E-Vine is a proposal for EV charging stations in dense metropolitan areas, an architectural typology explored by the Journey to Zero Competition, sponsored by Nissan. The “New Era of Mobility” competition required a fundamental re-thinking of our cities in order to incorporate the radical changes on the journey towards a zero emission future.

The E-Vine positions itself between the realms of infrastructure, architecture and product design.  It can exist as discreet singular elements, along with its ability to conglomerate and network into larger fields. The charging stations consist of two main components: The “Solar Leafs” and the “Charge Pads”.  The Solar Leafs can be configured as stand-alone umbrellas, canopies or trapeze structures that span between buildings, posts or billboards. Covered with photovoltaic cells the leafs collect sunlight and store the energy in batteries located inside the charge pads. The pads utilize the sidewalks and curbs, demarcating changing zones through the change in materiality, form and plug-in programs such as digital info kiosks, laptop and cell phone charges, leisure spots. Their shapes allow the EVs to move out of the main traffic and recharge in designated areas. In addition, E-Vines would provide for complimentary programmatic functions that engage by-passers even if they do not require a vehicle charge.