The City of Fort Lauderdale, Fla., has purchased a solar-powered electric vehicle (EV) charging system to charge four new electric vehicles to be used as loaner vehicles, according Envision Solar International, which manufactures the EV ARC (autonomous renewable charging) system.

"The unique design of the solar power EV charging system eliminated the need to install additional electrical infrastructure,” said Sandy Leonard, program manager for fleet services, in a release. “The benefits go beyond emissions reductions to include elimination of oil changes and other positive environmental aspects of the electric vehicles and solar charging.”

The city chose the EV ARC to increase energy security and reduce the city’s carbon footprint by using an off-grid EV charging solution. The system can charge EVs and supply power when the utility grid is unavailable due to a blackout or other interruption. The solar-powered product is also equipped with an emergency power panel, providing the city’s first responders with a reliable source of energy during a crisis.

"Rising sea levels and an increased incidence of severe weather will impact coastal communities in Florida especially where electrical infrastructure is concerned," said Desmond Wheatley, Envision Solar’s CEO. "Envision’s products will help to keep the city’s vital services moving when traditional solutions fail."

The City of Fort Lauderdale Fleet Services is committed to reducing the environmental impact of fleet operations by purchasing more fuel-efficient vehicles and finding innovative ways to decrease fuel consumption.

The EV ARC fits inside single parking spaces without reducing available parking and generates enough solar electricity to power up to 225 miles of EV driving in a day. EV ARC HP DC fast charging systems provide up to 1,100 miles per day. It provides Level 1, 2, and DC fast charging, can be deployed in minutes, and can be moved easily.