The first two locations are at Anderson Point Park and Brier Creek Park. The Beam EV ARC chargers will occasionally be moved around the city so people in different areas can try them out. The public can use these chargers during park hours.
The solar powered EV chargers can be placed in areas of the city that currently do not have EV charging infrastructure. This reduces the need for expensive electrical site work and helps the city better understand where to prioritise installing permanent future EV charging.
As Raleigh points out, solar-powered EV chargers contribute to a sustainable community in several ways. The solar chargers can serve as a power source during emergencies and severe weather events. Solar is a renewable form of energy that also helps the city reduce GHG emissions. Powering EVs with solar can help people drive around the city with a much smaller environmental impact than a gas-powered vehicle. The solar charger also provides shade for vehicles which reduces air conditioning needs on a hot summer day! Increasing EV charging access in the community can make owning an EV more accessible for all Raleigh residents. Everyone in Raleigh should have access to clean transportation options, and EVs can save residents money in the long run.
Raleigh purchased two Beam EV ARC chargers by using federal funds made available through the American Rescue Plan, also known as ARPA. Additionally, the city was awarded one solar charger from the US Department of Energy’s Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grant. Raleigh is in the process of procuring this third charger. The location is still being determined and may be used specifically for city EV vehicles.
