Abstract:
The invention disclosed herein is directed to electric vehicle (“EV”) infrastructure, which includes a customizable charging station that comprises a modular bollard assembly having a structural tubular form that is secured to an electrical vehicle supply equipment to provide fuel to an EV. The modular bollard assembly is optionally fashioned with expansion elements, such as a solar canopy, which accommodate EV infrastructure requirements. The invention also includes methods of determining and manufacturing EV infrastructure based upon data pertaining to demographic, energy, EV, financial and geographic metrics.

Description:
REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
       [0001]    In accordance with 37 C.F.R. 1.76, a claim of priority is included in an Application Data Sheet filed concurrently herewith. Accordingly, the present invention claims priority under 35 U.S.C. §119(e), 120, 121, and/or 365(c) to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/569,849, filed, Dec. 13, 2011, entitled “Electric Vehicle Infrastructure,” the contents of which is incorporated herein in its entirety. 
     
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
       [0002]    The present invention generally relates to modular and expandable structures, and more particularly to a modular bollard assembly that provides charging for electric and hybrid vehicles while providing structural support for overhead structures. 
       BACKGROUND 
       [0003]    Continual increases in transportation fuel prices, as well as the growing importance of greenhouse gas emission reduction, has led the automotive industry and governments around the world to reevaluate the importance of the electric vehicle (EV). A number of landmark events have occurred since the launch of the EVls by General Motors in California in the late 1980s. For instance, the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 provided substantial funding to EV technologies, which was reinforced by a surge of private investment in the EV marketplace. Also, in 2010, the J-1772 Plug was accepted by the SAE as the global standard for Level 2 charging interface between vehicles and chargers. Further, the introduction of new battery technologies, particularly the advancement of Lithium-Ion batteries, has greatly improved the energy density of the battery stacks and provided impetus to both automotive designers and industry executives. These advances have spurred dozens of companies to enter the marketplace with various electric vehicle supply equipment (“EVSE”), such as chargers, etc. Accordingly, most automotive makers either produce, or plan to produce, some kind of EV. 
         [0004]    Electric vehicles have many environmental benefits over conventional internal combustion automobiles. For instance, EVs promote a reduction of urban air pollution because they do not emit harmful tailpipe pollutants. Even EVs with an onboard source of power for battery charging (i.e. Hybrid EV) can provide reduced pollutants and greenhouse gas emissions. However, despite the environmental benefits, the widespread adoption of electric cars faces several obstacles and limitations. One of the primary challenges with any EV is the range of operation and the related time to charge. Therefore, there is a need in the art for recharging infrastructures to promote the use of electric vehicles. 
         [0005]    The lack of EV infrastructure not only presents physical limitations (e.g., limited range), but also contributes to the driver&#39;s fear of the batteries running out of energy before reaching their destination (range anxiety). Accordingly, many consumers are reluctant to invest in an EV as their primary vehicle. As new vehicles are introduced into the marketplace, the challenge of finding publicly accessible charging stations will only become increasingly difficult. Although most consumers will charge at home overnight, they must feel supported in their decision to buy an EV. 
         [0006]    Several attempts to provide EV infrastructure exist in the art. However, no existing infrastructure offers a successful flexible solution that can be systematically adapted and/or expanded to effectively integrate into preexisting transportation, structural, and power infrastructure for predetermined community-scaled use. 
         [0007]    For example, U.S. Pat. No. 7,637,075 discloses a reinforced pole structure. The pole structure includes a hollow pole with an interior surface, a hand access hole near the bottom end, and a base plate to which the bottom end of the pole is secured. The reinforced pole structure also includes an elongate reinforcement device, preferably in the form of two elongate reinforcers fitted against the interior surface of the hollow pole, the lower edges of the reinforcers being welded to the pole at the bottom end and the hole-adjacent edge(s) of the reinforcers being welded to the lip of the hand-hole. However, the &#39;075 patent makes no disclosure relating to attaching additional building structure to the top of the pole or to placing a charging station within the confines of the pole. 
         [0008]    U.S. Pat. No. 7,694,487 discloses a tubular post for a light or other electrical device mounted in soil with the use of an anchor which is comprised of a vertical sleeve and a flange which extends horizontally from the lower end of the sleeve. A flat bottom excavation is made in soil to receive the anchor. Electrical conductors are run across the top of the flange, through ports in the sleeve and up the interior of the post. A stop within the bore of the sleeve limits downward movement of the post which is inserted into the top of the bore, to enable the running of the conductors through the ports. The excavation is then backfilled. When the anchor has been installed in soil so that the top of the sleeve is near the surface, the post may be lifted from the sleeve and replaced without making a new excavation. 
         [0009]    U.S. Pat. No. 7,779,588 discloses a concrete foundation which is adapted to be embedded in the ground for supporting a pole thereon. The foundation is comprised of a vertically disposed central section having upper and lower ends with a base section embracing the lower end of the central section and being wedged there against to anchor the central section in the ground. If additional weight is needed, one or more base sections may be stacked on top of the lowermost base section. 
         [0010]    U.S. Pat. No. 7,874,126 discloses a service line distribution base including a ground anchor having an upstanding cruciform portion adapted to extend into the ground. A cabinet suited to support a utility pole extends upwardly from the ground anchor. The cabinet defines an internal space for receiving buried wire conduits incorporated into the cruciform ground anchor. The cruciform shape of the ground anchor permits a number of wire conduits to be extended into the base of a utility pole as compared to concrete bases. 
         [0011]    U.S. Pat. No. 8,087,846 discloses a bollard configured for storage of a bollard coupling adapted to extend between a bollard and an adjacent structure. Bollards are disclosed that include a body defining an interior body volume and a first aperture. A bracket fixedly attached to the body defines a second aperture. The bracket is configured to reversibly receive a bollard engaging member fixedly attached to an end portion of a bollard coupling. In a first position, at least a portion of the bollard engaging member extends through the first aperture; and in a second position, the portion of the bollard engaging member extends through the second aperture. A cap being releasably secured to the body provides access to the interior body volume and at least partially retains the bollard engaging member. The structure allows bollards to be connected together to create a barrier for pedestrians or vehicles. 
         [0012]    U.S. Pat. No. 8,089,747 discloses a power pedestal in the form of a bollard to provide power to a vehicle and to a structure disposed separate from the vehicle. The power pedestal includes a housing having an exterior, a first end fixed to a platform, and a second end disposed opposite and distal from the first end. A meter socket assembly is housed by the housing. At least one first branch circuit breaker and a second main circuit breaker are electrically connected to the meter socket assembly within the housing. At least one of the first branch circuit breakers is electrically connected to the vehicle by a corresponding one of a number of first electrical conductors. The second main circuit breaker is electrically connected to the structure by a second electrical conductor. A meter, which is electrically connected to the meter socket assembly, measures electric energy consumed by the vehicle and the structure. 
         [0013]    U.S. Pat. No. 7,952,325 discloses a vehicle charging station that includes a power receptacle compartment that includes a power receptacle to receive an electrical plug. The vehicle charging station also includes a door that is hingedly coupled with the power receptacle compartment to cover the power receptacle when the door is closed. The vehicle charging station includes a first locking means for locking and unlocking the door from a closed position without consuming power to control access to the power receptacle compartment such that the door remains locked in the closed position if the vehicle charging station loses power. The vehicle charging station also includes a second locking means for locking and unlocking the door from a charging position to control access to the electrical plug. The second locking means allows the door to be unlocked from the charging position if the vehicle charging station loses power. 
         [0014]    U.S. Pat. No. 8,072,182 discloses a closed-circuit battery charging system for a hybrid vehicle including a below-ground supply of electrical energy; an insulated vertical post extending above-ground and coupled with the below-ground electrical energy supply to provide a source of transmitted electrical power for charging energy storage batteries; a receiver of transmitted electrical power within an insulated coating on the front bumper of the vehicle positioned to inductively couple with the source; and means within the vehicle coupled between the receiver on the vehicle and the batteries thereof to automatically begin charging the batteries when the vehicle is parked with the front bumper in physical contact with the insulated vertical post for electrical inductance coupling to occur between the source of electrical power and the receiver; wherein the source of electrical power is embedded within the vertical post along an external surface thereof, and wherein the receiver is embedded within the insulated coating extending sideways, from side-to-side thereof, horizontally and substantially along the entire length of the front bumper of the automotive vehicle. 
         [0015]    U.S. Pat. No. 8,307,967 discloses a mechanical, electrical and telecommunication system to electrically connect a vehicle to an electricity source to transfer energy to the vehicle. In one rendition, the system has a stationary portion on the road or infrastructure side, and a moving member on the vehicle. The system is designed to tolerate misalignments of a parked vehicle with respect to the parking stall. The infrastructure or roadside component of the system being mechanically static is designed rugged. An important component of the system is a pair of rigid, insulating strips with a series of conductors on each of them, placed at approximately right angles to each other. One of the strips is mounted on the infrastructure or roadside and the other on the vehicle. The two strips cover the lateral and longitudinal misalignment of the parked vehicle. As long as the two strips have an overlap, the connection can be made by the conductors in the overlap region. The system is designed to operate only in the active presence and active desire of a vehicle to connect to the infrastructure or roadside stationary part. 
         [0016]    U.S. Pat. No. 8,299,754 discloses a portable charging system detachably drawing from a power source. The device can be connected to a residential power source for charging and thereafter disconnected from the residential power source for transport to an EV for charging of its batteries. 
         [0017]    U.S. Pat. No. 7,248,018 discloses a personal refueling station for a personal-sized electric vehicle. The device has a polygonal base structure housing a refueling system and a plurality of flat panels hinged thereto which open to form a flat surface and close up to an upright pyramid for storage. The flat panels have solar PV arrays mounted on their inside surfaces which generate electricity from sunlight in the open position. The electricity is used to generate hydrogen for hydrogen-fuel-cell vehicles, or is stored for recharging non-hydrogen electric vehicles. Alternatively, hydrogen or electricity may be provided from an external renewable power source. 
         [0018]    U.S. Pat. No. 8,111,043 discloses an EV charger in combination with a streetlight. Streetlights positioned along streets and in parking lots are often suitably located for a vehicle to park in immediate proximity. An electric vehicle charging system and method allows the power supply previously dedicated to the streetlight to be used for electric vehicle recharging whenever the streetlight is not lit. In some embodiments, if the total of the current drawn by the electric vehicle charging and the lit streetlight is less than the rating of the streetlight power supply, then charging may continue even while the streetlight is lit. Further, if an electric vehicle so charging offers a utility-interactive inverter, then upon demand the electric vehicle may be available to supply power back to the electric grid. 
         [0019]    U.S. Pat. No. 8,022,667 attempts to meet EV recharging infrastructure needs using a method and system for connecting a vehicle to a parking meter charging source. The parking meter charging source includes a retractable protrusion for the electrical connection of a vehicle to a charging source (i.e., a battery). While the parking meter charging source can provide energy to an EV, it is neither adaptable nor expandable. Further, the parking meter charging source is used as a standalone unit, which is incapable of providing structural support to anything more than a meter device and a single solar panel. 
         [0020]    U.S. Pat. No. 5,847,537 also attempts to meet EV recharging infrastructure needs. The patent discloses a charging station system of electric vehicles having a building which contains the charging equipment and may provide other auxiliary services. Nevertheless, while the building is modular and expandable, it is not capable of adaptation for differing needs. 
         [0021]    U.S. Pat. No. 5,847,537 discloses a charging station system for electric vehicles having a building which contains the charging equipment and may provide other auxiliary services. The system includes a T-bar which extends from the building to provide charging stalls or locations spaced along the T-bar. The building is modular and incorporates a standard ISO type configuration for ease and convenience of installation and transportation. 
         [0022]    U.S. Pat. No. 8,013,569 discloses a renewable energy system for directly charging electric and hybrid vehicles for areas with modest wind resources and/or solar resources. The invention consists of a composite stanchion for mounting on a base in a parking lot that is both capable of supporting a medium sized wind turbine (or solar array) and serving as a battery storage and charging control station. Significant improvements in blade pitch adjustment and cost reduction for wind turbine blades allow the system to operate at an acceptable cost in areas with modest winds and avoid the need for remotely supplied renewable electricity in areas of high population density. 
         [0023]    It remains that a need exists to provide useful EV infrastructure that is adaptable and customizable to meet any number of functional and structural requirements for community-scale use. The invention disclosed herein provides a device and method to determine the benefits of and need for EV infrastructure on any scale and/or quantity. Further, the invention provides physical EV infrastructure, which can stand alone or be further adapted to support an expansion feature or any combination of expansion features above it. For example, the invention can be configured to harness energy (which can be fed into an electric utility power grid), to provide shelter, to provide security and/or to provide structural support for physical structures such as buildings. The flexible nature of the invention permits adaptable integration into existing transportation infrastructure. 
       SUMMARY 
       [0024]    The EV infrastructure of the present invention comprises: a customizable charging station comprised of at least one modular bollard having a form that is mountable upon a footing at one or more bollard attachment points upon a bollard attachment plate, and at least one expansion attachment element fashioned on a bollard expansion plate; electrical vehicle supply equipment sealably integrated with or connected to the modular bollard; and a foundation. 
         [0025]    The customizable charging station can be fashioned with a structural trunk having at least a first end, a second end, and at least one sidewall extending a length between the first end and the second end. The first end is securable upon the at least one expansion attachment element fashioned on the bollard expansion plate and the second end can fixedly engage with a functional unit such as a canopy, a security lamp, a surveillance camera, and/or a beam or joist. 
         [0026]    In another aspect of the invention, a customizable charging station can be assembled on-site by identifying a point of utility interconnection; trenching to interconnection point; forming a foundation; and fastening a modular bollard upon the foundation. 
         [0027]    Yet another aspect of the invention includes a method for planning EV infrastructure based upon forecasted impacts upon holistic (or social), environmental, and financial factors. These factors can be calculated by inputting research data (which may include publically available figures); analyzing and calculating the research data to determine the most economically, environmentally and socially effective manner of installing a renewable energy powered charging infrastructure; followed by outputting holistic cost and benefit values, environmental cost and benefit values, and financial cost and benefit values, wherein the benefits are determined by a comparative analysis to fossil fuel transportation derived figures. 
         [0028]    The inputs may include any number of metrics. For example, the research data may be comprised of electric vehicle market development, renewable and non-renewable energy, vehicles, financial forecasts, sales projections, tax codes and incentives, budgets, demographics, product life-cycles, greenhouse gas emissions, and/or ground-level air pollution. 
         [0029]    Regarding the outputted figures, holistic economic costs and benefits may include the volume of fossil fuels saved by geographical area or community; the savings retained by a geographical area or community; and jobs created by geographical area or community. The environmental costs and benefits comprise carbon emission reduction values, and illustrational comparisons. The financial costs and benefits comprise electric vehicle charger and renewable energy capacity required to meet fueling demand; renewable energy credit revenue; forecasted charging revenue; a tax depreciation schedule; a vehicle depreciation schedule; a maintenance schedule, return on investment; and/or regional economic development and job growth. 
         [0030]    Therefore it is an objective of the present invention to provide an EV infrastructure charging station which overcomes the deficiencies known in the art. 
         [0031]    It is another objective of the present invention to provide a bollard that can be used as a standalone unit providing electrical vehicle supply equipment protection and user-friendly consumer/charger interaction. 
         [0032]    It is a further objective of the present invention to provide a bollard assembly that can be configured in numerous ways to become an integral part of new or existing structures. 
         [0033]    It is yet another objective of the present invention to provide an EV charging bollard in combination with an EV structure suitable for delivering renewable energy from the sun to the power grid whenever the sun is shining. 
         [0034]    It is still yet another objective of the present invention to provide a bollard assembly constructed and arranged to draw energy from the grid and through an integrated canopy solar array, whereby electric vehicles can be charged during the day or night, rain or shine. 
         [0035]    An even further objective of the present invention is to provide a bollard assembly constructed and arranged to form a structural portion of a canopy type solar array whereby power generated from the solar array may be utilized for charging or delivered to an electrical grid. 
         [0036]    Still yet a further objective of the present invention is to provide a method of planning EV infrastructure which can demonstrate the benefits of and need for EV infrastructure on any scale. Thus, community decision makers can make informed decisions regarding the scale of EV infrastructure that needs to be adopted and installed. For example, a community decision maker can use the invention to justify the costs associated with EV infrastructure investment. Furthermore, the EV infrastructure is adaptable and expandable and can, therefore, be altered to meet the ever changing needs of any community. 
         [0037]    The EV infrastructure described herein provides the added benefit that it is adaptable and expandable to meet the ever changing needs of any community, including the varied needs per geographically, socially, and economically distinct communities. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0038]      FIG. 1  is a longitudinal front cross-sectional view of a modular bollard system for charging electric vehicles in combination with a concrete foundation. 
           [0039]      FIG. 2  is a partial perspective exploded view of the modular bollard system and electrical vehicle supply equipment. 
           [0040]      FIG. 3  is a partial perspective view of the modular bollard system in combination with a trunk member. 
           [0041]      FIG. 4  is a front view partially in section illustrating a modular bollard and footing attached to a trunk and canopy. 
           [0042]      FIG. 5  is a perspective view of a modular bollard and electrical vehicle supply equipment attached to a trunk and canopy. 
           [0043]      FIG. 6  is a front view of an alternative embodiment of a modular bollard and footing attached to a trunk and canopy. 
           [0044]      FIG. 7A  is a side view of an alternative embodiment of a modular bollard and footing attached to a trunk and canopy. 
           [0045]      FIG. 7B  is a partial perspective view taken along lines  7 B- 7 B of  FIG. 7A  illustrating various components that may be secured to the top surface of the modular bollard. 
           [0046]      FIG. 8  is a perspective view of multiple modular bollards supporting a roof structure. 
           [0047]      FIG. 9  is a perspective view of multiple modular bollards supporting a roof structure. 
           [0048]      FIG. 10  is a front view of the embodiment illustrated in  FIG. 9 . 
           [0049]      FIG. 11  is a perspective view of the modular bollard in combination with a light pole. 
           [0050]      FIG. 12A  is an alternative embodiment of the modular bollard illustrated directly supporting a roof structure. 
           [0051]      FIG. 12B  is an alternative embodiment of the modular bollard illustrated directly supporting a canopy. 
           [0052]      FIG. 12C  is an alternative embodiment of the modular bollard illustrated directly supporting an alternative overhead structure. 
           [0053]      FIG. 12D  is a perspective view of the modular bollard illustrated in Figures B and C. 
           [0054]      FIG. 13  is a flowchart of a method for planning electric vehicle infrastructure. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
       [0055]    For purposes of the description hereinafter, spatial orientation terms, if used, shall relate to the referenced embodiment as it is oriented in the accompanying drawing figures or otherwise described in the following detailed description. However, it is to be understood that the embodiments described hereinafter may assume many alternative variations and embodiments. It is also to be understood that the specific features illustrated in the accompanying drawing figures and described herein are simply exemplary and should not be considered as limiting. 
         [0056]    Referring to  FIGS. 1-3 , a modular bollard system  100  for charging electric vehicles is illustrated. In this non-limiting embodiment, the modular bollard system depicted in  FIG. 1  includes a modular bollard assembly  102 , which may be a standalone unit preferentially prefabricated using any suitable material which may include, but should not be limited to, steel, aluminum, reinforced plastic, fiberglass, zinc or suitable combinations thereof for delivery to an EV infrastructure installation site, such as a municipal parking lot or the like. In general, the modular bollard system is constructed and arranged to receive electrical vehicle supply equipment  202  that further connects to pre-determined Electric Vehicle Supply Equipment (EVSE) while acting as a structural member of an overhead structure. To accomplish both tasks, the modular bollard assembly  102  includes a tubular central portion  101  having a hollow cavity  104 , a first end portion  103  and a second end portion  105 . The tubular central portion may be made to any tubular shape which may include polygons, cylinders, ovals, or suitable combinations thereof when viewed from the end, and includes a length which suits the expandable EV infrastructure or building. At the first end  103 , the tubular central portion  101  includes a first expansion plate  120  fashioned with a hole or bolt pattern  107  ( FIG. 7B ) to match various expansion caps  109 ,  111 ,  113 , discussed below. In situations where the bollard  102  is installed as standalone EV infrastructure, the expansion plate  120  can be optionally fit with a matching expansion cap  109 ,  111 ,  113  until an adaptation/expansion need arises allowing the expansion cap to interchanged for a different cap. The expansion caps may be pointed  109  to prevent birds or debris from settling on the top surface of the bollard, flat  111  or an extended structural trunk member  113  for support of an overhead structure. Fasteners  115  are the preferred means of securing the expansion caps to the first expansion plate  120 . In this manner, the expansion caps are easily changed from one to another to allow greater versatility to the modular bollard assembly. The tubular central portion includes a hollow cavity  104  and a prefabricated receiving port  106  which provides access to the hollow cavity. 
         [0057]    At the base, the modular bollard assembly  102  may be anchored to the ground or asphalt  117  by attachment to a footing  112  at the one or more attachment points  108  located upon a second attachment plate  110  secured to the second end of the tubular member  101 . The footing may be formed of reinforced concrete and may include a number of anchor means  114 , such as bolts, arranged in a pattern to equally match the one or more bollard attachment points  108 . The footing  112  can be reinforced by encasement of a reinforcing structure such as a rebar footing cage  116 , which may be prefabricated as a singular element and optionally includes added features such as the anchor means  114 . Further, the footing  112  can be formed about at least one internal conduit  118  to connect the bollard  102  to an electric utility grid. 
         [0058]    Referring to  FIGS. 2 and 3 , the prefabricated receiving port  106  of modular bollard  102  is fashioned to receive electrical vehicle supply equipment  202  that further connects to pre-determined EVSE. The electrical vehicle supply equipment  202  is sealably integrated with the modular bollard  102  (e.g., bollard  102 ). The electrical vehicle supply equipment  202  may be selected from commercially available chargers, such as chargers manufactured by Coulomb Technologies, Inc. 
         [0059]    Still referring to  FIGS. 2 and 3 , the electrical vehicle supply equipment  202  is assembled with a housing  204  and a bezel  206 , each of which may be prefabricated with a suitable material (e.g., steel or molded plastic) and sealed with a gasket  208  therebetween. The bezel  206  attaches flush to the face of the housing  204 , when flush mounted in the receiving port  106 . Further, bezel  206  may be fashioned to accommodate various EVSE. For instance, as shown in  FIG. 3 , bezel  206  has a flange  210  that forms a channel for wrapping an EVSE cord when connected to the bollard  102 . Alternatively, the EVSE may have a waterproof membrane and gutters, and does not have to contain a seal or bezel. Any EVSE can be surface mounted.  FIG. 3  also shows a service door panel  304 , which provides access to the hollow cavity of bollard  102  and wiring therein from at least one internal conduit  118 . 
         [0060]    Referring to  FIG. 4 , the modular bollard assembly is illustrated in combination with an overhead structure  400 . The modular bollard assembly  102  is fashioned with a structural trunk  402  comprising a first end  404 , a second end  406 , and at least one sidewall  408  extending a length between the first end and the second end. The second end  406  has at least one attachment point for a functional unit, such as a canopy  410 . The canopy  410  is expandable and adaptable and can extend the full length of the EV overhead structure  400 . Thus, it is connectable to any number of modular bollards  102 , as further described below. The canopy  410  can be installed in a predetermined orientation that can, for example, maximize the amount of protection offered to any EV engaged with the EV infrastructure  400 . The canopy  410  can therefore serve as a roof system that helps keep an EV charging environment free of the elements such as precipitation, standing water and/or sunlight. Additionally, the modular bollard  102  may include a service entrance  119 , which may be mounted upon an exterior surface of modular bollard  102  or located elsewhere on the EV infrastructure installation site. The service entrance  119  provides a point of electric utility grid interconnection, and may be selected from commercially available units, such as a combination meter/breaker box. The service entrance can provide access to infrastructure related components, including but not limited to communications hardware, wiring, switches and controls. 
         [0061]    Further, as shown in  FIG. 5 , the structural trunk  402  can also be fitted with various EVSE. For example, in EV infrastructure  500 , the structural trunk  402  is fitted with an EVSE mounting bracket  502  that can be fixedly engaged with EVSE, such as a retractable lanyard  504  for charging cord  506  management. In one-nonlimiting embodiment of the invention, the mounting bracket  502  can be slidably engaged with the structural trunk  402  such that the retractable lanyard  504  can be repositioned to accommodate various positions of a charging EV. 
         [0062]      FIG. 6  and  FIG. 7A  show variations of the structural trunk  402  and orientation of the canopy  410 . In one-nonlimiting embodiment of the invention, the EV infrastructure may include a meter/breaker box  602  and between 1 and 3 electrical vehicle supply units  604 , which are flush mounted upon a modular bollard (e.g., bollard  102 ). Further, the canopy  410  can be oriented in a direction (e.g., North-South) and at predetermined fixed tilt angle (e.g., 15° relative to the horizon) to optimize average solar exposure at any latitude and/or provide protection to an EV underneath. 
         [0063]    Referring to  FIGS. 8-10 , the number of modular bollards  102  can be adjusted according to EVSE infrastructure requirements. For example, additional bollards may be added to an EV infrastructure  800 , each bollard  102  may accommodate 1-3 additional electrical vehicle supply units (e.g., electrical vehicle supply equipment  202 ) and a functional unit, such as a canopy  410 . 
         [0064]    Still referring to  FIGS. 8-10 , the canopy  410  may also be fashioned with solar panels  802  that provide electrical energy back into an electrical utility grid by means of a service entrance (e.g. the combination meter/breaker box, mentioned above). Thus, even where a functional unit comprises a renewable energy collection device such as solar panels  802 , the EV infrastructure of the present invention remains dependent upon an electric utility grid. The solar panels  802  may be mounted from 0-90° relative to the canopy  410  to provide an average optimal solar collection position determined by the installation latitude. 
         [0065]    With respect to  FIG. 11 , modular bollard assembly  102  can provide support for any suitable attachment. For example, EV infrastructure  1100  may be fashioned with a lighting attachment  1102  fixedly mounted upon the structural trunk  402 . 
         [0066]    The modular bollard  102  may be fabricated to any height, but is preferably between 4 feet and 12 feet tall. Further, the bollard  102  is capability of bearing loads up or exceeding 600,000 pounds. Nevertheless, the bollard  102  load specifications are predetermined to an EV infrastructure arrangement by composition of materials and overall shape/size of the bollard  102 . In another non-limiting embodiment of the invention, such as the EV infrastructure of  FIG. 12A , one or more of the bollards  102  may be used to provide support for attachments and/or support for a structure such as a dwelling or a parking deck. Alternatively, the bollards  102  may be used to provide support for other structures such as a canopy  410  or alternative overhead structures  411  located in an outside parking lot associated with a building, see  FIG. 12B  or  12 C. Referring to  FIG. 12D , a perspective view of the bollards  102 , illustrated in  FIGS. 12B and 12C  is shown with a footing illustrated as a concrete support pad  112  supporting the bollard above the asphalt surface  113 . 
         [0067]    Yet another non-limiting embodiment of the invention includes a method for planning EV infrastructure based upon a comparative analysis of vehicle clusters. Vehicle clusters may include representative sample(s) of EVs as well as representative sample(s) of vehicles that may be replaced by EV implementation (i.e., conventional internal combustion vehicles). 
         [0068]    A vehicle cluster for replaceable vehicles can be determined using the following criteria: 1) sample size; 2) the composition of the sample (e.g., vehicle model(s)); 3) fuel economy; 4) maintenance costs; 5) distance traveled; 6) fuel cost; 7) emissions; 8) fuel consumption; 9) infrastructure maintenance costs; and 10) income derived from the sale of petroleum-derived fuels. On the other hand, a comparison vehicle cluster for replacement vehicles (EVs) can be determined using the following criteria: 1) sample size; 2) the composition of the sample (e.g., vehicle model(s)); 3) fuel economy; 4) maintenance savings; 5) distance traveled; 6) fuel savings; 7) emissions; 8) power consumption; 9) power costs; 10) economic retention; 11) EV infrastructure costs; 12A) return on EV infrastructure investment; 13) consumer petroleum-derived fuels savings; and 14) jobs creation. 
         [0069]    The calculations herein may be undertaken as part of a software program that is capable of execution upon a personal computer, mobile device, or a network server. Further, the comparative analysis may be used for cloud computing client services. In any case, the program may be used as a client consulting tool and/or provided to a customer on a pay per use or subscription based basis. 
         [0070]    The aforementioned vehicle cluster data can be used to forecast impacts upon various holistic (or social), environmental, and financial factors. As shown in the method for planning EV infrastructure  1300  of  FIG. 13 , these factors can be calculated by mining research data  1302 , which may be derived from known databases; inputting research data  1304 ; and analyzing the research data to calculate outputs  1306  that represent the most economically, environmentally and socially effective manner of installing a renewable energy-powered charging infrastructure. The calculated outputs  1306  can be represented as holistic outputs  1308 , financial outputs  1310 , and/or environmental outputs  1312 , wherein all outputs can comprise cost and benefit values by a comparative analysis to fossil fuel transportation derived figures. 
         [0071]    The inputs may include any number of metrics. For example, the mined research data  1302  may be comprised of electric vehicle market development, renewable and non-renewable energy, vehicles, financial forecasts, sales projections, tax codes and incentives, budgets, demographics, product life-cycles, greenhouse gas emissions, and/or ground-level air pollution. 
         [0072]    Regarding the holistic outputs  1308 , financial outputs  1310 , and/or environmental outputs  1312 , holistic costs and benefits may include the volume of fossil fuels saved by geographical area or community; the savings retained by a geographical area or community; and jobs created by geographical area or community. The environmental costs and benefits comprise carbon emission reduction values and/or energy consumption. The financial costs and benefits comprise electric vehicle charger and renewable energy capacity required to meet fueling demand; renewable energy credit revenue; forecasted charging revenue; a tax depreciation schedule; a vehicle depreciation schedule; a maintenance schedule, return on investment; and/or regional economic development and job growth. Job growth may be expressed as jobs created per kilowatt hour or as jobs created per electrical vehicle supply equipment. 
         [0073]    The method  1300  of the present invention can overcome widespread misunderstandings about EV battery safety, EV power on demand, energy consumption, and comparative efficiencies to the millions of combustion engine vehicles that are crippling the planet and economy. 
         [0074]    The method is scalable. That is, the comparative analysis may be undertaken for any sized group of EV consumers, which in turn influences the size and/or number of vehicle clusters. Examples of calculated outputs for a community are represented in Table 1 and Table 2 which follow. Table 2 has been included as a single table in its entirety, and broken into Tables 2A, 2B, 2C and 2D which follow Table 2 for clarity. 
         [0000]    
       
         
               
               
             
               
             
               
               
               
               
               
               
             
               
             
               
               
               
               
               
               
             
               
             
               
               
               
               
               
               
               
             
           
               
                 TABLE 1 
               
               
                   
               
             
             
               
                 Output Report 
                 Hendersonville, NC 
               
             
          
           
               
                 Holistic (Social) Economics of EV Adoption - Based on Your EV Projections 
               
               
                 RTS is targeting 2015 as the goal for the Asheville Metro Area to have infrastructure to support a 
               
               
                 vibrant EV marketplace. We apply industry accepted metrics to determine the amount of solar capacity 
               
               
                 needed to fuel forecasted EVs mileage, gasoline burned, money that stays local and new jobs. 
               
             
          
           
               
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
                 Money that stays 
               
               
                   
                   
                   
                   
                 Number of 
                 in Community 
               
               
                 Based on Sales 
                 Electric Vehicle 
                 Gallons of 
                 Barrels of 
                 jobs created 
                 with Locally 
               
               
                 of Electric 
                 Miles Travelled 
                 Gasoline 
                 foreign Oil 
                 (one job per 
                 Sourced Renewable 
               
               
                 Vehicles 
                 Per Year 
                 Not Burnt 
                 Not Imported 
                 $X spent) 
                 Energy (.65) 
               
               
                   
               
               
                 200 
                 1,917,120 
                 72,633 
                 3,744 
                 27 
                 $179,404 
               
               
                   
               
             
          
           
               
                 Environmental Benefits - Based on Your EV Projections 
               
               
                 This table Illustrates a few of the environmental benefits associated with necessary solar supported 
               
               
                 EV infrastructure investment to support the forecasted 2015 EV market. Notice that EV&#39;s on today&#39;s grid 
               
               
                 will leave a considerable footprint, but offering a 42% reduction. Once powered with renewables, which 
               
               
                 have 0 emissions. In addition, there are many other externalized benefits like cleaner air and water, 
               
               
                 quieter roads and streamlined transportation infrastructure. 
               
             
          
           
               
                   
                 Current CO2 Emissions 
                 Replacement EV CO2 
                 EV C02 emissions on 
                 Equivalent Acres 
                 Equivalent 
               
               
                 Vehicle 
                 of Gas Vehicles from 
                 Emissions from Average US 
                 100% Solar and other 
                 of Trees to 
                 Tons of 
               
               
                 Cluster 
                 Petroleum in Lbs. 
                 Electrical Sources in Lbs. 
                 Renewable Energy in 
                 Absorb Carbon 
                 Waste Recycled 
               
               
                   
               
               
                 Hendersonville, 
                 1,183,984 
                 $497,273.39 
                 1,183,984 
                 135 
                 33 
               
               
                 NC 
               
               
                   
               
             
          
           
               
                 Financial Benefits - Based on Your EV Projections 
               
               
                 Now we know how much energy we need to produce from sunshine, what it will take to build and install 
               
               
                 the infrastructure, how much money is retained in community, and that once we realize fuel and vehicle 
               
               
                 operate and maintenance. Petroleum infrastructure costs are not included. Cost is based on $7.25 per 
               
               
                 watt of PV installed and includes sufficient chargers, which account for about 40% of Brightfield cost. 
               
               
                 The targeted payback from fuel and maintenance savings (EVs are 80% less expensive to drive, and have 
               
               
                 60% lower maintenance costs.) 
               
             
          
           
               
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
                 Number of 
                 Revenue 
               
               
                   
                 KW of Solar 
                 Dollars to commit to 
                 Acres of Parking 
                 Dollars Not 
                 Chargers 
                 Generated 
               
               
                   
                 PV to Install 
                 build Solar-Supported 
                 Lot or Land to 
                 Spent on Gas 
                 Installed 
                 at Public 
               
               
                 Vehicle 
                 to Power 
                 EV Infrastructure 
                 Designate for 
                 for Replaced 
                 at Home 
                 Charging 
               
               
                 Cluster 
                 ALL EV miles 
                 (no incentives shown) 
                 Solar PV 
                 Vehicles 
                 and Public 
                 Stations 
               
               
                   
               
               
                 Hendersonville, 
                 556 
                 $4,027,778 
                 3.9 
                 $276,006 
                 300 
                 $47,928 
               
               
                 NC 
               
               
                   
               
             
          
         
       
     
         [0000]    
       
         
               
               
             
               
               
               
               
               
             
               
               
               
               
             
               
               
               
               
               
               
               
               
               
               
               
               
               
             
               
               
               
               
             
               
               
               
               
               
               
               
               
               
               
               
               
               
             
               
               
               
               
             
               
               
               
               
               
               
             
               
               
               
               
               
               
               
               
               
               
               
               
               
               
               
             
               
               
               
             
               
               
               
               
               
               
               
               
               
               
               
               
               
               
               
             
               
               
             
           
               
                 TABLE 2 
               
               
                   
               
             
             
               
                 B → | 
                 | ← B 
               
             
          
           
               
                   
                   
                 TIM Tool (patent-pending) Output Report 
                 Customized by BrightfieldTS for: Solar Driven Experience 
                   
               
             
          
           
               
                   
                   
                 Logistical Attributes of Solar Driven Experience 
                   
               
               
                   
                   
                 Starting with averaged rental car data from U-Save and BCTDA (Vehicle&#39;s rented 290 days/yr, 1.7 people per car rental, average person spends $171/day and stays in Asheville 
               
               
                   
                   
                 for 2.8 days), we find some compelling statistics. Job creation numbers are conservatively based on BrightfieldTS experience (1 job per $10,000 spent on infrastructure.) 
               
             
          
           
               
                   
                   
                   
                 EV Miles 
                   
                   
                 Number of Jobs 
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
               
               
                   
                   
                 # of EV 
                 Travelled 
                 Number of 
                 Individual 
                 Supported 
               
               
                   
                   
                 Additional 
                 (based on 
                 Vehicle 
                 Visitors 
                 Through 
               
               
                   
                   
                 Rentals 
                 130 miles 
                 Rental Days 
                 Renting 
                 Brightfield ™ 
               
               
                   
                   
                 in Fleet 
                 per rental) 
                 per Year 
                 EV&#39;s 
                 Deployment 
               
               
                   
                   
               
               
                   
                 Year 1 
                 8 
                 303,680 
                 2,336 
                 1,393 
                 144 
               
               
                   
                 Year 2 
                 8 
                 607,360 
                 4,672 
                 2,787 
                 144 
               
               
                   
                 Year 3 
                 — 
                 607,360 
                 4,672 
                 2,787 
                 — 
               
               
                   
                 Accumulated 
                 16 
                 1,518,400 
                 11,680 
                 6,967 
                 289 
               
               
                   
                   
               
             
          
           
               
                   
                   
                 Environmental Attributes of Solar Driven Experience 
                   
               
               
                   
                   
                 Based on comparisons with equivalent internal combustion (32 mpg), we can conservatively illustrate how even a small fleet can create significant greenhouse gas 
               
               
                   
                   
                 reductions and reduce dependency on foreign oil within Buncombe County&#39;s economy. Interestingly, it will take very little land, or rooftops, to achieve 100% Solar Fuel. 
               
             
          
           
               
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
                 CO2 
                 EV C02 
                   
                   
                   
                   
               
               
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
                 Emissions 
                 emissions 
               
               
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
                 from 
                 on 100% 
               
               
                   
                   
                   
                 Pounds of 
                   
                 Equivalent 
                   
                 Replacement 
                 Solar and 
               
               
                   
                   
                   
                 CO2 missions 
                 Barrels of 
                 Acres of 
                 Equivalent 
                 EV&#39;s on 
                 other 
               
               
                   
                   
                 Gallons 
                 eliminated 
                 foreign 
                 Trees to 
                 Tons of 
                 Average 
                 Renewable 
               
               
                   
                   
                 of Gasoline 
                 when “Solar 
                 Oil Not 
                 Absorb 
                 Waste 
                 US Electrical 
                 Energy 
               
               
                   
                   
                 Not Burnt 
                 Driven” 
                 Imported 
                 Carbon 
                 Recycled 
                 Sources in Lbs. 
                 in Lbs. 
               
               
                   
               
               
                   
                 Year 1 
                 12,147 
                 99,996 
                 626 
                 11 
                 3 
                 41,998 
                 0 
               
               
                 1 
                 Year 2 
                 24,294 
                 199,992 
                 1,252 
                 23 
                 6 
                 41,998 
                 0 
                   
                   
                   
                 2 
               
               
                 ↓ 
                 Year 3 
                 24,294 
                 199,992 
                 1,252 
                 23 
                 6 
                 0 
                 0 
                   
                   
                   
                 ↓ 
               
               
                 — 
                 Accumulated 
                 60,736 
                 499,979 
                 3,131 
                 57 
                 14 
                 3,201 
                   
                   
                   
                   
                 — 
               
             
          
           
               
                 — 
                   
                 Financial Benefits of Solar Driven Experience 
                 — 
               
               
                 ↑ 
                   
                 Utilizing scientific energy conversion formulas, BTS can determine vehicle energy demand on the grid based on 125-miles/day at 292-days per year (U-Save). Wehave 
                 ↑ 
               
               
                 1 
                   
                 designed, and are prepard to implement the necessary Solar and EV Charging Infrastructure to create a “Solar Driven” reality. EV renters who have chosen Asheville 
                 2 
               
               
                   
                   
                 over other destinations will pump $171/day into Buncombe County. Based on a $5 charge event every 65 miles, BTS will attain steady revenue growth beyond 2015. 
               
             
          
           
               
                   
                 Buncombe County 
                 EV Rental Company 
                 Public 
                 BTS 
                   
               
             
          
           
               
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
                 Charge Event 
                   
                   
                   
               
               
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
                 cost to 
               
               
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
                 Money 
                   
                 Rental 
               
               
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
                 Vehicle 
                   
                 that 
                   
                 Company/EV 
               
               
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
                 Hotel Night 
                   
                 Maintenance 
                   
                 stays In 
                   
                 renter at 
               
               
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
                 Stays 
                   
                 Savings 
                   
                 Community 
                   
                 Brightfield ™, 
               
               
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
                 Generated 
                   
                 (based on 
                   
                 with 
                   
                 assuming, 
               
               
                   
                   
                   
                 Tourist 
                   
                 (assuming 
                 Net Fuel 
                 $.02 Cents 
                   
                 Brightfield 
                   
                 65 miles 
               
               
                   
                   
                   
                 Dollars 
                   
                 100% EV 
                 Savings 
                 per EV, 
                   
                 Solar Fuel 
                 Brightfield 
                 per event, 
                 Amount 
               
               
                   
                   
                 Cost of 
                 Spent 
                   
                 Renters 
                 to EV 
                 and $.05 
                   
                 (.95 of 
                 Access at 
                 $5 per charge 
                 of 
                 Cost 
               
               
                   
                   
                 Brightfield ™ 
                 by EV 
                 Sales Tax 
                 stay in 
                 Rental 
                 per ICE- 
                 Dollars 
                 Dollars 
                 $10/day 
                 and 90% 
                 Elec- 
                 of 
               
               
                   
                   
                 Solar 
                 Renter&#39;s 
                 generated 
                 Buncombe 
                 Company/ 
                 Argonne 
                 Not 
                 formerly 
                 with 
                 charging on 
                 tricity 
                 Charge 
               
               
                   
                   
                 Driven 
                 based on 
                 based 
                 County 
                 EV 
                 Labs 
                 Spent on 
                 spent on 
                 Rental 
                 Brightfield 
                 Used 
                 from 
               
               
                   
                   
                 Experience 
                 $171/day 
                 on @1.7 
                 Hotel) 
                 renter 
                 and AAA) 
                 Gasoline 
                 Gasoline) 
                 EV 
                 Network 
                 in KW 
                 grid 
               
               
                   
                   
               
               
                   
                 Year 1 
                 $1,442,521 
                 $679,075 
                 $18,335 
                 3,971 
                 $21,258 
                 $9,110 
                 $48,589 
                 $45,188 
                 $23,360 
                 $27,331 
                 85,030.40 
                 $9,353.34 
               
               
                   
                 Year 2 
                 $1,442,521 
                 $1,358,150 
                 $36,670 
                 7,942 
                 $42,515 
                 $18,221 
                 $97,178 
                 $90,375 
                 $46,720 
                 $54,662 
                 170,060.80 
                 $18,706.69 
               
               
                   
                 Year 3 
                 $0 
                 $1,358,150 
                 $36,670 
                 7,942 
                 $42,515 
                 $18,221 
                 $97,178 
                 $90,375 
                 $46,720 
                 $54,662 
                 170,060.80 
                 $18,706.69 
               
               
                   
                 Accumulated 
                 $2,885,042 
                 $3,395,376 
                 $91,675 
                 19,856 
                 $106,288 
                 $45,552 
                 $242,944 
                 $225,938 
                 $116,800 
                 $136,656 
                 425,152.0 
                 $46,766.72 
               
               
                   
                   
               
             
          
           
               
                   
                 Infrastructure Attributes of Solar Driven Experience 
                   
               
             
          
           
               
                   
                   
                   
                   
                 Acres of 
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
               
               
                   
                   
                   
                   
                 Parking Lot 
                   
                   
                 Number of 
               
               
                   
                   
                 KW of 
                   
                 or Land to 
                   
                   
                 Chargers 
               
               
                   
                   
                 Solar 
                   
                 create Solar 
                   
                 Number of 
                 Installed 
               
               
                   
                   
                 Energy 
                   
                 Fuel, Actual 
                   
                 EV Rental 
                 for SDE 
               
               
                   
                   
                 needed to 
                 # of 
                 Brightfield 
                 Annual 
                 Charges 
                 Customers 
               
               
                   
                   
                 Fuel ALL 
                 Brightfields - 
                 footprint 
                 Number 
                 per 
                 and Public 
               
               
                   
                   
                 EV Miles 
                 Sites 
                 will be 
                 of Charge 
                 Brightfield 
                 (Phase 1 
               
               
                   
                   
                 Travelled 
                 Served 
                 far less. 
                 Events 
                 Per day 
                 and 2) 
               
               
                   
                   
               
               
                   
                 Year 1 
                 73.0 
                 15 
                 0.5 
                 6,073.60 
                 1.14 
                 28 
               
               
                   
                 Year 2 
                 146.0 
                 29 
                 1.0 
                 12,147.20 
                 1.14 
                 28 
               
               
                   
                 Year 3 
                 — 
                 — 
                 0.0 
                 12,147.20 
                   
                   
                 Including Existing 
               
               
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
                 Brightfield EVSE 
               
               
                   
                 Accumulated 
                 146.0 
                 29 
                 1.0 
                 30,368.0 
                   
                 56 
                 66 
               
             
          
           
               
                 A → | 
                 | ← A 
               
               
                   
               
             
          
         
       
     
         [0000]    
       
         
               
               
             
               
               
               
             
               
               
               
               
               
               
               
             
               
               
               
             
               
               
               
               
               
               
               
             
           
               
                 TABLE 2A 
               
               
                   
               
             
             
               
                   
                 B → | 
               
             
          
           
               
                   
                   
                 TIM Tool (patent-pending) Output Report 
               
               
                   
                   
                 Logistical Attributes of Solar Driven Experience 
               
               
                   
                   
                 Starting with averaged rental car data from U-Save and BCTDA (Vehicle&#39;s rented 290 days/yr, 1.7 people per c           
               
               
                   
                   
                 statistics. Job creation numbers are conservatively based on BrightfieldTS experience (1 job per $10,000 spe           
               
             
          
           
               
                   
                   
                 # of EV 
                 EV Miles 
                   
                   
                 Number of Jobs 
               
               
                   
                   
                 Additional 
                 Travelled 
                 Number of 
                 Individual 
                 Supported Through 
               
               
                   
                   
                 Rentals 
                 (based on 130 
                 Vehicle Rental 
                 Visitors 
                 Brightfield ™ 
               
               
                   
                   
                 in Fleet 
                 miles per rental) 
                 Days per Year 
                 Renting EV&#39;s 
                 Deployment 
               
               
                   
                   
               
               
                   
                 Year 1 
                 8 
                 303,680 
                 2,336 
                 1,393 
                 144 
               
               
                   
                 Year 2 
                 8 
                 607,360 
                 4,672 
                 2,787 
                 144 
               
               
                   
                 Year 3 
                 — 
                 607,360 
                 4,672 
                 2,787 
                 — 
               
               
                   
                 Accumulated 
                 16 
                 1,518,400 
                 11,680 
                 6,967 
                 289 
               
               
                   
                   
               
             
          
           
               
                   
                   
                 Environmental Attributes of Solar Driven Experience 
               
               
                   
                   
                 Based on comparisons with equivalent internal combustion (32 mpg), we can conservatively illustrate how ev           
               
               
                   
                   
                 within Buncombe County&#39;s economy. Interestingly, it will take very little land, or rooftops, to achieve 100% S           
               
             
          
           
               
                   
                   
                   
                 Pounds of CO2 
                   
                 Equivalent 
                   
               
               
                   
                   
                 Gallons of 
                 Emissions 
                 Barrels of 
                 Acres of 
                 Equivalent 
               
               
                   
                   
                 Gasoline 
                 eliminated when 
                 foreign Oil 
                 Trees to 
                 Tons of Waste 
               
               
                   
                   
                 Not Burnt 
                 “Solar Driven” 
                 Not Imported 
                 Absorb Carbon 
                 Recycled 
               
               
                   
               
               
                   
                 Year 1 
                 12,147 
                 99,996 
                 626 
                 11 
                 3 
               
               
                 1 
                 Year 2 
                 24,294 
                 199,992 
                 1,252 
                 23 
                 6 
               
               
                 ↓ 
                 Year 3 
                 24,294 
                 199,992 
                 1,252 
                 23 
                 6 
               
               
                 — 
                 Accumulated 
                 60,736 
                 499,979 
                 3,131 
                 57 
                 14 
               
               
                   
               
               
                             indicates data missing or illegible when filed 
               
             
          
         
       
     
         [0000]    
       
         
               
               
               
             
               
               
               
             
               
               
               
               
               
               
               
               
             
               
               
             
               
               
               
               
               
               
               
               
             
               
               
             
           
               
                 TABLE 2B 
               
               
                   
               
             
             
               
                 — 
                   
                 Financial Benefits of Solar Driven Experience 
               
               
                 ↑ 
                   
                 Utilizing scientific energy conversion formulas, BTS can determine vehicle energy demand on the grid based c           
               
               
                 1 
                   
                 necessary Solar and EV Charging Infrastructure to create a “Solar Driven” reality, EV renters who have chosen           
               
               
                   
                   
                 every 65 miles, BTS will attain steady revenue growth beyond 2015. 
               
             
          
           
               
                   
                 Buncombe County 
                 EV Rental Company 
               
             
          
           
               
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
                 Vehicle 
               
               
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
                 Maintenance 
               
               
                   
                   
                   
                 Tourist 
                   
                 Hotel Night 
                   
                 Savings 
               
               
                   
                   
                 Cost of 
                 Dollars 
                   
                 Stays Generated 
                 Net Fuel 
                 (based on $.02 
               
               
                   
                   
                 Brightfield ™ 
                 Spent by EV 
                 Sales Tax 
                 (assuming 100% EV 
                 Savings 
                 Cents per EV, 
               
               
                   
                   
                 Solar 
                 Renter&#39;s 
                 generated 
                 Renters stay in 
                 to EV Rental 
                 and $.05 per 
               
               
                   
                   
                 Driven 
                 based on 
                 based 
                 Buncombe County 
                 Company/EV 
                 ICE- Argonne 
               
               
                   
                   
                 Experience 
                 $171/day 
                 on @1.7 
                 Hotel) 
                 renter 
                 Labs and AAA) 
               
               
                   
                   
               
               
                   
                 Year 1 
                 $1,442,521 
                 $679,075 
                 $18,335 
                 3,971 
                 $21,258 
                 $9,110 
               
               
                   
                 Year 2 
                 $1,442,521 
                 $1,358,150 
                 $36,670 
                 7,942 
                 $42,515 
                 $18,221 
               
               
                   
                 Year 3 
                 $0 
                 $1,358,150 
                 $36,670 
                 7,942 
                 $42,515 
                 $18,221 
               
               
                   
                 Accumulated 
                 $2,885,042 
                 $3,395,376 
                 $91,675 
                 19,856 
                 $106,288 
                 $45,552 
               
               
                   
                   
               
             
          
           
               
                   
                 Infrastructure Attributes of Solar Driven Experience 
               
             
          
           
               
                   
                   
                   
                   
                 Acres of Parking 
                   
                   
                   
               
               
                   
                   
                   
                   
                 Lot or Land to 
                   
                   
                 Number of 
               
               
                   
                   
                 KW of Solar 
                   
                 create Solar 
                   
                 Number of 
                 Chargers 
               
               
                   
                   
                 Energy needed 
                   
                 Fuel, Actual 
                   
                 EV Rental 
                 Installed for 
               
               
                   
                   
                 to Fuel ALL 
                 # of 
                 Brightfield 
                 Annual 
                 Charges per 
                 SDE Customers 
               
               
                   
                   
                 EV Miles 
                 Brightfields - 
                 footprint will 
                 Number of 
                 Brightfield 
                 and Public 
               
               
                   
                   
                 Travelled 
                 Sites Served 
                 be far less. 
                 Charge Events 
                 Per day 
                 (Phase 1 and 2) 
               
               
                   
                   
               
               
                   
                 Year 1 
                 73.0 
                 15 
                 0.5 
                 6,073.60 
                 1.14 
                 28 
               
               
                   
                 Year 2 
                 146.0 
                 29 
                 1.0 
                 12,147.20 
                 1.14 
                 28 
               
               
                   
                 Year 3 
                 — 
                 — 
                 0.0 
                 12,147.20 
                   
                 — 
               
               
                   
                 Accumulated 
                 146.0 
                 29 
                 1.0 
                 30,368.0 
                   
                 56 
               
             
          
           
               
                   
                 A → | 
               
               
                   
                   
               
               
                   
                             indicates data missing or illegible when filed 
               
             
          
         
       
     
         [0000]    
       
         
               
             
               
               
               
             
               
               
               
               
               
             
               
               
             
               
               
               
               
               
               
               
             
               
               
             
               
               
               
               
               
               
             
           
               
                 TABLE 2C 
               
               
                   
               
             
             
               
                 | ← B 
               
             
          
           
               
                   
                 Customized by BrightfieldTS for: Solar Driven Experience 
                   
               
             
          
           
               
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
               
               
                   
               
             
          
           
               
                            car rental, average person spends $171/day and stays in Asheville for 2.8 days), we find some compelling 
                   
               
               
                            t on infrastructure.) 
               
             
          
           
               
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
               
               
                   
               
             
          
           
               
                            en a small fleet can create significant greenhouse gas reductions and reduce dependency on foreign oil 
                   
               
               
                            lar Fuel. 
               
             
          
           
               
                 CO2 Emissions from 
                 EV C02 emissions 
                   
                   
                   
                   
               
               
                 Replacement EV&#39;s on 
                 on 100% Solar and 
               
               
                 Average US Electrical 
                 other Renewable 
               
               
                 Sources in Lbs. 
                 Energy in Lbs. 
               
               
                   
               
               
                 41,998 
                 0 
               
               
                 41,998 
                 0 
                   
                   
                   
                 2 
               
               
                 0 
                 0 
                   
                   
                   
                 ↓ 
               
               
                 3,201 
                   
                   
                   
                   
                 — 
               
               
                   
               
               
                             indicates data missing or illegible when filed 
               
             
          
         
       
     
         [0000]    
       
         
               
               
             
               
               
             
               
               
               
             
               
               
               
               
               
               
               
             
               
               
               
               
               
               
             
               
               
               
               
               
               
               
             
               
               
             
           
               
                 TABLE 2D 
               
               
                   
               
             
             
               
                   
                 — 
               
             
          
           
               
                            n 125-miles/day at 292-days per year (U-Save). Wehave designed, and are prepard to implement the 
                 ↑ 
               
               
                            Asheville over other destinations will pump $171/day into Buncombe County. Based on a $5 charge event 
                 2 
               
             
          
           
               
                 Public 
                 BTS 
                   
               
             
          
           
               
                   
                   
                   
                 Charge Event cost 
                   
                   
                   
               
               
                   
                 Money that stays 
                   
                 to Rental Company/ 
               
               
                   
                 In Community 
                   
                 EV renter at 
               
               
                   
                 with Brightfield 
                   
                 Brightfield ™, 
               
               
                   
                 Solar Fuel 
                 Brightfield 
                 assuming, 65 miles per 
               
               
                 Dollars 
                 (.95 of Dollars 
                 Access at 
                 event, $5 per charge and 
                 Amount of 
                 Cost of 
               
               
                 Not Spent 
                 formerly spent 
                 $10/day with 
                 90% charging on 
                 Electricity 
                 Charge 
               
               
                 on Gasoline 
                 on Gasoline) 
                 Rental EV 
                 Brightfield Network 
                 Used in KW 
                 from grid 
               
               
                   
               
               
                 $48,589 
                 $45,188 
                 $23,360 
                 $27,331 
                 85,030.40 
                 $9,353.34 
               
               
                 $97,178 
                 $90,375 
                 $46,720 
                 $54,662 
                 170,060.80 
                 $18,706.69 
               
               
                 $97,178 
                 $90,375 
                 $46,720 
                 $54,662 
                 170,060.80 
                 $18,706.69 
               
               
                 $242,944 
                 $225,938 
                 $116,800 
                 $136,656 
                 425,152.0 
                 $46,766.72 
               
               
                   
               
               
                   
               
             
          
           
               
                 Including Existing 
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
               
               
                 Brightfield EVSE 
               
             
          
           
               
                 66 
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
               
             
          
           
               
                 | ← A 
               
               
                   
               
               
                             indicates data missing or illegible when filed