The Electric Fuelling Station of the Future

As a perceived lack of charging infrastructure is one of the largest barriers to EV adoption, this new design competition, The Electric Fuelling Station of the Future launched by Electric Autonomy Canada, is turning to designers and architects, hoping to enlist their help to fuel a fundamental change in our daily transportation habits and encourage a carbon-free future – thanks to more inspired and redesigned public charging stations.    

The ask? Submit a winning design for an entirely new roadside oasis for electric vehicles – one where drivers can rest, play, eat, recharge and more.  

Here’s what competition entrants can look forward to: 

- An expert jury: Entries will be reviewed by industry heavyweights including: Claire Weisz from WXY, Bruce Kuwabara from KPMB Architects, and Peter Vikar from Local Projects (among others). 

- $40,000 total prizes: The top three designs will be awarded with cash prizes: First prize: $25,000; Second prize: $10,000; and Third prize: $5,000 – all prizes in CAD.  

- Submission information: Submissions open August 30, 2021 and the deadline to submit an EV charging station design is November 15, 2021 on https://designawards.electricautonomy.ca/.  

EVs are transforming how we move, all while improving our air and climate. But while there have been many advancements in the design of autos, the electric vehicle lifestyle itself has been lacking. Specifically, when it comes to the design, entertainment and overall environment available at public fuelling (charging) stations – where EV drivers can spend anywhere from 20-40 minutes dwell time, depending on their vehicle.    

“With the advancement in government policies and automakers switching their production away from gasoline engines, it's now certain that our future passenger vehicles will be electric. By encouraging the international architectural community, design thinkers and other innovators to think anew about what EV driving will mean for our future, the goal is that drivers will be able to better understand the benefits of shifting transportation habits and infrastructure to electrification - and get excited about adopting an EV lifestyle.”  – Nino Di Cara, Electric Autonomy Canada Founder

KEY COMPETITION DETAILS 

Launched by Electric Autonomy with presenting sponsor Parkland, and category leading sponsors Cadillac, CIBC and Dentons, registration for the competition is now open and the deadline to submit an EV charging station design is November 15, 2021, on https://designawards.electricautonomy.ca/.

Here’s what the jury is looking for in a winning concept:

• INNOVATIVE CONCEPT: Competition Judges are looking for an innovative approach to the program brief that curates a new experience for EV drivers and their passengers, reinventing the traditional roadway pitstop, and transforming the dwell time into a positive experience.
• DESIGN: Guests should be treated to a novel, visually pleasing experience at every turn.
• SUSTAINABILITY: Proposed concepts should prioritize sustainable materials and building techniques. We are looking for a positive energy strategy that reduces carbon and is implementable today.
• FEASIBILITY: Design concepts should be feasible, taking into account weather, should there be interest in commissioning a project. No levitating car parks please!

The top three designs will be awarded with cash prizes: First prize: $25,000; Second prize: $10,000; and Third prize: $5,000.