Dallas Expands Off-Grid Charging Infrastructure
U.S. off-grid charging solutions provider Beam Global announced on August 4 that it has received a follow-up order from the City of Dallas, Texas, for 10 EV ARC systems, which will be delivered later this year to support the charging of the city’s municipal electric vehicle fleet. This marks the fourth order Dallas has placed with the company since 2025, reflecting sustained demand for off-grid charging solutions.
The EV ARC systems integrate solar panels, battery storage, and electric vehicle chargers, enabling rapid deployment in parking lots or curbside locations without the need for construction, trenching, or grid connections. Desmond Wheatley, CEO of Beam Global, stated that these systems generate and store renewable energy on-site, providing up to 265 miles (approximately 426 kilometers) of driving range per day, sufficient to meet multiple charging sessions. He emphasized that because the systems operate entirely off-grid, they are unaffected by energy price fluctuations, geopolitical risks, or utility bills.
The City of Dallas procures EV ARC systems through the General Services Administration’s (GSA) Multiple Award Schedule (MAS) contract, streamlining the government procurement process. Wheatley noted that this model allows municipal agencies to deploy charging infrastructure more quickly, particularly for temporary or emergency needs, such as disaster response or large-scale events.
Boston Carshare Pilot Activates Four Off-Grid Charging Stations
In Massachusetts, the Metropolitan Area Planning Council (MAPC) and carsharing provider Zipcar have launched the CommunityEV Carshare pilot program, which has activated four EV ARC systems in Greater Boston this year. These units are distributed across the region to charge shared electric vehicles, with users incurring no electricity costs and no additional strain on the local grid.
MAPC has leased the EV ARC systems, creating a new recurring revenue stream for Beam Global. Each system generates and stores enough power daily to support multiple charging sessions, operating entirely independently of the grid. Wheatley stated that this model enables communities to offer clean transportation options without increasing the burden on public utilities, making it particularly suitable for areas with limited grid capacity.
The Boston pilot highlights the potential of off-grid charging systems in shared mobility. Since no grid connection is required, EV ARC systems can be flexibly deployed in parking lots, community centers, or public spaces, reducing operational costs for carsharing services. MAPC noted that this initiative not only provides residents with more convenient electric transportation options but also helps reduce carbon emissions.
Market Prospects and Challenges for Off-Grid Charging Technology
Beam Global’s EV ARC systems have been deployed across the United States, Europe, and the Middle East, though no independent third-party organization has verified their long-term operational performance or maintenance costs. While Wheatley has emphasized the reliability and cost advantages of the systems, specific data—such as battery lifespan, solar panel efficiency degradation, or repair frequency—remains undisclosed. Additionally, details of the Dallas and Boston agreements, including procurement costs, lease terms, and funding sources, have not been made public.
Despite these uncertainties, demand for off-grid charging solutions continues to grow in government and corporate markets. Dallas’s repeated orders and Boston’s pilot program underscore the importance of such technology in electric vehicle infrastructure development. As electric vehicle adoption increases, the flexibility and rapid deployment advantages of off-grid charging systems may become a key component of future urban transportation transitions.
Beam Global will showcase its EV ARC systems at the U.S. government procurement exhibition from September 14 to 17, 2026. The company stated that it will continue to advance the global application of off-grid charging technology to meet the demand for sustainable transportation infrastructure worldwide.
