- Gravity’s “DEAP Trees” aim to surpass Tesla’s Supercharger network with advanced, universal on-street EV charging.
- DEAP Trees offer 200 miles of range in 13 minutes (200kW) or 5 minutes (500kW).
- The system includes retractor-less cables, bidirectional capability, and supports smart city technologies like 5G and public Wi-Fi.
Gravity’s DEAP Trees are sprouting all over New York City to streamline on-street EV charging
New York-based EV start-up, Gravity, has introduced an interesting advancement in EV charging technology. The company recently unveiled its “DEAP Trees,” a universal on-street mounting and cable system. The Trees are designed as high-power 200kW and 500kW Distributed Energy Access Points (DEAPs).
Gravity’s goal is to create a more extensive DEAP charging network than Tesla’s Supercharger network.
This will tick the charging convenience box for many would-be adopters. To achieve this, Gravity collaborated with design firm Rangr Studio to tackle the numerous challenges associated with curbside charging.
The DEAP Trees system is designed with a hinged swing arm that holds a cable. This arm pivots down when charging begins, allowing it to reach the port of any EV make or model. After charging, the arm automatically retracts, and the EV connector latches back onto the pole. This innovative design eliminates the need for long cables. In turn, that mitigates tripping hazards, obstacles to accessibility, and potential vandalism.
A major advantage of the DEAP Trees is that they bring high-speed charging to the curbside without requiring utility upgrades.
The 200kW system can provide 200 miles of range in just 13 minutes. Meanwhile, the 500kW system does the same in only 5 minutes. This rapid charging capability enables multiple charging sessions per space each hour. This is a significant improvement over the 8-10 hours needed for Level 2 curbside chargers currently being tested in cities like New York. In comparison, Tesla’s common Superchargers typically offer 72kW or 150kW.
Moshe Cohen, Founder and CEO of Gravity, emphasised the importance of this development, saying:
“Right now, American cities are choosing the curbside charging that drivers will use for decades to come. Unfortunately, many are looking to obsolete overnight Level 2 charging with cables that clutter sidewalks and that don’t fit the needs of urban EV drivers. EV drivers require and deserve so much better. We took up the challenge of making every aspect of the on-street charging experience faster and better and can’t wait to deploy our new DEAP Trees by the thousands. With even partial adoption by American cities, this product alone could quickly become the largest fast-charging network in America, eclipsing even the Supercharger network.”
Gravity’s DEAP Trees are an interesting addition to city streets. Imagine a future where you pass under beech trees and DEAP Trees side by side. More importantly, you pass by cars easily and quickly charging outside of people’s homes.
