Project Summary

Desktop feasibility study to test concept of a trailer mounted EV fast charger with integrated battery storage.

Project Achievements

Agile Charging worked with the Centre for Power Transmission and Motion Control at the University of Bath to explore the feasibility of offering a trailermounted version of Agile’s EV fast charger. A model was developed to simulate and assess the likely vehicle dynamics of transporting a portable chargepoint on UK roads. This allowed Agile to assess the implications of the necessary antivibration strategy on the design, in addition to incorporating regulatory compliance considerations, and input from initial market conversations.

Conclusions

An initial configuration was designed based on a Bateson Trailers 720 four-wheel trailer and the feasibility of the design was shown at a high level. Further work must be done to identify the appropriate battery chemistry and perform detailed operational modelling.  Initial desireability testing was positive, with encouraging feedback from a vehicle OEM, a Local Authority, a District Network Operator (DNO) and a car rental company. The price will need to be extremely competitive (no more than £25k-£30k), as a probable utilisation factor of around 30% for a lease business model could make the economics unfavourable. We are in the early stages of discussions for equity investment from the CIIF and others and have recently won support from the APC’s TDAP program. With further funding, Agile will be able to develop and test a prototype. This technology will help catalyse the EV rollout in the UK and beyond, helping to create and secure green jobs in our supply chain and R&D ecosystem