Biplab Das 
New York-based startup Gravity Inc., specialising in electric vehicle (EV) infrastructure, has introduced a novel line of universal EV charger “trees.” This initiative aims to make curbside charging more convenient for city drivers. Gravity plans to establish an expansive street charging network that surpasses even Tesla’s current Supercharger network.
Gravity Inc. focuses on sustainable fleets and the necessary infrastructure to support them. In 2021, the startup launched a fleet of all-electric Mustang Mach-E yellow cabs in New York City. They partnered with building owners and parking operators to implement EV charging infrastructure, benefiting both individual drivers and large EV fleets.
At that time, Gravity hinted at plans to open the “only true fast-charging site in Manhattan” to support both taxis and local EV owners. By October 2023, they had released a suite of 500kW EV chargers, among the fastest available.
Investment and expansion
This advanced technology attracted the attention of Google Ventures (GV), leading to a successful seed funding round. Although the amount remains undisclosed, the funding allowed Gravity to roll out numerous UL-Listed EV chargers across the US. In March, Gravity opened a new “Gravity Charging Center” in Manhattan, boasting 24 500kW chargers, claimed to be the fastest in the United States.
Introduction of EV charger trees
Gravity has now adapted its 500kW Distributed Energy Access Points (DEAPs) into “trees” that can be installed curbside, enhancing the convenience of urban EV charging. The latest rollout includes 200kW and 500kW DEAPs as part of a universal on-street cable and mounting system.
These EV charging trees feature a hinged swing arm with a cable that pivots down for curbside sessions, allowing easy access regardless of the EV’s make, model, or port location. Once charging is complete, the arm automatically raises, and the connector latches back onto the pole, keeping sidewalks clutter-free and safe for pedestrians.
Design and functionality
Gravity collaborated with design firm Rangr Studio to develop these EV charger trees, addressing common issues faced by curbside chargers worldwide. Despite the current small scale of this network in North America, Gravity believes that even a modest rollout of their new EV charger trees could help them establish the largest fast-charging network in the US.
Ambitious goals
Gravity Inc.’s founder and CEO Moshe Cohen stated, “Right now, American cities are choosing the curbside charging that drivers will use for decades to come. Unfortunately, many are looking to obsolete overnight Level 2 charging with cables that clutter sidewalks and that don’t fit the needs of urban EV drivers. EV drivers require and deserve so much better. We took up the challenge of making every aspect of the on-street charging experience faster and better and can’t wait to deploy our new DEAP Trees by the thousands. With even partial adoption by American cities, this product alone could quickly become the largest fast charging network in America, eclipsing even the Supercharger network.”
Technological advantages
Gravity’s EV charger trees do not require any utility upgrades for installation and can deliver up to 200 miles of range in 13 minutes on a 200kW charger or 5 minutes on a 500kW charger. These rates are significantly faster than the Tesla Superchargers in NYC, which deliver charge rates between 72kW and 150kW.
Both systems deliver 1,000V and are bidirectional-ready, offering future opportunities to send excess energy back to city grids. This feature could play a crucial role in urban energy management, making the transition to electric mobility smoother and more efficient.
Gravity Inc.’s innovative approach to EV charging with their new “trees” is set to transform urban charging infrastructure. By addressing the needs of urban EV drivers and ensuring faster, more efficient charging solutions, Gravity aims to establish a network that could potentially outshine Tesla’s Superchargers. As American cities adopt this new technology, Gravity’s EV charger trees could become a significant player in the fast-charging landscape, making electric vehicle adoption more appealing and practical for city dwellers.
