As the world embraces sustainable solutions, the demand for zero-emission vehicles continues to rise. However, this rapid adoption presents a critical challenge: the infrastructure for public EV charging isn’t keeping up.
How can we provide the necessary charging facilities without overcrowding our urban and communal spaces? Municipalities and property developers are tackling this issue by integrating EV chargers into existing structures, such as light poles on city streets.
But what about areas like parks and plazas, where streetlights may be sparse?
At AGC, we’ve developed an innovative solution: bollard lights with integrated EV chargers. This design blends functionality with sustainability, providing both illumination and charging capabilities in a single, compact structure. It’s an efficient approach that helps pave the way for a greener, more connected future.
The Charging Gap, A Sustainability Challenge for EVs
Efforts to promote sustainability and reduce carbon emissions have driven a global shift toward electric vehicles (EVs). In 2023, the European Union (EU) committed to banning the sale of new petrol and diesel cars by 2035, mandating that all new cars sold in the EU emit zero CO2.
However, a significant challenge looms: the availability of EV charging infrastructure. The European Automobile Manufacturer’s Association (ACEA) has highlighted a critical shortfall in public charging points across the continent. While the EU Commission aims for 3.5 million public chargers by 2030, ACEA estimates that as many as 8.8 million charging points will be needed to meet demand. This stark gap underscores the urgency of scaling up charging infrastructure development.
The issue isn’t confined to Europe. In the United States, EV adoption is accelerating, with approximately 1.4 million electric vehicles sold in 2023. To accommodate this surge, the National Renewable Energy Laboratory projects that the country will require 1.2 million publicly accessible chargers by 2030, supplementing private chargers at homes and workplaces. Currently, there are just over 160,000 public chargers nationwide—a clear indication that significant expansion is needed.
To address these infrastructure challenges, innovative solutions are emerging. For instance, cities like Los Angeles are integrating EV chargers with existing street lighting poles. As of February, Los Angeles has installed 725 light-pole chargers, with the street lighting system to support up to 4,000 more. This approach not only makes charging stations more accessible but also leverages existing urban systems to accelerate deployment.
Why Choose the Beacon Bollard Light with EV Charging Station?
The rise in electric vehicle (EV) adoption has brought with it an urgent need for accessible and reliable charging infrastructure. While light-pole chargers are often considered a cost-effective solution, they aren’t always the best choice. Their practicality depends heavily on the availability of existing electrical infrastructure. When new pole installations are required, costs can quickly escalate, undermining their initial affordability.
Additionally, streetlight-based chargers may fail to meet the growing demand in areas with limited streetlight coverage, such as rural locations or expansive parking lots. These gaps highlight the need for more versatile and comprehensive solutions.
Recognizing these challenges, we developed the BL05 Beacon Bollard Light with Integrated EV Charger.
What Makes the BL05 Beacon a Smart Choice?
The BL05 combines the functionality of LED lighting with EV charging, serving as both a light source and a charging station. Designed for outdoor areas, it enhances safety and convenience for EV owners.
The BL05 offers lighting for clear visibility around vehicles, making nighttime charging safer and more accessible. Its targeted illumination reduces tripping hazards and simplifies cable handling, ensuring a smooth charging experience.
The bollard design also efficiently delivers power to outdoor locations without requiring extensive infrastructure. This makes installation less complex and more cost-effective, particularly in areas lacking existing streetlight coverage.
Key features of Beacon
The BL05 Beacon is packed with features designed to make EV charging more convenient and safe.
- Versatile compatibility: The BL05 integrates a sleek bollard light with an EV charging port, making it compatible with popular chargers like EASEE ONE. Whether you need fast home charging with a Tesla Gen3 single-phase charger or a powerful three-phase 22KW charger, the Beacon handles it all with ease.
- Weatherproof and reliable: Built to endure outdoor weather conditions, the Beacon boasts an IP65 waterproof rating. Rain or shine, you can trust it to deliver reliable and safe EV charging.
- Built to handle power: With a robust design capable of managing up to 76A/1000V, the Beacon works seamlessly with different wire types and sizes, making installation smooth and flexible for various settings.
- Durability that lasts: Crafted from 500H-rated corrosion-resistant galvanized sheet metal and equipped with a SUS304 stainless steel base, the BL05 is made for the long haul. Its powder-coated finish ensures it stays looking great, even in outdoor conditions.
- Customizable lighting options: The Beacon isn’t just a charging solution—it’s also a lighting solution tailored to your needs. Choose from three color temperatures and three power settings to create the perfect ambiance while saving energy. For added security, optional emergency lighting provides 1.7W of illumination for up to three hours during power outages.
- Flexible and efficient design: Need one or two chargers on a single bollard? The Beacon can do both, helping reduce inventory complexity by up to 50% with its universal design.