Beam Global, a front-runner in sustainable electric vehicle (EV) charging and energy storage solutions, has released its latest EV ARC™ product line, featuring solar-powered EV charging systems that are now rated to withstand winds of up to 160 mph.
Why It Matters
The introduction of this updated EV charging infrastructure emphasizes the company’s focus on energy security, especially in times of crisis. The federal General Services Administration (GSA) recognizes EV ARC™ infrastructure systems as vital tools for disaster preparedness and recovery, owing to their dependability during grid failures, and natural or man-made catastrophes.
Key Points
- Robust Design: Beam’s EV ARC™ systems are built to endure winds of 160 mph and can remain operational even in up to 9.5 feet of floodwater.
- Self-sufficient: These systems generate, store, and distribute their own clean energy.
- Versatility: They can be paired with any high-quality EV charger brand and feature an optional Emergency Power Panel offering 120v and 240v outlets. This can be a lifeline for first responders or authorized personnel during power outages.
- Proven Performance: Earlier in the year, EV ARC™ systems situated in Florida, Georgia, and the Carolinas withstood Hurricane Idalia, continuously offering essential EV charging and emergency power throughout the tempest.
Bottom Line
Desmond Wheatley, Beam Global’s CEO, emphasized the firm’s dedication to addressing energy resilience on a global scale. By advocating for 25% of EV charging infrastructure to be off-grid, Beam aims to ensure reliable fuel sources during electrification transitions and the increasing challenges posed by climate change. Drawing a parallel with the U.S. Strategic Petroleum Reserve, Wheatley remarked on the company’s goal to lay the foundation for a “Strategic Electric Reserve.”
Furthermore, data from Climate Central U.S. revealed that weather-related events caused approximately 83% of all reported power outages from 2000-2021. Alarmingly, major power outages surged by 64% between 2011-2021 compared to the prior decade, inflicting a financial strain of $150B-$200B annually on U.S. businesses.
As part of GSA’s Disaster Purchasing Program, state and local governments are now empowered to directly acquire from GSA Schedules. This facilitates not only disaster preparation and response but also recovery. Beam’s next-gen products, available for procurement through the GSA Multiple Award Schedule, promise to simplify the acquisition process while guaranteeing competitive pricing.
