The UK’s Ministry of Defence has for the first time installed solar EV chargers on a British military base.
On August 13, 2024, Beam Global deployed the first set of solar-powered EV ARC charging systems for the MOD at British Sovereign Bases in Cyprus.
This marks the initial European usage of EV ARC systems following the setup of Beam Global’s new European facilities. The UK MOD has engaged in a $1 million transaction for Beam products via the Crown Commercial Service (CCS), the primary procurement agency for UK government bodies, with further deliveries expected in the coming months.
Lieutenant Colonel Daniel Taylor, Commanding Officer of Transport Unit HQ BFC, commented on the acquisition, “We’re really happy to have recently procured ten Beam solar-powered EV ARC charging stations. These portable charging stations fit within a standard parking space and will harness the abundant sunshine from Cyprus and provide a clean energy source, significantly contributing to our environmental responsibility and enhancing our emergency resilience.
“They will support electric vehicles on Sovereign Bases Area camps during daytime or nighttime and will at the same time remind everyone of the importance of innovation to enhance capabilities by utilising our planet’s solar power.”
The EV ARC system is an off-grid solar-powered charging solution that can be deployed swiftly without construction, electrical work, or utility connections. It is used by various military and commercial entities in the U.S., including the U.S. Army and U.S. Marine Corps.
Each system can generate and store electricity independently, supplying power to up to six Level II EV chargers and supporting auxiliary electrical equipment. The UK MOD is exploring further applications to demonstrate that these systems can power essential services without reliance on traditional utility grids or fossil fuel generators.
In 2023, the UK MOD committed to fully electrifying its ‘white fleet’, aiming for all cars and vans to be zero-emission by the end of 2027. Currently, between 745-760 vehicles in the UK Armed Forces’ fleet are fully electric, making up about 5.86% of all vehicles.