NYC Adds 50 Envision Off-Grid Solar EV Charging Stations

Envision Solar males a self-contained solar-powered EV charging station that is portable and completely off the grid. That means it can be towed to where it is needed and set up without digging trenches for a connection to the local utility grid. Using two axis tracking, it can generate enough electricity every day to power a typical electric car for 225 miles.

New York City has now added 50 of the company’s ARC EV solar charging stations to the more than 500 EV charging stations already located throughout the 5 boroughs. The city has 1,700 plug-in cars in its fleet currently and plans to boost that number to more than 2,000 in the near future. Combined, the 50 solar chargers are expected to provide NYC drivers with more than 650,000 emissions free miles each year.

Not only can the ARC EV chargers be easily repositioned whenever the need arises, first responders can tap into the electricity stored inside each unit during power outages to keep radios, cell phones, and other emergency equipment powered up. Earlier this year, Pittsburgh added 5 ARC EV chargers from Envision to its charging infrastructure. The cost of each unit $61,000.The individual units can store 21 kWh of electricity.

New York City is moving forward with its NYCx Climate Action Challenge, whose goal is eliminating all gasoline and diesel power vehicles from its streets. Part of that initiative is pursuing emerging technologies like smart charging, the installation of solar car ports throughout the city, and wireless charging equipment. Connected vehicle technology will also be part of the mix.

The installation of more fast and ultra fast charging stations throughout the city is also contemplated. Fast chargers typically have between 25 and 150 kW of power. Ultra fast chargers have up to 350 kW of power and are starting to emerge in Europe and California.

With the United States government back pedaling furiously on any and all carbon reduction strategies, cities and states have to carry the burden of keeping the Earth a sustainable place where humans can continue to live.