Volkswagen bets on kites to power mobile charging stations

Volkswagen is partnering with EnerKite to develop flexible, grid-independent e-charging stations. These will be powered by electricity generated from wide-winged kites – also called ‘airborne wind turbines’.

The technology must help facilitate the switch to a suited infrastructure for e-mobility by avoiding costly and complex power grid upgrades and subsequent investment in conventional wind turbine parks.

EnerKite is a Brandenburg-based start-up involved in the development of giant kites made of carbon. They fly at high altitudes, between 200 and 300 meters, with stronger and steadier winds. Moving in an eight-shaped pattern, these kites pull ropes connected to a generator on the ground.

Not on the beach

While we’re mainly used to spotting kites on beaches as toys for kids, it might be surprising that the wings from EnerKite deliver twice the annual yield compared to a conventional wind turbine of rated power at 100 kW. Take-off and landing happen automatically from a special-equipped truck, which can move the electricity production unit to the desired location.

EnerKite also points out that their innovative solution saves 90% on steel, as no tower or foundation is involved compared to conventional wind turbines. Also, their impact on the landscape is much less intrusive. However, the company doesn’t state how airplanes in the vicinity are warned about the ropes reaching the generator.

The German start-up is planning two more powerful kite models. One delivers 0,5 MW, the biggest even 2,0 MW, though on stationary platforms. Seeking partners to develop these projects, EnerKite is teaming up with Volkswagen through its subsidiary Elli, Wolfsburg’s energy and charging solutions provider for electric cars.

Helping AFIR?

The pioneering solution from EnerKite might be helpful as adequate charging infrastructure, more precisely, the strengthening of the power grid is a major concern for countries navigating the switch to a national electric car fleet.

On Wednesday, the EU agreed on binding targets for its member states, which oblige that electric car drivers must be capable of fast-charging every 60 kilometers under the AFIR regulation.

The installed charging points along this map must deliver at least 150 kW, which constrains the power grid. The solution Volkswagen and EnerKite are investigating is a possible answer to this challenge, as their planned infrastructure self-sufficiently receives its electricity from the air.

Kite enthusiasts and aviation engineers

The German Federal Ministry of Education and Research (BMBF) will fund the project, and it is also part of the TechnoHyb consortium, which aims to develop circularity-oriented components.

EnerKite was founded by wind energy experts, aviation engineers, and kite enthusiasts. The company employs more than twenty people and has already received €3,5 million in funding from the European Commission.

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