn to Papilio3 because of the speed at which the solution could be deployed and the number of charge points immediately available for use by staff and visitors.”

The Silverstone installation serves as a powerful example of how iconic venues can rapidly enhance their sustainability credentials while providing practical amenities for visitors and staff, setting a benchmark for other sporting and leisure venues across the UK.

3ti’s Papilio3 solar EV charging hub brings sustainable transport solutions to Segen’s Training Academy, supporting the next generation of renewable energy installers.

Background

Silverstone, the home of British motorsport, hosts some of the biggest racing events in the world, drawing thousands of visitors annually. As a leader in the motorsport industry, Silverstone has committed to improving sustainability across its venue through its Shift to Zero initiative, which aims to systematically reduce the carbon footprint of all operations.

The iconic venue recognised that providing sustainable EV charging infrastructure would be a critical component of their sustainability journey, especially as the number of electric vehicles on UK roads continues to grow. This aligns with broader industry trends as motorsport increasingly embraces sustainable technologies and practices.

Challenge

Silverstone faced several distinct challenges in implementing EV charging infrastructure:

  • The need for rapid deployment of charging facilities before major racing events
  • Providing sufficient charging capacity for both staff and visitors
  • Minimising disruption to existing operations and infrastructure
  • Ensuring alignment with their Shift to Zero sustainability initiative
  • Utilising existing renewable energy resources efficiently

The solution needed to be scalable, quickly deployable, and visibly demonstrate Silverstone’s commitment to sustainability while providing a practical service for EV drivers.

Our Approach

3ti installed two Papilio3 solar car parks with integrated EV charging hubs at strategic locations around the Silverstone circuit:

  • Each unit was custom-branded specifically for Silverstone, maintaining the venue’s iconic identity
  • Each Papilio3 hub features just under 20kWp of solar capacity
  • Each hub provides 12 fast-charge points operating at 7, 11, or 22kW, for a total of 36 new charging points
  • One unit was enhanced by connecting to 1MW of energy from an existing solar array on the roof of the Wing International Conference and Exhibition Centre
  • 3ti’s smart charging and intelligent electrical load management system was implemented to optimise charging speeds and carbon intensity

The installation was completed ahead of one of the biggest weekends in British motorsport, ensuring maximum visibility and utilisation of the new charging infrastructure.

Results

The partnership between 3ti and Silverstone delivered significant benefits:

  • Rapid deployment of 36 new EV charging points with minimal disruption
  • Immediate availability of sustainable charging options for staff and visitors
  • Enhanced utilisation of existing renewable energy resources through integration with the Wing building’s solar array
  • Visible demonstration of Silverstone’s commitment to its Shift to Zero initiative
  • Improved carbon footprint through the use of solar power for EV charging
  • Optimised charging speeds and grid balancing through smart energy management

Stuart Pringle, Managing Director of Silverstone, highlighted the strategic importance of the installation: “Our Shift to Zero initiative is well underway as we strive to improve sustainability across the venue. We are always looking at ways to further reduce our carbon footprint, and installing solar-powered EV charging was an obvious step. We were drawn to Papilio3 because of the speed at which the solution could be deployed and the number of charge points immediately available for use by staff and visitors.”

The Silverstone installation serves as a powerful example of how iconic venues can rapidly enhance their sustainability credentials while providing practical amenities for visitors and staff, setting a benchmark for other sporting and leisure venues across the UK.

Related Projects

Surrey County Council

SCC’s growing electric vehicle fleet will be powered by Papilio3, supporting the council’s sustainability strategy. The solution was chosen to fulfill the urgent need for EV charging infrastructure at the site.

Merseyside Police

“The force’s target is to be Net Zero for all scope 1 and 2 emissions by 2040, and it is hoped exploring the use of technology such as this – which uses solar panels on its roof – will help us achieve that.”

Keith Dickinson - Director of Resources Merseyside Police