There’s an unexpected new service on a fuel station forecourt in northern Poland: E-bikers can recharge their batteries – free.
On the MOYA forecourt in Bytów, installer EcoAC – working in partnership with Victron Energy distributor Globtechnic Power Systems – has installed a small canopy of solar panels under which E-bike owners can plug in for a free top-up while they wait.
The story began with a suggestion by local authorities in northern Poland that this would be a great way to support local tourism and green mobility. The MOYA forecourt franchise made the idea reality – keen to expand their service to customers.
EcoAC was offered the job of installing the facility and chose to provide a premium, reliable charging station which was attractive, and which people would enjoy using.
Part of the design concept is that the unit is essentially mobile – it is secured immovably to the ground, of course, but can be relocated at will.
Up to four e-bikes can be charged simultaneously. The facility features motion-activated LED lighting: USB chargers for personal devices; and a 230VAC outlet: technically speaking even an EV could use the facility – though it would take a while!
- Solar energy from 2 x PV panels of 490Wp is harvested by a SmartSolar MPPT 100/50.
- Power is stored in 2 x 12V 220Ah AGM Deep Cycle Batteries
- A MultiPlus-II 24/3000/70 Inverter Charger provides AC power and can also charges the battery when connected the electricity grid.
- A BMV-712 Smart monitors the battery State of Charge, Voltage, Input Output, as well as storing their operational history.
On a bright summer’s day, the solar panels provide more than enough energy for casual use. Even on a cloudy day, the batteries alone can fully charge around five E-bikes, depending on the size of each bike’s battery.
The unit is designed to operate in hybrid mode when it’s grid-connected, ensuring service continuity 24 hours per day.
“The idea is to use solar energy whenever possible, but never to leave a cyclist waiting;” says Globtechnic’s Chief Operating Officer Mateusz Wrzeszcz.
The unit’s mobility makes it ideal for installation at temporary visitor attractions – and the advantage for hotels or restaurants who wish to offer guests a premium service is clear.
EcoAC plans to refine the design to offer more charging outlets – whilst keeping the core configuration. The intention is to offer it as a commercial product which anyone can order — a ready-made amenity for modern hospitality.
“The unit is small enough to fit almost anywhere,” says Mateusz, “fuel stations, car parks, workplaces, or recreation areas — wherever people gather, it can offer power from the sun.”
The MOYA forecourt offers the facility as a gesture towards customers. The site already includes a restaurant, so e-bikers can sit and relax whilst they wait for the energy which will power their onward journey.
EcoAC are proud that their technical expertise rose to the challenge of designing and building this new facility. They hope that the inclusivity of e-bike riders at traditional fuel forecourts will establish a new logic for public installations which meet the needs of those who choose travel sustainably. It’s the future we are all heading for.
EcoAC have provided a YouTube short of the installation:
