Thanks to its integrated battery, cities now have the ability to establish a high-power charging infrastructure - without the typical construction work. Together with the product launch, the Munich start-up is also announcing a crowdfunding campaign to build a fleet of 500 high-power chargers in 50 cities within 500 days.
"The success of e-mobility will depend on the availability of acceptable and effective charging infrastructure, which is as accessible and convenient for drivers, as existing fueling options”, says Maurice Neligan, CEO of Jolt.
Island mode
As the need for large-scale charging develops, the importance of fast or high-power charging as an essential element of modern e-mobility is becoming increasingly clear. Particularly in cities, where over 70 per cent of the population live, demand for fast, uncomplicated charging will grow. The charging capacity of the MerlinOne station, developed in cooperation with ADS-TEC in Germany, enables drivers to top up their average weekly driving distance in just 10 to 15 minutes. The flexibility of MerlinOne derives primarily from its ability to be connected to the electricity grid in three 3 different ways, taking account of local grid conditions.
Its island mode is particularly flexible. For the first time, high-power charging stations can be placed exactly where they are needed, without any concern for the quality of the existing electrical infrastructure. Typical locations include inner city streets, supermarkets, gas stations, restaurants or even churches and schools. A grid connection is not necessary, because MerlinOne’s integrated 200 kilowatt hours of battery storage provides the power. When the battery is almost empty, the complete MerlinOne charging station is replaced with a fully charged unit.
Two additional operation modes
For the transport, Jolt and Swedish company Hiab have developed a special truck (MerlinTruck) with an automated crane and carrying system, which ensures the swap process is completed in under five minutes. This solution was presented for the first time today (October 8) at the global product launch.
MerlinOne has two additional operating modes both of which involve a grid connection. When connected to the low voltage grid, the integrated battery storage operates as the basis for fast charging. It is continuously charged via the power grid and releases the electricity as needed in a very short time. This not only enables high-power charging at low voltage, but also avoids costly network expansion, for example on city streets or at gas stations.
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The third option is to connect the MerlinOne to the medium voltage grid, allowing the charger to operate continuously at high-power, while at the same time providing charger-to-grid (C2G) services.
Special crowdfunding bonds
Jolt is also breaking new ground in financing this innovative charging technology, by issuing fixed interest bonds (Merlin Bonds) with terms of four to six years. The bonds will be issued via a special crowdfunding platform pitched at individuals and communities to fund charging infrastructure in their own cities. The goal is to install 500 Merlins in 50 cities in 500 days.
Jolt’s Vice-President Sales, Frank Beicken, is certain that this is the right way forward; "Participation in such a Green Tech Project creates a positive image and gives city residents the opportunity to get involved in driving an effective charging solution for their own city, without financing and construction hurdles”. (mfo)
