The Port Authority of New York & New Jersey has purchased two solar electric vehicle autonomous renewable chargers (EV ARCs) from Envision Solar International. The order for the EV ARC 2020 units is part of the port’s Clean Vehicle Program, which includes an interim target of 35% reduction in greenhouse gases (GHGs) by 2025, and a long-term goal of 80% reduction by 2050, according to Envision Solar.

Invented and manufactured in California, the patented EV ARC fits inside single parking spaces without reducing available parking. It 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. The solar array follows the sun, generating up to 25% more electricity than a fixed array. The product’s on-board energy storage provides EV charging at any time and emergency power during grid failure.

Additionally, the new EV ARC 2020 is flood-proof to 9.5 feet. In the event of flooding caused by rising sea levels and/or weather events such as those experienced during Hurricane Sandy, the EV ARC 2020 will continue to provide EV charging and an emergency source of power through its emergency power panel even if water levels reach nine feet above street level. This capability will enhance the Port Authority’s preparedness in the event of an emergency, particularly an event which causes a blackout or other grid interruption.