Autonomous Vehicle Rotating Parking System: An Innovative Way to Park and Charge Your Car
In a bid to combat the growing demand for parking and electric vehicle (EV) charging in urban centers, a startup named VePa has emerged as a game-changer. This innovative company offers a unique solution that not only provides parking but also level-2 EV charging, all within a compact and cost-effective design.
VePa's facilities, which are open to the public, are designed to maximise space usage. Each facility, approximately 525 square feet in size, can stack up to 16 cars, making it a space-saving marvel. The mechanism lifts cars and aligns them with the next open platform, ensuring smooth and efficient parking.
The parking fee structure is straightforward. From 7 a.m. to 6 p.m., a parking spot costs €1 for every 15 minutes, which equates to approximately $4.69 per hour. An overnight charge kicks in at €10 ($11.72).
While there is no explicit penalty for staying hooked up after a car's charging is complete, paying for electricity while charging typically costs less than parking. Europeans use the level-2 charging cable that comes with their cars for charging, eliminating the need for additional equipment.
The startup's design is quick to assemble (6 months), easily disassembled, and the cost to build per parking space is less than many competitors. This cost-effectiveness has attracted major investors, including real estate developers, who find VePa a more viable option than constructing underground parking garages for small apartment complexes.
VePa's commitment to sustainability is evident. Each tower is said to save more than 2,100 tons of CO2 per year. Currently, VePa operates two parking/charging sites in Munich, one under construction in Berlin, and seven more are in the planning phase.
The Berlin VePa facility is upsized to fit a 17-foot, 7-inch-long vehicle weighing up to 6,170 pounds, catering to a wider range of vehicles. In contrast, the Munich facilities have a size limitation of 16 feet, 5 inches long by 7 feet, 8 inches wide and a weight of 5,950 pounds.
Regarding security, VePa's charging stations do not typically include high-value-copper theft targets, reducing the risk of vandalism. To park or charge, registration, license plate number, and a payment method are required.
Typical users include individuals venturing into town for lunch or a meeting, apartment dwellers parking once a week overnight to charge, and parking tenants in the subscription car-sharing/rental business. With its innovative approach, VePa is revolutionising parking and EV charging in urban Europe.
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