UK Startup SolarBotanic Trees Develops Electric Vehicle Charging Trees with Solar-Powered Canopies and Energy Storage in the Trunk.
SolarBotanic Trees has completed a large-scale prototype tree, measuring half the size of the final product, and is currently working on creating and testing a full-sized version before starting commercial production later this year, as reported by CNN on May 29. The company has received its first order of 200 trees from Raw Charging Group, according to CEO Chris Shelley.
SolarBotanic Trees collaborates with Raw Charging to install electric vehicle charging trees. (Photo: Raw Charging).
At a height of 4.5 meters and a canopy width of 7 meters, the energy trees from SolarBotanic Trees can be easily installed in public spaces. Shelley noted that the tree canopy also provides shade and adds aesthetic value.
The price of an energy tree is expected to range from $22,000 to $30,000, significantly higher than traditional solar panel structures. They have a power output of 5 kW, which is typical for standard charging points according to the Energy Saving Trust (EST), a UK organization focused on low-carbon solutions. With this output, it takes nearly 7 hours to charge a 50 kW battery vehicle from 20% to 80%.
“This charging speed is more suitable for vehicles that are not in use for extended periods,” said Rachel Swiatek, transport program manager at EST. She added that there are many types of charging points on the market with varying power outputs, each suited for different usage scenarios.
SolarBotanic Trees also plans to design a smaller, more affordable version with a power output of 3.2 kW, priced between $12,000 and $18,000. This version will be suitable for locations such as universities, shopping centers, and town centers. They have various applications, from charging phones and laptops to powering LED lights.
Each energy tree will be equipped with an AI-controlled energy management and storage system, allowing multiple trees to link together to form a localized microgrid or connect to the national grid to transfer excess energy. The trees can also draw power from the grid to charge vehicles at night or during winter.
However, to reduce dependence on the grid, SolarBotanic Trees plans to integrate batteries within the trunk of the trees, enabling the storage of excess energy generated during the day for use at night. By 2025, Shelley aims to build at least 1,000 trees each year, starting with the first installations in the UK before expanding throughout Europe and North America.
