Electric cars are becoming more popular worldwide, with numbers increasing all the time.
It is reported by Bloomberg that the world’s electric fleet will soon surpass 20 million, a significant chunk of the estimated 1.3 billion vehicles on roads globally. Every passing year brings fresh innovations within the sector that will further enhance the push from campaigners for more sustainable travel. As we explained in our piece titled ‘Electric Car Companies in USA’, many innovations happen here on our shores.
Some issues consumers have with EVs prevent them from turning their back on traditional vehicles. A survey by AutoTrader ranked the range of travel and charging time as two of the top three concerns with switching to electric in 2018, whilst in 2022 a lack of charging infrastructure became the biggest concern. All three are around where cars can be plugged in, how long they’re off the road, and how far they can go on a single charge.
Now, a startup from Britain is looking to alleviate all of those concerns in a single swoop. The company is ZipCharge, and they’re releasing a product called Go which could not only ease the concerns of those wishing to switch to an EV but change the game for the entire industry forever.
ZipCharge presented its product at the COP26 climate summit in Glasgow, and it was met with both intrigue and excitement. It is essentially a power bank for an EV vehicle, the size of a suitcase and weighing 50lbs. If you think of the USB power banks you can buy for your mobile phone; it is the same concept but on a larger scale. Compatible with any plug-in hybrid car, the technology is basic at present, but the possibilities are exciting.
Currently, the device would provide 20 miles range with 30 minutes of charging, which means you won’t be moving across the US with little care, but it will make owning an EV less precarious. It could be the difference between making a charging station or not, and it will deliver a certain peace of mind for EV users.
It’s not due to hit the market yet; it was only showcased in October 2021 and won’t be expected until late 2023. There’s no word on potential cost either, and that’s the other main issue potential EV owners have with switching; the cost. EVs are not cheap alternatives, and ZipCharge’s Go product will likely cost as much as a permanent charging port. It has been suggested that they will be available to lease for $67 per month, which lessens the financial impact.
With rising fuel costs around the globe and the sustained focus on improving our carbon footprint, any move to make EVs more attractive has got to be welcomed. Of course, whilst the ZipCharge Go will fit into your vehicle, it takes additional charging, 30 minutes, and the range isn’t enough to make serious journeys.
That said, it is a step in the right direction and proof that hard work is going on to make EVs more attractive. There’s even talk of a high-capacity model which could deliver a 40 mile range from 30 minutes charging, which feels more like the gamechanger the EV industry needs.
The ZipCharge Go is expected on the market in late fall 2023, with plans to release 4 kWh and 8 kWh versions. Doubtless, EV owners and dealers hope it will be a catalyst for even more industry growth in the future.
