Voltpost, a charging company, is set to launch its lamppost EV chargers in major U.S. metro areas such as New York, Chicago, and Detroit this spring. These Level 2 chargers will be added to existing lampposts, with charging sessions and payments managed through a mobile app. Each installation will come equipped with 20 feet of retractable cable and can accommodate two to four charge ports, designed to route the cable at a 90-degree angle to the car’s charging socket to avoid obstructing traffic and pedestrians.
The installation process for these chargers is expected to be quick, with Voltpost claiming it can install a charger in just one to two hours at a fraction of the cost of other curbside charging stations. These lamppost chargers also eliminate the need to dig trenches for electrical cables and obtain construction permits, making them a more efficient and cost-effective option for cities. The chargers will utilize the Open Charge Point Protocol (OCCP), ensuring compatibility with various automaker and charging apps, providing a seamless customer experience.
Streetlight-based charging has been suggested as a solution for EV drivers who lack dedicated parking spaces or live in apartments. Voltpost’s approach, along with other similar initiatives, has shown promising results, with New York City reporting a 72% utilization rate for its streetside chargers installed in 2021. This indicates a growing demand for accessible and convenient EV charging infrastructure in urban areas, driving the need for more innovative solutions like Voltpost’s lamppost chargers.
In addition to Voltpost, other companies are also exploring creative designs for streetside chargers, such as chargers that can be hidden inside the sidewalk during the day or simply adding sockets to street light poles for drivers to use. However, large-scale efforts like the rollout of on-street chargers seen in the U.K. by Shell and Ubitricity have not yet been replicated in major U.S. cities. While some cities have begun installing Level 2 streetside EV charging by request, the piecemeal approach is costly and inefficient, highlighting the need for more comprehensive solutions to meet the growing demand for EV charging infrastructure in urban environments.
Voltpost’s CEO, Jeff Prosserman, emphasized the company’s open charging distribution strategy, aiming to maximize interoperability and provide a seamless customer experience by integrating with partner apps such as Google Maps, Apple Maps, Android Auto, and CarPlay. This commitment to open standards and collaboration with other technology platforms is expected to make Voltpost’s chargers accessible to a wide range of EV users, regardless of their choice of charging app or automaker. As more cities and companies embrace innovative approaches to expand EV charging infrastructure, the future of urban mobility is looking increasingly electrified and sustainable.