Solar EV charging hub developer 3ti has hit the initial target on its first crowdfunding round within an hour of going live, supporting its plans to fast-track the UK’s charging infrastructure.

The funding round follows the launch of the Papilio3 pop-up mini solar car park and EV charging hub

The UK-based firm achieved 100% of its initial £500k investment target within minutes of going live to the public on the Crowdcube investment platform. The funding round, which is still open, will accelerate the roll-out of the firm’s technology and enable its expansion.

The company revealed its Papilio3pop-up mini solar car park and electric vehicle charging hub last month, showing how it can expand the EV infrastructure rapidly, providing improved, more reliable and safer destination and workplace charging experience.

Founder and CEO Tim Evans said the current funding round provides investors with an opportunity to back a company committed to decarbonising the UK transport industry.

“It is expected that 14 million EVs will be on UK roads by 2030. To optimise the environmental benefits of these vehicles replacing polluting petrol and diesel alternatives, it is crucial that an efficient, reliable and sustainable charging infrastructure is in place.”

Revealed at the Surrey Research Park, the Papilio3 can be deployed within 24 hours and uses solar power, battery storage and grid energy to optimise the reliability and carbon intensity of EV charging, particularly for drivers who are not able to charge at home.

Since the launch last month, 3ti said it’s received over 100 enquiries worldwide and aims to have at least 30 Papilio3 units in operation by the end of the year. Build using recycled shipping containers, these are expected to be owned by 3ti and provided to customers on a monthly rental basis.

The modular units support 36 solar panels and have battery storage capacity of up to 250kWh, providing 12 fast EV charge points at 7, 11 and 22kW.