Elli, a subsidiary of the Volkswagen Group, and EnerKíte are presenting a pioneering technology at the Hannover Messe that will enable electric vehicles to be recharged on land, at sea and in the air. Federal Research Minister Bettina Stark-Watzinger and State Secretary Dr Sabine Döring were very impressed by the project presentation by EnerKíte CEO Florian Breipohl.

Here's how it works: the combination of EnerKíte's baseload-capable airborne wind turbines and Elli technology provides a constant, grid-independent power supply. The new Elli Flexpole can be easily and flexibly installed as a fast-charging station and, thanks to the integrated battery system, can be connected to the low-voltage grid without the need for a special transformer or costly construction work.

"We are delighted that our Flexpole, which is already on the market, can support this pioneering initiative to redefine the boundaries of electric mobility" says Mark Möller, Chief Technical Officer of Volkswagen Group Charging (Elli), referring to the Volkswagen Group's sustainability strategy, which goes beyond the mere reduction of CO₂ emissions and aims to make a regenerative contribution.

Combination for a nationwide fast-charging infrastructure

The combination of EnerKíte's airborne wind turbines for a decentralised, off-grid and constant power supply and Elli's Flexpole with the concept of intermediate storage in the charging station could make it possible in the future to create a nationwide fast-charging infrastructure even in remote, hard-to-reach areas far from well-developed grid infrastructure.

The energy generated by the airborne wind turbines is stored in the Elli Flexpole fast charging station and can be used to charge electric vehicles. The TechnoHyb project is funded by the German Federal Ministry of Education and Research. 

More info directly from Volkswagen and on the project page of TechnoHyb.