As part of the City of San Diego's climate action goal of halving its greenhouse gas emissions by 2035, it has deployed two of Beam Global's Electric Vehicle Autonomous Renewable Charger (EV ARC) solar-powered charging systems. Over the next six months, the pilot program will use solar power to charge the citie’s electric vehicle fleet and provide emergency preparedness assets. Mayor Todd Gloria revealed the news at a press conference on April 22 featuring 10 new Chevrolet Bolt EV fleet vehicles, one law enforcement Ford Interceptor Hybrid, and one fire department Ford Interceptor Hybrid, as well as the Beam Global charging systems.
The EV ARC is designed to fit inside a 9x8 parking space and can park on top of the ballast pad so no parking area is wasted. It can fuel up to five vehicles at a time.
Transportation continues to be the largest source of local emissions and the city has established several goals to shift vehicle fuels from gasoline to electricity and other alternatives. It also sets goals to increase the use of public transportation, biking, and walking as alternatives to driving.
