Electrify America launches solar-powered EV charging stations in rural Fresno County

Electrify America, the largest open DC fast charging network in the US, is increasing access to sustainable electric vehicle (EV) infrastructure for rural Californians with the deployment of eight new solar-powered, off-grid charging stations across Fresno County.

This infrastructure is an important part of Electrify America's commitment to expand access to clean and financially sustainable EV charging to low-income, disadvantaged, and rural communities within the state of California.

Electrify America is working in collaboration with the Fresno County Rural Transit Agency (FCRTA) and Beam Global (formerly Envision Solar) to place the rapidly deployed EV ARC charging stations in easily accessible public locations. Eight standalone units equipped with Electrify America Level 2 EV chargers are available free of charge to customers.

“Our work to expand access to sustainable, affordable electric vehicle charging options to communities that are especially vulnerable to the impacts of climate change is incredibly important,” said Nina Huesgen, Senior Manager, Home and eCommerce at Electrify America. “Providing this access to charging that is independent from the grid is particularly key to rural areas, which may lack sufficient access to infrastructure, and can increase the confidence of local EV drivers in need of public charging options.”

“FCRTA is pleased to partner with Electrify America in hosting eight EV ARC™ units in Fresno County. These cities are ideal locations for rural residents to use this technology in improving the air quality and health standards,” said Moses Stites, General Manager of Fresno County Rural Transit Agency. “This is a collaborative effort in reducing greenhouse gases and promoting a sustainable environment in disadvantaged communities.”

“Electrify America is an established leader in the EV charging industry and we're thrilled to continue to deploy our EV charging infrastructure products with them,” said Desmond Wheatley, CEO of Beam Global. “At Beam, we're committed to rapid and scalable deployments of EV charging infrastructure. Working with Electrify America to bring the driving on sunshine experience to underserved communities, where air quality is often worse than in more affluent districts, gives us another great opportunity to demonstrate the value of our off-grid products. The on-board emergency power panels will contribute to energy security in the area as well.”

This charging infrastructure is part of Electrify America's $2 million investment in solar-powered EV charging stations intended for deployment in rural parts of the state. Each of the 30 Beam Global EV ARC charging stations will offer two Level 2 chargers with the ability to charge up to 3.5kW. The units come equipped with onboard ARC Technology energy storage that enables them to operate at night, in inclement weather and during grid outages. EV ARC units are independently rated to withstand winds up to 120 mph and floods up to 9.5 feet and can operate in the event of a blackout or power outage.

The solar charging stations have been incorporated into Electrify America's quickly expanding network to offer another option for EV drivers looking to charge their vehicle. Beginning this fall, customers using the Electrify America app will be able to quickly identify the solar-powered chargers by a sun icon, which will show the exact location of the charging station.

The additional 22 EV ARC charging stations will be deployed in other rural areas of the state and will be available by the end of 2020. The investment is part of Electrify America's California Cycle 2 ZEV Investment Plan.