FreeWire Technologies develops mobile EV charging
One concern of the relatively new EV industry is what is going to be done with used EV batteries. California based FreeWire Technologies, one of hopefully many more to come, has a creative solution.
When an electric vehicle (EV) battery produces only 70 percent of its original capability due to battery degradation over time, it may not suffice for an EV driver any longer. While replacement batteries are now available, what becomes of that original battery? The Mobi mobile EV charging solution is one possible answer.
FreeWire Technologies has developed two products using second-life EV batteries. First, the Mobi charger is a mobile EV charging solution that brings the charger to you. Each system holds 48 kWh of second-life EV batteries to provide Level 2 and Level 3 charging capabilities to EVs. This is significantly more capacity than most EVs currently have on-board, and could possibly top off several EVs after their arrival at work. Perhaps your employer wishes to encourage EV ownership, but is put off by the significant cost to install fixed EV charging stations. The Mobi charger could provide that ability without entailing a significant infrastructure expense. It also provides scalability, as additional units could be provided on an as needed basis.
Another product offered is the Mobi Gen. With 40 kWh of second-life EV batteries on board, the Mobi Gen would be particularly useful on cinematic sets. Without the noise and exhaust of a conventional generator, the Mobi Gen provides clean 120 volt and 240 volt power (up to 12,000 watts) cleanly and quietly. In fact, the Mobi Gen recently won the Best Tech Award at Cine Gear Expo 2015 for developing a novel film production solution.
Finally, one other application of the Mobi charger would be truly mobile charging opportunities to rescue you in the event that you were left stranded on the road. FreeWire is currently evaluating such a service in the Bay Area of California. With fast charging capabilities, this seems like one of the best use cases, especially in high-density EV areas. Operators across the country could economically add Mobi chargers to their fleet to enhance the services that they already provide.
Disruptive technologies (the EV industry) often create opportunities where none existed before. It is the creative thought process that sees what others do not that can truly make an impact in undeveloped territory. We expect to see more innovations such as this as the EV industry develops.