VePa Vertical Parking: The Genius EV Solution Stacking 16 Cars in a Tiny Space
This Dutch startup is tackling urban parking and EV charging woes by stacking 16 cars in just over 525 square feet, like a high-tech car vending machine but with Level-2 chargers on every pad. With two sites open in Munich, one under construction in Berlin, and seven more planned, VePa’s making it easier for tradesmen, apartment dwellers, and car-sharing services to park and plug in. As someone who’s dealt with tight spots and charging hunts, this setup is a game-changer. Let’s break down how it works, the specs, and why it’s a smart fix for Europe’s jammed streets.
How VePa’s Vertical Towers Work: Simple, Secure, and Smart
Pull up to the garage door, register via app or kiosk with your license plate and payment, and the door swings open. Drive in, exit with your passengers, and plug in your EV if needed (bring your own cable, as Europe’s setup avoids theft risks). Once you’re out, the system lifts your car and rotates the next empty platform down. When you’re back, punch in your plate, and your ride descends—drive out the opposite side for easy flow. It’s quick, secure, and automated, saving space in dense areas where underground garages are a nightmare to build. VePa’s design is fast to assemble (6 months), easy to take apart, and cheaper per spot than traditional options, plus it cuts CO2 by over 2,100 tons a year per tower. It’s like Carvana’s stacks, but for everyday use with charging built in.
Fitting the Big Ones: Size and Weight Limits for Urban Warriors
The Munich sites handle cars up to 16 feet 5 inches long, 7 feet 8 inches wide, and 5,950 pounds—ruling out massive SUVs like full-size Q7s or X7s, but fine for most compacts and mid-sizers. The Berlin facility ups it to 17 feet 7 inches long and 6,170 pounds, accommodating bigger EVs. It’s perfect for city dwellers with electric vans or crossovers, ensuring your ride fits without drama. The pads include Level-2 chargers, so your EV juices up while parked, making it ideal for apartment complexes or busy streets.
Who’s Using It and Why: From Lunch Runs to Car Sharing
VePa’s open to everyone, but private leases are available too—real estate developers love it for apartment buildings, as it’s simpler and cheaper than digging underground. Typical users are folks grabbing lunch or meetings who need quick parking and a charge, or residents topping up overnight. One Munich site even serves a car-sharing company, providing secure storage and easy pick-up/drop-off. Usage is about 60% parking, 40% charging, showing it’s versatile for hybrids too. For tradesmen or fleets, it’s a lifesaver in tight urban spots, reducing search time and emissions.
Pricing: Affordable and Penalty-Free for Overstays
In Munich, it’s €1 for 15 minutes ($4.69/hour) from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m., then €10 overnight ($11.72). Charging costs less than parking, so no penalty for leaving plugged in after full—smart for EV owners. It’s competitive with rivals in automated parking, but VePa’s EV focus and quick build time give it an edge. Subscriptions could make it even better for regulars.
Why VePa’s a Big Deal for Cities and EVs
In Europe’s packed urban centers, VePa solves the parking crunch while supporting EV adoption—stacking 16 cars where three would fit, with chargers to boot. It’s a win for sustainability, cutting CO2 and easing congestion. As EV numbers grow, this could be the key to making cities greener without sprawling lots.
My Take: A Van Lover’s Dream Come True
As a guy who’s squeezed vans into impossible spots for work and play, VePa’s system is a revelation. The original Fourgonnette was a legend for practicality; this EV version keeps that spirit alive with modern smarts. At €29,300, it’s a smart buy for fleets. If you’re in Munich or Berlin, check it out—this could change how we park forever. What’s your take—game-changer or gimmick? Share below; I’d love to hear from fellow urban warriors.
Source-motortrend.com
