SUSTAINABLE CHARGE POWER IN AN OFF-ROAD WORLD
We entered into the unknown: the leading edge of all-electric o -roading. Competing in a petrol-powered crossover or four-wheel-drive vehicle is di cult. I remember from my time as a 4x4 driver during the 2018 Rebelle Rally. However, adding an all-electric element to the competition changes the entire event for those brave enough to try it.
Created in 2020, the Rebelle Rally’s Electrified designation invites EVs and plug-in electric hybrids (PHEVs) together to rally comparatively amongst traditionally powered rally rigs. Debuted in mid-September, the all-wheel-drive version of the Volkswagen ID.4 EV SUV was one of only two all-electric o -roaders in this year’s rally. A Rivian R1T pickup truck also ran the event. Furthermore, three Jeep 4xe 4x4s and two Kia Sorento PHEVs gave it a go.
REMOTE REBELLE RALLY CHARGING AND POWER
Utah-based Renewable Innovations, or RI, supplied EV charge capability during the 1,400-mile rally. One remote charging station, designed to fit into a semi-truck trailer, followed ralliers around for midday and overnight charges.
Another type of mobile charging station, the Mobile Energy Command-Solar unit, or MEC-S, kept the lights on and powered each basecamp. This particular charge station showcased high-density solar “flowers” that followed the sun—providing up to 50 KW of peak power for the entire rally operation—enough to power several houses each day.
All-electric vehicles were allowed one midday charge session, up to 45 minutes, typically three-quarters the way through each day, plus a full overnight charge. Depending how much charge our ID.4 had left, we gained anywhere from 80% to nearly a full charge after midday charge periods.
PHEVs could potentially charge in the middle of the day or in the evenings, if they wanted to. Unlike full electrics, PHEVs were also allowed extra fuel allowances during longer-mileage days, similar to ICE-powered teams.
FUTURE OFF-ROAD CHARGE OPPORTUNITIES
The mass market is starting to embrace all-electric vehicles. However, in order for this shift to be successful, the infrastructure supporting EVs needs to expand—especially if it uses renewable green energy.
Companies like Renewable Innovations are tirelessly working to devise scalable, sustainable answers for EV charging. No matter if it’s utility-free, drop-n-go EV charging residing at gas stations or mobile units following rallies or concerts, unique high-tech charge stations are making their way toward the public.
“RI sits at the crossroads of two major shifts in energy, the move to EVs and the quest to find more sustainable energy sources,” says a spokesperson for the company. “RI set out to deliver solutions for a greener, cleaner future utilizing hydrogen as the power source and solve both those problems.”
Over the next three years, RI will start installing hydrogen-powered EV Rapid Chargers across the U.S. Since these units don’t rely on the grid, they’re perfect for critically important locations, like populated areas, national parks, and more. RI’s Rapid EV Chargers will allow all-electric drivers fast-charge times that far exceed current times: around 20 minutes versus 45 minutes or even hours.
To RI, it’s a carbon-neutral energy answer that doesn’t add to existing overburdened grid systems—an ideal solution to help protect our fragile planet.