A unique U.S. Army solar Smart-Charging Micro Grid system powers up to four electric vehicles, like the one pictured here, and has the ability to provide instant backup power to support three buildings for 72 hours. [Photo Credit: Vickey Mouzé, U.S. Army Garrison-Hawaii Public Affairs]

The U.S. Wheeler Army Airfield in Hawaii recently unveiled the U.S. Army’s new smart-charging micro grid, which harnesses solar power and marries it to electric vehicles.

“This prototype underscores our stated goal to become the Army benchmark for environmental stewardship,” said Commander Douglas Mulbury.

The Smart-Charging Micro Grid (SCMG) was installed atop a carport on the airfield, and has the capacity to produce 25 kW of solar power, while having additional storage space for 200 kWh of energy.

The energy produced by the system is used to power four electric vehicles. It also has the ability to independently power three buildings for up to 72 hours, such as garrison headquarters.

According to Dean McGrew of TARDEC, half of the fuel delivered to supply lines is used to generate electrical power, meaning that with the elimination of electrical dependency both lives and fuel can be saved.

The U.S. Army Tank Automotive Research, Development and Engineering Center (TARDEC) along with private industry, designed the prototype as a way to become energy independent.

TARDEC, located at the Detroit Arsenal, is the U.S. military leading architect for automotive technology.

According to Dean McGrew of TARDEC, half of the fuel delivered to supply lines is used to generate electrical power, meaning that with the elimination of electrical dependency both lives and fuel can be saved.

“A tremendous amount of fuel can be saved, which means that lives and money can be saved because we will not longer need as many fuel trucks. Our fighting troops can focus more on...tactical objectives, and less on protecting vulnerable supply,” said McGrew.

Related articles-->

• Cruise Cars getting great solar mileage
• The Bye Hawk: A solar-powered Cessna
• SunPods deliver solar power directly to EVs
• Solaranda plugs you -- and your EV -- into the sun

Like this story? Interested in the solar EV/PHEV synergy? Join our Sun Miles® Club and start meeting & interacting with other people around the world who want to drive, or already are driving, their cars on sun! Register to join us today!