Beam Global, a company based in San Diego, has unveiled a new solar-powered ebike charging station called the BeamBike. This grid-independent solution aims to provide outdoor charging options for electric bicycle riders, addressing concerns about battery fires and offering convenience in various public spaces.
Originally founded as Envision Solar in 2006, Beam Global has been specializing in designing, manufacturing, and deploying solar-powered charging stations for electric vehicles. Their flagship product, the EV Arc, is a portable, grid-independent charging point topped with photovoltaic panels. The EV Arc can be transported by truck and installed without the need for trenching or laying cables, making it a flexible option for various locations.
The latest version of the EV Arc features a 4.4-kW solar array and up to 40 kWh of integrated battery storage. Each station can support up to six charging points. Over the past few years, thousands of EV Arcs have been deployed across the United States. High-profile clients include the City of New York, Google, and the U.S. Army, showcasing the product’s widespread acceptance and utility.
Building on the success of the EV Arc, Beam Global is now introducing the BeamBike to cater specifically to ebike users. The new charging station shares several design elements with its predecessor. It sports a 4.4-kW solar array measuring 20.7 by 10.7 feet (6.3 by 3.3 meters) and offers battery storage options of 20, 30, or 40 kWh. The base footprint of the station is 18 by 7.5 feet (5.5 by 2.3 meters), and it is designed to accommodate up to 12 ebikes simultaneously.
Each docking point on the BeamBike station includes a weather-protected 120-volt outlet for charging. Riders can lock their ebikes securely at the dock while charging, allowing them to engage in other activities such as shopping or dining nearby. The outdoor, off-grid nature of the station also substantially reduces risks associated with battery fires, which, while rare, can cause significant damage when they occur indoors.
“Repeated requests from some of our best customers, and the rare but high-profile tragedies of indoor fires caused by ebikes, inspired us to develop an outdoor ebike charging solution that can be deployed quickly, relocated when needed, and operated independently of the grid,” said Desmond Wheatley, CEO of Beam Global. “A BeamBike charging system can go just about anywhere an ebike can go, and it’s based upon our tried and tested EV Arc platform, so customers rest assured of its quality and efficacy. We have fourteen years of operational experience with the EV Arc product platform. Creating the BeamBike product from EV Arc is part of our strategy to create valuable solutions for larger and broader customer audiences.”
The BeamBike charging stations are expected to be installed in various public and commercial spaces such as transport hubs, parks, shopping malls, campuses, and business parks. Because the solution does not require connection to the electrical grid, it can also be deployed at temporary events. Delivery and setup are facilitated by truck, making the stations easily relocatable as needed.
For ebike riders, the BeamBike offers several benefits. The possibility of cheap or even free charging can make ebike usage more economical. The ability to secure the bike while it charges adds a layer of convenience and safety. Additionally, charging ebikes outdoors mitigates the risks associated with indoor battery charging, enhancing safety for both property and individuals.
As for operators interested in deploying the BeamBike stations, pricing details have not been disclosed. However, Beam Global has previously introduced a One-Pay Lease program for the EV Arc to lower the cost of entry for clients. While there’s no mention in the press materials about extending this leasing model to the BeamBike, it’s a possibility that could make the new charging stations more accessible to a wider range of customers.
Source: Beam Global
