The first smart charging station that stores solar power in electric vehicles has been announced in the Dutch city of Utrecht. The station is capable of charging all electric car types.

Powered by photovoltaic panels, the new method represents a clever approach to the problem of storing solar energy, particularly as batteries in electric vehicles grow in capacity.

As well as charging vehicles, the station allows unused energy to be transferred to the power grid.

The developers of the charging station, Stedin, in cooperation with the city of Utrecht and other partners, hopes that the combination of solar power and charging stations for EVs could boost job growth and reduce environmental impacts, as well as saving money that would otherwise be invested separately in energy generation and charging infrastructure.

*Image: NCDOTcommunications Flickr