The City of Irvine received three portable, solar-powered electric vehicle (EV) chargers and ordered an electric Ford F-150 Lightning fleet vehicle, utilizing $333,830 in Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grant (EECBG) funding from the Federal Department of Energy.

The Environmental Programs, Facilities, and Fleet teams collaborated on the grant application, resulting in the procurement of three EV Arc systems. These transportable, off-grid chargers generate and store solar power, providing up to 265 e-miles of charge per day. Equipped with battery storage, the chargers operate day or night and during cloudy conditions, ensuring critical functionality during power outages or emergencies.

“I’m pleased to see our electric charging options grow, especially for our City fleet services,” said Mayor Larry Agran. “Installing these cutting-edge chargers — that allow off-grid charging to ensure operations even in cloudy conditions — is a game-changer for the City. With the continued replacement of existing vehicles with electric-powered vehicles, this is a critical step in creating the necessary infrastructure.”

The newly installed EV Arc chargers are located at the City of Irvine Operations Support Facility at 6427 Oak Canyon, Irvine. These chargers will support the City’s growing electric fleet — currently at 23 vehicles — with four more on the way and many more coming in the new year.

The project expands fleet charging capacity at City facilities without requiring costly infrastructure upgrades. By offering off-grid charging, the systems bolster resilience and ensure continued fleet operations during grid disruptions or natural disasters. The initiative aligns with Irvine’s forthcoming Climate Action & Adaptation Plan and Zero Emission Vehicle Fleet Transition Plan.

The EV Arc technology has been widely adopted by more than 40 local governments and public agencies across California, including Los Angeles, Costa Mesa, Long Beach, Laguna Niguel, San Diego, and Riverside. Federal agencies such as the Department of Defense and the Department of Energy also deploy the technology.

The EECBG funding will enable the City to minimize the need for additional infrastructure investments, supporting its broader environmental objectives. Local governments have 24 months from the award date to utilize grant funds, and this installation marks a critical milestone in the City’s sustainability efforts.

View the EV chargers here and learn more about Electrify Irvine at cityofirvine.org/electrifyirvine.