The "Future Archetypes of EV Charging" project, conducted as part of the Spring 2023 Sustainable Solutions Workshop, represents a groundbreaking initiative in the realm of Electric Vehicle (EV) Charging infrastructure. This project, a collaborative effort by masters of design students, is a testament to the innovative integration of design strategy, business innovation, and multi-system stakeholder engagement.

At its core, the project addresses the critical challenges facing the EV charging infrastructure in the United States. Despite the rapid growth of the EV market, the adoption rate remains low due to hurdles such as inadequate public charging facilities, prolonged charging durations, and the high cost of batteries. Recognizing the policy support and funding available for decarbonizing American highways, the project aims to reimagine and revolutionize the EV charging infrastructure.

The project's methodology is rooted in "Capital Design," an approach that leverages design to influence public and private investment. This approach is pivotal in envisioning sustainable, equitable, and intelligent outcomes for EV infrastructure. The students, guided by this philosophy, embarked on a journey of open innovation and design methods to create future-ready solutions.

Two main archetypes emerged from this endeavor:
1. Mobile Charging Services: This archetype introduces autonomous mobile charging stations equipped with networking and communication capabilities. These stations can optimize the charging process based on various factors like battery capacity and energy demand. They are designed to support different charging adapters, making them universally adaptable. This solution is particularly viable for existing parking infrastructures, offering a flexible and cost-effective alternative to traditional fixed chargers.
2. Energy Exchange: This concept revolves around bidirectional charging, allowing EVs to either charge normally or supply energy back to the grid. This model incentivizes EV owners to use renewable energy sources and contribute excess energy during peak demands. It's a transformative approach that not only addresses the charging needs but also contributes to grid stability and energy democratization.

Both archetypes are envisioned as investable infrastructure solutions, with potential for significant investment in sustainable infrastructure. They are designed to be implemented equitably and responsibly, considering diverse income levels and geographical locations. This ensures that the benefits of EV charging infrastructure are accessible to all, aligning with the project's commitment to sustainability, equity, and intelligence.

The project's success is attributed to the collaborative efforts of the teaching team and the student team, who adopted a Research through Design approach. This approach embedded the research process in a design practice project, with the explicit goal of generating actionable knowledge and practical solutions.

In conclusion, the "Future Archetypes of EV Charging" project stands as a pioneering initiative in the field of EV infrastructure. It not only addresses the current challenges in EV charging but also sets a new standard for sustainable, equitable, and intelligent infrastructure development. The project's innovative approach and practical solutions hold the promise of transforming the EV charging landscape, making it more accessible, efficient, and aligned with the goals of decarbonization and energy democratization.

The "Future Archetypes of EV Charging" project, presents a comprehensive and forward-thinking approach to reimagining electric vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure. This project, undertaken by masters of design students in the Spring 2023 Sustainable Solutions Workshop, is a culmination of innovative research and design methodologies aimed at addressing the challenges and opportunities in the EV charging sector.

Point of View
The project is grounded in a transformative perspective that seeks to integrate design with long-term capital investment. Recognizing the pivotal role of design in shaping experiences, systems, and mindsets, the project aims to create sustainable, equitable, and intelligent infrastructure solutions. The guiding principle is to envision a future where EV infrastructure is not only technologically advanced but also accessible and beneficial to all segments of society.

Process
The process that informed the project was multifaceted, involving a blend of theoretical and practical approaches. The students adopted a "Research through Design" methodology, which embeds the research process within a design practice project. This approach facilitated a deep understanding of the complexities in EV charging infrastructure and allowed for the exploration of innovative solutions. The project's process was characterized by iterative prototyping, open innovation practices, and a focus on sustainable outcomes.

Research
The research phase involved a thorough analysis of the current state of EV charging infrastructure, policy support, funding opportunities, and technological advancements. The students examined various aspects of EV charging, including battery storage, point charging, e-mobility, and vehicles-as-a-service. Key insights from this research highlighted the need for a more inclusive, efficient, and adaptable EV charging infrastructure.

Designing Process
The design process was driven by the insights gained from the research phase. The students explored various archetypes for EV charging, focusing on sustainability, equity, and intelligence. Tools such as Asset Mapping and Anti-Oppressive Framework were employed to ensure that the designs were not only functional but also socially responsible. The design process culminated in the development of two main archetypes: Mobile Charging Services and Energy Exchange. These archetypes were envisioned as investable infrastructure solutions, with potential for significant impact and scalability.
Impact and Future Potential

The immediate impact of the project is evident in its innovative approach to EV charging solutions. The Mobile Charging Services archetype offers a flexible and cost-effective alternative to traditional fixed chargers, while the Energy Exchange archetype introduces a novel concept of bidirectional charging. These solutions have the potential to significantly improve the accessibility and efficiency of EV charging infrastructure.
Looking ahead, the project's future potential is vast. The archetypes developed could pave the way for a more decarbonized, decentralized, and digitized approach to EV infrastructure.

As the project scales, its impact could extend beyond EV charging to broader energy and transportation sectors, contributing significantly to the decarbonization of the economy and democratization of energy access.

In conclusion, the "Future Archetypes of EV Charging" project stands as a pioneering initiative, showcasing the power of integrating design with strategic investment to create sustainable, equitable, and intelligent infrastructure solutions. Its comprehensive approach, grounded in rigorous research and innovative design, sets a new benchmark for future developments in the EV charging sector.