Summary
- Los Angeles is expanding infrastructure to install EV chargers in streetlight poles
- Contracted with AmpUp for software and EVSE for retractable charging cables
- 25-foot cables are installed in existing poles 10 feet off the ground
- LA Bureau of Street Lighting aims to install 10,000 EV chargers
- Other cities like Seattle, Kansas City, and New York City are also testing curbside EV chargers in 2021 and 2022.
Article
Los Angeles is expanding its infrastructure project to include electric vehicle (EV) chargers in streetlight poles. The city has contracted with two companies, AmpUp for software and EVSE for retractable charging cables, to add Level 2 chargers to 150 streetlight poles. The 25-foot cables are installed in existing poles 10 feet off the ground, reducing installation costs by 70% and minimizing the risk of vandalism, damage, or injuries from tripping over cables.
The Los Angeles Bureau of Street Lighting, responsible for overseeing 220,000 light poles in the city, is working towards meeting a mayoral target of installing 10,000 EV chargers. This initiative is part of a larger project to replace existing streetlight bulbs with brighter, more energy-efficient LEDs. The city began redesigning street-side lighting in 2020, with EV charging included as a key component from the beginning. Installing EV chargers in streetlight poles is seen as a convenient solution for urban areas, utilizing existing infrastructure without taking up valuable sidewalk space.
In urban areas like Los Angeles, streetlight EV charging provides a practical solution for apartment dwellers who may not have the option to install home chargers. By using existing streetlight poles as charging stations, the city is making EV charging more accessible to residents living in multi-unit buildings. This approach can help increase the adoption of electric vehicles by providing convenient and efficient charging options throughout the city.
Other cities in the United States are also exploring the concept of curbside EV chargers, with Seattle announcing plans to install them by request in 2022. Kansas City and New York City have already begun testing the idea, with New York reporting high utilization rates. Companies like Voltpost are introducing sleek streetlight EV chargers for major metro areas like New York, Chicago, and Detroit. These initiatives are part of a broader effort to expand the EV charging infrastructure and make it more convenient and accessible for electric vehicle owners.
The integration of EV chargers in streetlight poles is a cost-effective and innovative approach to expanding the EV charging infrastructure in urban areas. By utilizing existing infrastructure, cities like Los Angeles can provide residents with convenient and accessible charging options. This initiative is part of a larger movement towards sustainable transportation solutions, aiming to increase the adoption of electric vehicles and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
Overall, Los Angeles’ expansion of the infrastructure project to include EV chargers in streetlight poles is a step towards making electric vehicle charging more accessible and convenient for residents. By leveraging existing infrastructure and innovative technology, the city is working towards meeting its EV charging goals and supporting sustainable transportation initiatives. As other cities across the country explore similar projects, the future of EV charging looks promising, with streetlight poles potentially becoming a common sight in urban areas as multifunctional charging stations.
Read the full article here
