GIGATONS, a technology and funding company, that recently led the deployment of GRIDSERVE’s EV charging infrastructure in the UK, will work with Grimshaw to develop a suite of designs that can be deployed and integrated across different city locations and transport systems: passenger vehicles, taxis, buses, heavy goods vehicles (HGVs), marine, and aviation solutions. The solution promotes an approach that is inherently sustainable and composable, adopting modular principles, providing a distinct, recognisable seamless experience and identity for users.

The designs incorporate a system of expressed structural canopies which provide protection to charging bays and visual direction to users, as well as hosting high-performance PVs detailed to capture as much energy as possible, whatever the location. The efficiency of the form takes its cue from nature: branched glulam timber houses the technology and drainage in the trunk, supporting elements such as screens, lighting and audio.

This highly configurable kit of parts will enable offsite prefabrication and a systemised approach that reduces transportation demands, construction time and prolongs the built life. A digital twin to the solution will also enable configuration to rapidly assess sites and installation and predict demand and use, as well as monitor and evaluate energy and carbon management efficiently and in real time meeting ambitious targets in any city or region.

This work will also be part of GIGATONS’ contribution under its partnership with SAVI (Smart Autonomous Vehicle Industry), a cluster formed by Abu Dhabi Investment Officer (ADIO) in Masdar City, Abu Dhabi, to focus on smart e-mobility solutions across land, sea, and air.

This collaboration will offer GIGATONS’ platform partners access to aesthetically and technically advanced solutions that prioritise efficiency, sustainability, and user experience: setting new standards for both functionality and design.