Parking space concept for liveable cities

VePa Vertical Parking GmbH is a start-up company based in Munich. It has set itself the goal of making cities more liveable and creating parking facilities in the smallest of spaces. The aim is to increase space efficiency in cities and urban areas and reduce environmentally harmful soil sealing. Vertical parking systems have already been in operation in densely populated Asia for some time. They inspired the founders of VePa to develop such systems for Germany as well.

The first prototype of a parking tower was put into operation in Freising, Upper Bavaria, not far from Munich Airport, in the fall of 2023. The construction company Adldinger is the operator of this parking tower, which is available to a closed group of people. Inside the tower is an automated parking system with eight parking spaces. The platforms are moved according to the paternoster principle. A bevel geared motor from the K..DR.. series by SEW-Eurodrive with a rated output of 30 kW ensures powerful and precise rotation of the platforms in both directions via a drive chain. Control is via a frequency inverter, also from SEW-Eurodrive.

The vertical parking garage is used via a chip that is read when entering the tower. A roller shutter opens and a free platform is provided on which the vehicle can be parked. The parking space is automatically identified via the chip ID. The parking process and security-related information must then be acknowledged outside the building. Entry is possible for cars up to the size of an SUV.

VePa is currently working on the further development of the software. In the future, it will be possible to make bookings at the public parking towers via an app, which will also be used to process payment. In addition, the future towers will use more advanced technology. Among other things, the parking spaces will each be equipped with a wallbox for charging electric vehicles. VePa is planning to open another parking tower in Munich's Werksviertel district near Ostbahnhof station at the end of 2024. This will offer space for twelve cars.