Beam Global Launches Solar, Wind-powered Curbside EV Charging

On September 9, 2024, Beam Global announced an innovative new concept. The company plans solar and wind-powered EV charging and lighting at curbsides, augmented by grid power.

Beam Global launched its patented BeamSpot curbside electric vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure system, designed to address the growing need for sustainable and resilient EV charging solutions. The BeamSpot system replaces traditional streetlights, integrating solar, wind, and utility-generated electricity to power Beam Global’s proprietary batteries, providing energy security, lighting, and curbside EV charging. This innovative solution is especially useful in areas where installing traditional EV chargers is difficult, such as on-street parking, multi-unit housing areas, and high-traffic public locations like airports, shopping centers, and event venues.

This innovation provides a practical EV charging solution without the need for costly and time-consuming utility grid upgrades or traditional infrastructure requirements. BeamSpot eliminates the need for trenching, construction, easements, leasing, or complex permitting processes typically associated with curbside EV charging installations.

Solar, wind and EV charging go together hand-in-hand, to make the cleanest possible transportation solution for the greatest impact in protecting the environment.

Last year, Beam Global expanded its global footprint by creating Beam Europe through the acquisition of Amiga DOO, a leading European streetlight manufacturer. This strategic acquisition has significantly bolstered Beam Global’s capabilities, particularly in bringing its BeamSpot product to market across both Europe and the U.S.

“We believe our BeamSpot product line will solve real problems both in America and in Europe: expanding access to charging where people need it most, at the curb on the street and in parking lots,” said Desmond Wheatley, CEO of Beam Global. “Areas with the most EVs often face significant challenges in deploying infrastructure and managing increased electricity demand. Traditional charging infrastructure can be costly and disruptive to install, often requiring significant modifications to existing public spaces. BeamSpot charging stations minimize the need for disruptive construction and electrical work while providing access to charging where people live, shop, dine, work and play. And because BeamSpot generates and stores renewable energy it will add robust capacity and reduce the threat from blackouts, without the need to build power stations and transmission and distribution infrastructure.”

The BeamSpot system features a 1 kW solar array and a 1 kW wind turbine, both mounted above the pole, which supplement existing grid power. The electricity generated is stored in a 15 kWh battery located inside the pole, ensuring energy availability for both EV charging and high-efficiency LED lighting. The stored energy, combined with grid power, enables the system to provide EV charging while keeping the area well-lit with low-energy, high-lumens LED lighting.

The total EV charging power is listed at 5.76 kW, which Beam Global claims can provide up to 220 miles of range over the course of a day. This level of charging is well-suited for long-duration parking, such as overnight stays at apartment complexes.