Mobilis produces its own green power on construction site

Driving electrically is sustainable, but generating your own green power on site to do so is even more sustainable. That is the idea behind the e-CO₂tainer (pronounced Ecotainer) from Mobilis. The e-CO₂tainer is a mobile unit where drivers can charge their electric cars at project sites. The required power is generated with solar panels and wind turbines placed on the unit, and a generator that runs exclusively on natural biofuel (not biodiesel).

Innovative in-house development

The e-CO₂taineris an in-house development by TBI company Mobilis, in partnership with Power Sonic EMEA of Nijkerk, which specializes in energy storage via battery systems. The first container was delivered in mid-November 2019.

The reason for developing the e-CO₂tainer is Mobilis' goal of having an almost entirely electric fleet by 2025. This was started in 2018. However, it is not easy to charge electric cars at project sites in a conventional way. A good (heavy) grid connection is not arranged on the first day and sometimes not possible at all. Or it is far too expensive to install a charging facility.

Small 'power plant'

The mobile charging container eliminates this problem. Each container can charge six cars simultaneously. This small "power plant" stores self-generated electricity in redundant batteries; if one battery needs charging, the other battery takes over the supply. The e-CO₂tainers are modular and can also be connected to a construction shack and provide power there.

A connection to the electricity grid is also possible. Then power is supplied that is not immediately needed and power is taken from the grid at peak demand in the project. The e-CO₂tainer can thus serve as a permanent unit at tunnel installations, for example, and generate income. To respond to future developments, the units are already prepared for hydrogen. The 40 ft large e-CO₂tainer can be charged and transported at any time. No special dispensations are required for its transportation.