“This first-of-a-kind platform provides people convenient and affordable charging while reducing the install cost and time, maintenance and footprint of chargers for communities,” said a statement by the firm.

Voltpost has started developing and deploying EV charging projects in major US metro areas, including New York, Chicago, and Detroit.

A practical solution in urban environments

Although Voltpost is compatible with all EVs, urban EV users who live in multi-unit housing and lack designated parking spaces find the lamppost charging station especially helpful as it provides a nearby place to charge an EV.

In contrast to other curbside charging options, Voltpost claims it can install a charger for a fraction of the cost in one to two hours. This is done without requiring substantial excavation, trenching, or lengthy permitting procedures.

According to the firm, the simplicity of installation contributes to expanding EV charging in high-density areas, underserved populations, and other “charging deserts.”

At its core, the modular charger integrates a retractable cable management system, extending up to 20 feet for effortless access to any vehicle area, reducing downtime and operational costs.

Unique to Voltpost is the ChargePlug, equipped with pulsing lights to direct cables at a safe 90˚ angle, enhancing pedestrian and traffic safety.

For users, a dedicated mobile application empowers drivers to manage charging activities, reserve stations, monitor usage, and pay for electricity while gaining insights into their financial and environmental savings.

Meanwhile, the Charge Station Management System (CSMS) provides comprehensive charging analytics, enabling hosts to customize features, set pricing, and remotely monitor stations for public and private stakeholders.

A definite push towards EVs

EVs are key to the US federal government’s plan to halt catastrophic climate change.

The Biden Administration has set a goal of having 50 percent of new cars be electric by 2030. To that end, it is collaborating with Congress to allocate billions of dollars for EV purchase subsidies and infrastructure to charge them.

In a place like New York, publicly accessible EV charging infrastructure is a
major missing link, especially in a city where about 50 percent of private cars are parked on the street.

It is estimated that the city would need nearly 160,000 public level 2 EV charging plugs and 60,000 fast charging plugs to reach carbon neutrality by 2050.

Voltpost participated in the New York City Department of Transportation (DOT) Studio program last year, a joint venture between the DOT and Newlab. To help the city reach its target of 10,000 curbside chargers, Voltpost experimented with installing charging stations on lampposts in New York during this time.

“Voltpost’s chargers were quickly installed in one hour, operated with the highest uptime of any service in the pilot program, and elicited positive feedback from New York drivers,” said the firm in a statement.

Voltpost also secured a grant from the Michigan Economic Development’s Michigan Mobility Funding Platform to implement its lamppost charger as part of the Michigan Future Mobility Plan.