Rice University in Houston received the gift of Envision Solar’s electric vehicle (EV) charging technology, EV ARC. The unit was donated to the university by sustainability enthusiast and Rice alumnus Brian Patterson. The charger will be available to students, faculty, staff and visitors.
“The EV-ARC solar EV charging station furthers Rice’s sustainability initiatives on campus,” said Eugen Radulescu, Director of Administrative Services at Rice University. “Because it is completely off-grid, we didn’t need to do construction that would have disrupted the campus. And we can move the EV ARC anytime, anywhere we need it.”
Rice University is a participant in the American College and University President’s Climate Commitment. The university set a target to become carbon neutral by 2038. The EV ARC solar-powered EV charger provides 100 percent renewable energy.
EV ARC is part of the university’s Climate Action Plan. The plan calls for a reduction in greenhouse gas emissions by offering sustainable transportation options.
“America can and should lead the global transition to clean and sustainable transportation and we plan to play a major role in that mission,” Envision Solar President and CEO Desmond Wheatley said. “We’re excited to welcome Houston to our growing list of cities with EV ARC stations and see Texas as a great frontier for clean EV charging.”
According to a U.S. Energy Information Administration report from 2017, Texas emits the most greenhouse gases in the U.S. Big oil companies are committing to a cleaner environment. Just last month BP announced ambitions to be carbon net zero by 2050. Greenhouse gas sources in the state include numerous coal power plants and refining and manufacturing industries. To reverse the trend, Texas has been one of the most prolific installers of large-scale solar and wind projects. Texas is No. 2 nationwide for deploying EV charging stations. EV ARC’s 100 percent off-grid solar charging solution can help Texas continue its mission.
Manufactured in California, the patented EV ARC and EV ARC DC Fast Charging products fit inside single parking spaces without reducing available parking. The EV ARC product generates enough clean solar electricity to power up to 225 miles of EV driving in a day. EV ARC 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 on-board energy storage for charging day or night, and to provide EV charging and emergency power during grid failure.
The EV ARC is a permanent solution that provides Level I, Level II and DC fast charging, but requires no trenching, foundation or installation work. It can be deployed in minutes and relocated as needed.
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