Summary
– Voltpost’s charging design minimizes the threat of accidents involving charging cords and passersby
– The Voltpost system consists of four aluminum-shielded quadrants
– Voltpost has a mobile app and web interface to manage location, reservation, and payment services
– The startup has raised $5 million of private funding, including a $3.6 million seed financing
– Voltpost’s modular design allows for flexibility in adapting to changes in the EV charging landscape
Article
Voltpost has developed a unique curbside electric vehicle (EV) charging solution that aims to minimize threats of accidents involving charging cords and passersby. The design features a port for its retractable cable mounted about 8 feet off the ground to reduce tripping or snagging hazards for pedestrians, bicyclists, and motorists. The charging handle is designed to reduce the risk of accidental snagging and is easy to repair if damaged. Voltpost’s system is composed of four aluminum-shielded quadrants that clip onto a collar mounted on the light post, allowing for quick installation on various pole shapes and sizes.
In order to help EV drivers locate its charging stations, Voltpost offers a mobile app and web interface for managing location, reservation, and payment services. The company has developed back-end software to track charger performance and status, providing support for city governments or electric utilities that are its customers. They plan to offer a subscription fee model that bundles hardware, installation, software, and maintenance costs, allowing cities or utilities to customize their offerings to meet their specific objectives. To date, Voltpost has raised $5 million in private funding, with investments from various organizations including RWE Energy Transition Investments and the Exelon Foundation.
While curbside charging is important, it is not the only form of EV charging that cities will require. Voltpost is considering options to adapt to the rapidly evolving EV charging landscape, such as changes in charging standards or potential alternative uses for their product. The company is in discussions with 5G carriers regarding utilizing their product as cellular repeater stations and exploring opportunities to incorporate sensor platforms for various smart city services. However, their primary focus is on deploying their EV charging technology in cities like Chicago, Detroit, and New York.
At an event in San Francisco, Voltpost highlighted the importance of offering a combination of fast-charging and slow-charging options to support the transition to EVs. Other cities in the U.S. implementing curbside charging include Boston, Chicago, and Seattle. San Francisco is exploring curbside charging options while considering the challenges of limited parking and high demand for curb space. Voltpost’s modular design allows cities to have flexibility in adapting to changes in the EV charging landscape, including shifts in charging standards among manufacturers and automakers.
Voltpost’s innovative approach to curbside EV charging focuses on safety, ease of use, and adaptability to changing needs. The company’s solution aims to address the challenges of urban EV charging while offering additional potential for alternative uses beyond charging vehicles. By providing cities with a comprehensive solution that includes hardware, software, and maintenance, Voltpost aims to make it easier for them to implement and manage curbside EV charging infrastructure. With a focus on major cities in the U.S., Voltpost is working towards expanding its presence and contributing to the growth of EV adoption and sustainable transportation solutions.
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