U.S. General Services Administration
GSA and VA Bring Solar-Powered EV Charging Stations Nationwide
WASHINGTON, DC -- In support of the Biden-Harris Administration’s efforts to tackle climate change and the President’s Federal Sustainability Plan requiring the federal fleet transition to zero-emission vehicles (ZEVs), the General Services Administration (GSA) and the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) announced a contract award for the purchase of 140 solar-powered electric vehicle charging stations at 34 sites around the country. VA is leaning in on the acquisition of ZEVs and taking this innovative step to support those electric vehicles with the purchase of solar electric vehicle supply equipment (EVSE).
The 140 solar-powered EVSE stations maximize VA’s flexibility on charging because they are both mobile, rely on carbon-free electricity for the vehicles, and are independent of the grid. Each EVSE station is equipped with four charging ports that will support VA’s growing fleet of ZEVs.
“We’re thrilled to be partnering more closely with VA to build a more sustainable future for its fleet and its facilities across the country,” said GSA Administrator Robin Carnahan. “We look forward to helping VA and all of our federal partners transition to electric vehicles, saving taxpayer dollars and building a brighter future for coming generations.”
“VA’s fleet of vehicles help us serve Veterans, and these solar-powered charging units are a great first step in making that fleet more sustainable,” said VA Secretary Denis McDonough. “By partnering with GSA, VA is leading the way in vehicle electrification efforts—making sure VA’s fleet is well-positioned to serve Veterans for generations to come.”
“The White House applauds GSA and VA’s leadership in electrifying the federal fleet. President Biden’s Federal Sustainability Plan requires all light duty vehicle acquisitions be electric by 2027, and GSA and VA actions today keep us on a solid path to meet that goal,” said Federal CSO Andrew Mayock.
VA is looking to install charging stations at its medical centers and other locations in preparation for transitioning its fleet to ZEVs. These sites contribute to the growing number of properties around the country with dedicated charging stations, which will support a more sustainable transportation future.
GSA is the mandatory source for executive agencies purchasing non-tactical vehicles in the United States, excluding postal vehicles. The federal fleet consists of more than 423,000 leased and agency-owned vehicles. GSA offers various types of EVSE through its Multiple Award Schedule program and also recently awarded 16 governmentwide blanket purchase agreements, which will enable greater planning for and acquisition of EVSE at federal facilities. In the last year, the number of ZEVs ordered by GSA for the federal fleet rose from 643 in FY21 to more than 3,550 in FY22.
Solar EVSE, such as the equipment procured for the VA, is 100% renewable. These types of charging stations can supplement or create charging hubs at sites that may not have existing electrical capacity. They are also mobile and eliminate installation costs, which can be quite costly at older facilities.
Federal agencies looking for resources about procuring alternative fuel vehicles, acquiring EVSE, and installing that equipment from GSA should visit gsa.gov/electrifythefleet for more information.
About GSA: GSA provides centralized procurement and shared services for the federal government, managing a nationwide real estate portfolio of nearly 370 million rentable square feet, overseeing approximately $75 billion in annual contracts, and delivering technology services that serve millions of people across dozens of federal agencies. GSA’s mission is to deliver the best customer experience and value in real estate, acquisition, and technology services to the government and the American people. For more information, visit GSA.gov and follow us at @USGSA.