This 1.4 kW solar EV charging pole with tracking capability that just went up in Bethesda, Md., is yet another sign solar-EV charging is taking off in the U.S. [Photo Credit: ATR]

Bet at least a few of the relatively few folks who’ve indicated that they think solar-powered EV charging stations won’t take off in our ongoing poll are beginning to wish they could change their vote, especially in the last few months.

In addition to seeming never-ending stream of announcements (here’s just one of these) about new solar-powered EV charging stations being proposed, being built, or going online, you’ve got the automakers along for the EV + PV (PR) ride with Ford, Honda, Mitsubishi and Nissan all having built solar-powered EV charging stations, primarily at auto plants and/or headquarters.

GM gets special mention here because it announced recently that it’s building more than 200 new solar-powered EV charging stations in the U.S. within the next year, a move that will multiply by at least four, and possibly more than six, the total number of solar-powered EV charging stations in the U.S.

Corporations on EV + PV bandwagon
Beyond the confines of the auto industry, you’ve got Ikea putting up large solar installations at some of the same stores it’s installing EV charging stations (a story we plan to nail down in more specificity soon) and GE has installed a large solar-EV charging carport for employees at a Connecticut plant.

Among the other corporate names who’ve already gotten in on the EV + PV act: Fred Meyer, Rabobank America, Sierra Brewing Co. and McDonald’s and Hershey Company (see our unique global map of solar-powered EV charging stations for more).

It’s not just corporate America that’s starting to invest significantly in solar-powered EV charging, but political America as well.

And it’s not just corporate America that’s starting to invest significantly in solar-powered EV charging, but political America as well. Connecticut Governor Dannel Malloy was on hand for GE’s unveiling of its solar-powered EV charging station in Plainville, Conn.

Maryland Gov. O’Malley and EV + PV
And now, according to a short blurb on a Washington Post blog, Maryland Governor Martin O’Malley has appeared in Bethesda with Montgomery County officials and others at an event touting a “Solar Power Pole car-charging system” developed by a Columbia-based company.

The Post reports that Advanced Technology & Research Corp. says its devices, which the company is manufacturing and assembling in Maryland, are the first of their kind. Six solar panels (1.4 kW) mounted on tracking poles capture power from the sun throughout the day, generating enough energy to charge two vehicles at a time, according to the company.

According to The Post, O’Malley has sponsored several measures in recent legislative sessions intended to spur the use both of electric cars and solar power in Maryland.

Hmmm…wonder if any of the six people (7%) who indicated they don’t think solar-powered EV charging stations are going to take off in the U.S. might want to reconsider their vote and join the 65 folks (78%) who said they think they will?

Related articles-->

• Vermont college installes solar EV charging station
• SolarCity officially jumps into EV charging
• Mitsubishi adds solar-powered EV charging station at headquarters
• SolarChargedDriving.Com's global map of solar EV charging stations

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