Electric vehicle charging company Voltpost is gearing up to introduce its lamppost EV chargers in major U.S. metropolitan areas such as New York, Chicago, and Detroit.
The company revealed its upcoming deployment plans for these regions this spring. Their Level 2 chargers will be integrated into existing lampposts, and charging sessions and payments will be managed via a mobile app.
Each installation features a 20-foot retractable cable accommodating two to four charge ports. These ports are specifically designed to direct the cable at a 90-degree angle toward the car’s charging socket, ensuring it does not obstruct traffic or pedestrians.
Voltpost asserts that it can install a charger within just one to two hours at a significantly lower cost than other curbside charging stations. Additionally, these lamppost chargers eliminate the need to dig trenches for electrical cables and acquire construction permits, as the company highlights.
The chargers will utilize the Open Charge Point Protocol (OCCP), ensuring compatibility with various automaker apps and charging platforms. Voltpost’s CEO, Jeff Prosserman, emphasized the company’s commitment to an open charging distribution strategy to enhance interoperability and provide a seamless user experience.
Streetlight-based charging has been proposed as a practical solution for EV owners residing in apartments or lacking designated parking spaces. Recent data from New York City reveals a 72% utilization rate of streetside chargers installed in 2021, indicating a positive reception among users.
Apart from Voltpost, other companies have introduced innovative designs for streetside chargers, including units that retract into sidewalks during the day and add sockets to streetlight poles for user convenience.
While companies like Shell and Ubitricity have executed large-scale on-street charger deployments in the U.K., similar efforts are yet to be seen in major U.S. cities. Some cities have opted to install Level 2 streetside EV chargers upon request, albeit at a considerable cost due to the fragmented approach.
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