The EV ARC units will be deployed at popular public locations in Olathe to provide free EV charging for residents, travellers and city fleet vehicles. Olathe is the first city in Kansas to deploy the systems which are now deployed in five Midwestern states.
While the US is the third-largest global market for EVs, adoption has been concentrated in major metropolitan areas and coastal states due, in part, to more extensive EV infrastructure. Beam Global provides an alternative to the costly and time-consuming installation of in-ground, grid-tied chargers. EV ARC charging systems are off-grid, require no construction, electrical work or disruption to operations and generate no utility bill. They provide a secure source of public or private EV charging, even during natural disasters or electricity grid interruptions.
“We see more municipalities deploying cost-effective solar-powered EV charging for both public and fleet use” said Beam Global CEO Desmond Wheatley. “The message from the Biden administration is driving leaders to sustainable Made in America infrastructure and the EV ARC is ideally aligned with these important initiatives. The City of Olathe’s solar-powered EV ARC systems will allow city residents and government fleet vehicles to benefit economically whilst improving energy security.”
Olathe’s EV ARC deployment supports progress toward the Olathe 2040: Future Ready strategic plan objectives, including creating affordable and sustainable transportation infrastructure and ensuring reliable city services. Beyond charging for residents, the Beam Global EV ARC systems will fuel the government’s growing fleet of EVs.
Metropolitan Energy Centre (MEC) played an integral role in making this deployment possible. As part of its mission to promote energy efficiency and environmental stewardship in the greater Kansas City area, MEC unlocks federal funding for green energy projects at the local level. With the support of MEC, the City was able to leverage federal funding for alternative fuel vehicle procurement toward the purchase of five Chevy Bolt EVs and six EV ARC systems. MEC’s work with the City of Olathe, including the deployment of the EV ARC systems, have had a positive impact on the City’s clean energy and clean fleet initiatives, reducing fleet emissions and fuel use.
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