The ZipCharge Go is a portable battery that users can charge up overnight using a standard domestic plug, and then take out to their EV to top up the car’s battery. Roughly the same size as a carry-on suitcase and weighing 50lbs (22.7kg), it can be neatly stored away in the car’s boot, while the addition of wheels and a retractable handle make it easy to transfer between the vehicle and the home or office.

The Go provides a decent amount of power in a short period of time, with the 40 kWh and the 80 kWh versions achieving 20 and 40 miles of range respectively after 30 minutes’ charging. It can also be used as a portable battery to power appliances and tools, or act as an emergency energy supply. An accompanying app also informs users of the lowest tariffs during off-peak hours, helping them reduce charging costs.

‘Range anxiety’ – the fear of lack of access to charging points – is a deterrent to 58% of US car buyers from purchasing an EV (Volvo, 2019), resulting in consumers waiting for charging infrastructure to be built into homes, offices or cities before making the switch. Portable batteries alleviate these concerns and encourage consumers to buy now, with the promise of parking and charging wherever they like. For more, see The Electric Vehicle Evolution.