Fort Lauderdale, Fla., Selects Envision Solar for Fleet Services

Envision Solar International, a producer of infrastructure products for electric vehicle (EV) charging, energy security and outdoor media, announced the city of Fort Lauderdale, Fla., has selected the company’s EV ARC product to provide emission-free EV charging for its fleet vehicles.

“The unique design of the solar power EV charging system eliminated the need to install additional electrical infrastructure,” said Sandy Leonard, city of Fort Lauderdale, in a statement. “The unit will be used to charge four new electric vehicles that will be used by Fleet Services as loaner vehicles. In this way, we hope to promote the electric vehicle to drivers within the city. The benefits go beyond emissions reductions to include elimination of oil changes and other positive environmental aspects of the electric vehicles and solar charging.”

Fort Lauderdale’s Fleet Services section selected the EV ARC product to increase energy security and reduce the carbon footprint of the city by using an off-grid EV charging solution. The EV ARC continues to charge EVs and supply power when the utility grid is unavailable due to a blackout or other interruption. The solar-powered EV ARC product is also equipped with an emergency power (E-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, CEO of Envision Solar, in a statement. “Envision’s products will help to keep the city’s vital services moving when traditional solutions fail. That’s great news for the citizens, and it’s good news for our continued growth.”

Fort Lauderdale Fleet Services said it 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 Florida Department of Environmental Protection has implemented sustainability programs to promote green transportation in Florida businesses, schools and homes.

As the number of EVs on Florida's roads grow, there will be an increasing requirement for the unique benefits offered by the EV ARC off-grid, solar charging solution. In locations prone to natural disasters or other grid interruptions, the EV ARC serves as a disaster preparedness tool.

Invented and manufactured in California, the patented EV ARC and EV ARC HP products fit inside single parking spaces without reducing available parking. EV ARC generates enough clean 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 EV ARC system’s solar electrical generation is enhanced by EnvisionTrak, which causes the solar array to follow the sun, generating up to 25 percent more electricity than a fixed array. The energy is stored in the EV ARC product’s onboard energy storage for charging day or night and to provide EV charging and emergency power during grid failure.