Key Takeaways:
- Voltpost has significantly expanded its network of pole-mounted EV chargers across New York State, introducing 14 new charging ports.
- New deployments are now active in Albany, Saratoga Springs, and Cold Spring, enhancing curbside charging accessibility.
- The company is offering free charging at its MADE Bush Terminal site in Brooklyn for a limited period, coinciding with Climate Week initiatives.
- Voltpost’s innovative lamppost chargers leverage existing utility pole infrastructure, drastically reducing installation costs and complexity compared to traditional EV charging stations.
- The expansion signals a strategic push to make electric vehicle charging more convenient and widespread in urban and suburban environments.
Revolutionising Curbside EV Charging in New York
In a significant stride towards enhancing electric vehicle (EV) infrastructure, Voltpost has announced the activation of over a dozen new lamppost-mounted EV charging ports across various communities in New York State. This expansion underscores a growing commitment to making EV charging more accessible and integrated into urban landscapes, addressing a critical need for convenient charging solutions where drivers live and park.
The latest rollout includes three dual-port chargers in Albany, three in Saratoga Springs, and an additional unit in Cold Spring. This brings the total of new charging ports to 14 across these three locations, marking a substantial boost to the region’s EV readiness. These additions follow previous successful deployments in Westchester County, Brooklyn, and Glenn Falls, solidifying Voltpost’s presence in the state.
Free Charging Initiative in Brooklyn Bolsters Climate Week Efforts
Further demonstrating its commitment to sustainable mobility and coinciding with Climate Week, Voltpost is currently offering complimentary charging services at its dispenser located at the MADE Bush Terminal in Brooklyn. This initiative aims to encourage broader EV adoption and highlight the ease of accessing public charging infrastructure, even for those without private driveways.
Such strategic incentives are vital for breaking down barriers to EV ownership, particularly in densely populated areas where traditional home charging options are limited. By providing free access, Voltpost not only supports environmental goals but also offers tangible benefits to the local EV community, encouraging more residents to embrace electric mobility.
The Ingenuity Behind Voltpost Lamppost EV Chargers
Voltpost’s approach to electric vehicle charging infrastructure stands apart from conventional methods, primarily due to its innovative utilization of existing street furniture. Unlike traditional EV chargers that often necessitate extensive civil engineering work, Voltpost’s units are designed to be mounted directly onto utility poles.
This design choice offers several distinct advantages. By tapping into the established electrical supply of the utility pole, the need for costly and disruptive groundwork—such as digging trenches, cutting into sidewalks, or pouring concrete—is largely eliminated. This significantly reduces both the installation time and overall deployment expenses, making the rollout of public charging points more economically viable and scalable.
Technical Specifications and User Experience
While the pole-mounted design offers installation efficiencies, it also means that the energy supply is inherently limited by the existing utility pole infrastructure. Consequently, these chargers typically provide lower power outputs, capped at up to 9.6 kilowatts (kW).
This power level, classified as Level 2 charging, is ideally suited for scenarios where electric vehicles remain parked for extended durations. Locations such as shopping malls, residential streets, and areas adjacent to office buildings are perfect candidates, allowing drivers to conveniently top up their vehicle’s battery during regular activities.
The company’s dual-port Air chargers are engineered for user convenience and durability. Each unit features retracting cables equipped with J1772 connectors, a widely adopted standard for AC charging in North America. This design allows drivers to simply pull the handle to extend the cable to their vehicle’s charge port, ensuring a tidy and user-friendly experience.
To mitigate potential damage from adverse weather conditions and vandalism, these dispensers are strategically installed approximately 10 feet (3 meters) above ground level. Furthermore, each unit maintains constant connectivity through AT&T’s robust network, ensuring reliable communication for operational monitoring and user interactions.
Seamless Access Through Digital Platforms
Accessing Voltpost’s Level 2 chargers is a streamlined digital experience. Users engage with the charging network primarily through the dedicated Voltpost mobile application, which serves as a comprehensive interface for electric vehicle drivers.
Within the app, users can effortlessly locate available charging stalls, verify their real-time availability, initiate and monitor their charging sessions, and process payments. The absence of on-site card readers simplifies the physical hardware and emphasizes a modern, app-centric approach to public EV charging.
Expanding the Footprint of Sustainable Mobility
Jeffrey Prosserman, CEO & Co-Founder of Voltpost, articulated the company’s overarching mission, stating, “Decarbonizing mobility starts with making EV charging as convenient as filling up a gas tank. Every deployment, including these in Albany, Saratoga Springs, and Cold Spring, is about putting reliable charging where drivers already live and park, so more New Yorkers can confidently make the switch to electric.”
Prosserman further emphasized the collaborative spirit driving these initiatives. “We’re thrilled to partner with utilities and communities across New York State that share our commitment to deploying sustainable mobility solutions,” he added, highlighting the importance of public-private partnerships in advancing green infrastructure.
Beyond its current successful deployments in New York, Voltpost is actively pursuing expansion into several other key markets across the United States. The startup is diligently working to deploy its innovative lamppost EV chargers in California, Connecticut, Massachusetts, Michigan, Illinois, and Washington, D.C.
This widespread expansion strategy underscores Voltpost’s ambition to play a pivotal role in the national transition to electric vehicles, particularly by addressing the crucial need for ubiquitous and convenient charging options in urban and suburban areas. Their focus on leveraging existing infrastructure for rapid and cost-effective deployment positions them as a key player in the evolving landscape of EV charging solutions.
FAQ Section
What are Voltpost lamppost EV chargers?
Voltpost lamppost EV chargers are innovative electric vehicle charging stations designed to be mounted directly onto existing utility poles. This unique design allows them to tap into the pole’s electrical supply, significantly reducing the civil engineering work and costs typically associated with installing traditional ground-mounted EV chargers. They offer a convenient curbside charging solution.
How do Voltpost chargers work?
These chargers are affixed to utility poles and draw power from the existing grid infrastructure. They feature dual ports with retracting J1772 cables for easy connection. Users manage their charging sessions, including locating stalls, monitoring progress, and making payments, through a dedicated Voltpost mobile application, eliminating the need for on-site card readers.
What are the benefits of lamppost EV charging?
The primary benefits include lower installation costs and faster deployment due to the reuse of existing infrastructure. They provide accessible curbside charging for EV owners without private driveways, enhance urban charging density, and are designed to be discreet and protected from vandalism, integrating seamlessly into city environments.
Where are Voltpost chargers currently available?
Voltpost has expanded its network across New York State, with operational chargers in Albany, Saratoga Springs, Cold Spring, Westchester County, Brooklyn, and Glenn Falls. The company is also actively working towards deploying its lamppost EV chargers in other states, including California, Connecticut, Massachusetts, Michigan, Illinois, and Washington, D.C.
How fast are Voltpost EV chargers?
Voltpost lamppost EV chargers are Level 2 charging stations, providing power outputs of up to 9.6 kilowatts (kW). While not as fast as DC fast chargers, this output is ideal for situations where EVs are parked for several hours, such as at shopping centers, workplaces, or residential streets, allowing for convenient battery top-ups during daily activities.
Is there a cost to use Voltpost chargers?
Typically, there is a fee associated with using Voltpost chargers, which can be managed and paid through their mobile app. However, Voltpost occasionally offers promotional periods, such as the free charging currently available at its MADE Bush Terminal site in Brooklyn for a limited time, often coinciding with events like Climate Week, to encourage EV adoption.