Baka Mobile Teams with Eaton To Power Its EV Fleet

Event marks installation of one of North America’s largest commercial  solar powered EV charging stations

TORONTO – Baka Communications, Inc. has collaborated with Eaton Corporation to power its electric vehicle (EV) fleet with one of the largest commercial solar charging stations in North America.

Baka, which celebrated the installation of the eight-car public access station with a ribbon-cutting ceremony today at its headquarters in Toronto, has converted 60 percent of its fleet to Chevrolet Volt, EVs with extended range. The solar charging car port system was developed by renewz sustainable solutions inc. and combines equipment from Eaton Corporation and Giulio Barbieri S.p.A. of Italy.

“Baka is committed to sustainability and green technology, and is proud to lead by example with the largest array of solar-powered charging stations in Canada,” said John Marion, president, Baka. “We are now able to power our vehicles efficiently and sustainably and we look forward to taking our green initiatives to the next level.”

The isola™ 20 kilowatt (kW) solar carport project was managed and developed by renewz® and features solar and EV charging solutions from Eaton Corporation. The station includes a combination of Eaton’s EV charging stations as well as a unique Eaton solution that enables the complete solar-power distribution system to be integrated into one structure. The modular structure also includes Heliene® Ontario-made solar panels, high-tech LED lighting and security equipment. It is designed to be 100-percent waterproof and fully wind, snow and seismic code compliant.   

“The Chevrolet Volt deploys transformative vehicle technologies that are redefining automotive transportation. Companies like Baka will be able to potentially eliminate gasoline from their employees’ daily vehicle usage while having the flexibility to go further, something no other electrified vehicle can provide,” said Neil Macdonald, vice-president, GM Canada.

This innovative solar powered EV charging station is intended to generate enough clean, renewable energy to recharge Baka’s Volt fleet for 25 years. This will reduce Baka’s greenhouse gas emissions by more than 460 tons and permit more than 1.5 million kilometres of clean driving.

“This project addresses one of our era’s greatest challenges – delivering power to help business grow, but doing so in a more efficient and sustainable manner,” said Rob Farrell, director of Marketing, Canadian Operations, Eaton Corporation’s Electrical Sector. “The collaborative solution Baka is implementing will not only help control costs and reduce its carbon footprint, but will serve as a green business model for other companies.”

About Baka Communications, Inc.

As one of the largest wireless solutions providers in Canada, Baka Communications, Inc. leads in delivering seamless deployment of mobile phones and technologies to consumer, business, and government customers across Canada. Baka’s sister company, Fleet Freedom® is one of the leading providers of solutions in the AVL/GPS tracking and fleet management industry. Fleet Freedom® provides businesses with the tools that are needed to be greener, safer, more productive and responsive to today’s increasing industry demands. For more information visit www.baka.ca.

About renewz sustainable solutions inc.

Renewz sustainable solutions, Inc. develops and delivers unique solar carport projects based on careful matching of design and brand requirements of its clients. Through the delivery of recognizable, easy-to-implement, and effective solutions, we help clients discover ways to increase their environmental stewardship...from road to roof®. For more information, visit www.renewz.com.

About Eaton

More information about Eaton’s EV charging and solar solutions can be found at www.eaton.com/plugin and www.eaton.com/solar.

Eaton’s electrical business is a global leader in power distribution, power quality, control and automation, power monitoring, and energy management products and services. Eaton is positioned through its global electrical product series and solutions to answer today’s most critical electrical power management challenges.

Eaton Corporation is a diversified power management company with more than 100 years of experience providing energy-efficient solutions that help our customers effectively manage electrical, hydraulic and mechanical power. With 2011 sales of $16.0 billion, Eaton is a global technology leader in electrical components, systems and services for power quality, distribution and control; hydraulics components, systems and services for industrial and mobile equipment; aerospace fuel, hydraulics and pneumatic systems for commercial and military use; and truck and automotive drivetrain and powertrain systems for performance, fuel economy and safety. Eaton has approximately 73,000 employees and sells products to customers in more than 150 countries.

About General Motors of Canada

Headquartered in Oshawa, Ontario, General Motors of Canada Limited (GMCL) employs over 10,000 people across the country and is a recognized leader in green manufacturing.  GMCL markets the full range of fuel-efficient Chevrolet, Buick, GMC and Cadillac vehicles and related services through Canada's largest automotive dealer network. More information regarding GMCL models can be found at www.gm.ca, or by following @GMCanada on Twitter.