We recently reported on two electrically-powered cross-country flights for which the big issue was lack of battery-charging facilities at airports along the way. Both “teams” had their chargers carried by an accompanying airplane or automobile. Now, with a public demonstration a Beam Global charger at Reedley Municipal Airport in Fresno County, California, we see a no-fuss way to bring EV charging to aviation – even in remote locations. Beam Global premises its installations on a foursome of negatives: No permitting, no construction, no electrical work, and no utility bill. Installation, if one believes Beam’s video, is almost a non-event. Beam, formerly Envision Solar, produces pre-fabricated EV ARC solar-powered charging stations. Like a vacation camper, the ARCs can be towed right onto a level piece of property and dropped off. The units are self-contained and can produce electricity from the sheltering overhead solar panels. A driver or pilot can park on or next to the metal platform and charge their electric …
