An old idea from yesterday's streets adapted to serve the needs of today's urban dwellers,
the Power Cart is a mobile unit that delivers alternative energy to people in the streets.

Street vendor have traditionally played an important role in defining the urban environment and often speaks to the current social and cultural context of a city. In most parts of the world (and if the weather permits it), the street is a place where social interactions abound and where commerce rules, and street vendors around the globe bring to local populations the things they need right at their door steps.

Knife sharpening in India, refills of gas in Africa, fake Gucci bags in Paris and chair massages in New York, the Power Cart looks and feels like another service for the city of today. Need a charge on your cell phone? Your laptop is about to die and you really need to check that email? Or maybe there is no power around you at all? Where ever you might be in the world, hail the Power Car for a quick fix. Let the Power Car owner turn the crank for you and get the electricity you need, one minute of cranking at a time (and with the help of a little solar panel as well).

Instructions to make your own are online as well.

The Power Cart was created with the support of Eyebeam, Center for Art and Technology in NYC.