Key Takeaways:
- Voltpost has significantly expanded its network of pole-mounted electric vehicle (EV) chargers across New York State, introducing 14 new charging ports in Albany, Saratoga Springs, and Cold Spring.
- The innovative lamppost EV charging technology leverages existing utility poles, offering a cost-effective and less disruptive alternative to traditional EV charging infrastructure.
- In a move to promote sustainable mobility and celebrate Climate Week, Voltpost is currently offering complimentary charging services at its MADE Bush Terminal installation in Brooklyn.
- These Level 2 chargers are designed for urban environments where EVs are parked for extended periods, addressing a critical need for convenient curbside charging solutions.
NEW YORK – September 22, 2023 – In a significant boost to urban electric vehicle infrastructure, Voltpost, an American startup specializing in innovative EV charging solutions, has announced a substantial expansion of its unique lamppost EV chargers across New York State. The deployment includes more than a dozen new charging ports, strategically placed in communities to enhance accessibility for electric vehicle owners.
The latest rollout sees the activation of 14 new charging ports across three key locations: Albany, Saratoga Springs, and Cold Spring. This expansion builds upon Voltpost’s existing installations in Westchester County, Brooklyn, and Glenn Falls, marking a concerted effort to scale sustainable mobility solutions.
Adding further impetus to EV adoption, Voltpost is offering free charging services at its facility located at the MADE Bush Terminal in Brooklyn throughout Climate Week. This initiative aims to encourage broader engagement with electric vehicles and highlight the convenience of accessible public charging.
Revolutionising Urban EV Charging Infrastructure
The proliferation of electric vehicles necessitates a robust and easily accessible charging infrastructure, particularly in densely populated urban areas. While curbside charging is a prevalent solution in many European cities, its adoption in the United States has historically lagged. This gap often presents a challenge for EV owners residing in apartments or those without dedicated off-street parking, limiting their ability to charge vehicles conveniently.
Voltpost is actively working to bridge this critical infrastructure gap by introducing a novel approach to EV charging. Its distinctive pole-mounted chargers offer a practical and scalable solution for urban environments, turning existing street furniture into vital charging points.
This innovative deployment strategy is designed to integrate seamlessly into urban landscapes, providing much-needed public charging options where traditional installations might be impractical or prohibitively expensive. The expansion underscores a strategic vision to make EV charging as ubiquitous and straightforward as possible for the growing number of electric vehicle users.
The Technology Behind Voltpost Lamppost EV Chargers
What sets Voltpost lamppost EV chargers apart from conventional charging stations is their ingenious design and installation method. These units are specifically engineered to tap into the existing electrical supply of the utility poles they are mounted on. This eliminates the significant logistical and financial hurdles associated with traditional charging infrastructure deployment.
The streamlined installation process avoids the need for extensive civil engineering works, such as digging trenches, cutting into sidewalks, or pouring concrete foundations. This not only reduces installation costs considerably but also minimises disruption to urban areas, making rapid deployment more feasible.
However, due to their reliance on existing utility pole power, Voltpost lamppost EV chargers are typically restricted to lower power outputs, generally up to 9.6 kilowatts. This makes them ideal Level 2 charging solutions, suitable for locations where electric vehicles are parked for longer durations.
Ideal Applications and User Experience
The lower power output of Voltpost lamppost EV chargers makes them perfectly suited for specific use cases in urban settings. These include parking areas near residential buildings, shopping malls, office complexes, and other locations where vehicles remain stationary for several hours. This allows EV drivers to ‘top up’ their batteries during work hours, while shopping, or overnight, transforming passive parking time into active charging time.
Voltpost’s dual-port Air chargers are equipped with user-friendly retracting cables featuring J1772 connectors, a common standard for Level 2 AC charging in North America. Drivers can simply pull on the handle to extend the cable to their vehicle’s charge port, ensuring ease of use and cable management.
Designed for durability and safety, these chargers are installed approximately 10 feet (3 meters) above ground level. This elevated positioning helps protect the units from adverse weather conditions and potential vandalism, ensuring reliable operation. Furthermore, each charging dispenser is permanently connected to the internet via AT&T’s network, guaranteeing continuous connectivity for monitoring and management.
Accessing and managing charging sessions with Voltpost is intuitive and fully digital. Users interact with the chargers primarily through the dedicated Voltpost mobile application. The app allows drivers to locate available charging stalls, check their real-time status, monitor their charging sessions, and process payments securely. Notably, the system is designed without on-site card readers, streamlining the user experience through smartphone integration.
Strategic Vision for Sustainable Mobility
Jeffrey Prosserman, CEO & Co-Founder of Voltpost, articulated the company’s overarching mission regarding the expansion. “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,” he stated. Prosserman further emphasised the collaborative nature of their work: “We’re thrilled to partner with utilities and communities across New York State that share our commitment to deploying sustainable mobility solutions.”
This statement underscores Voltpost’s commitment to facilitating the transition to electric vehicles by making charging infrastructure an integral part of daily life. By collaborating with local utilities and communities, the company aims to foster a supportive ecosystem for EV adoption.
Beyond its growing presence in New York, Voltpost is actively pursuing broader expansion initiatives across the United States. The startup is currently engaged in projects to deploy its lamppost EV chargers in several other states and districts, including California, Connecticut, Massachusetts, Michigan, Illinois, and Washington, DC. This nationwide ambition highlights the scalable potential of their technology and their dedication to addressing the pressing need for accessible and efficient EV charging infrastructure across diverse urban and suburban landscapes.
The continued rollout of Voltpost lamppost EV chargers signifies a crucial step forward in establishing a more comprehensive and convenient public charging network. By leveraging existing urban infrastructure, Voltpost is not only reducing deployment costs but also accelerating the pace at which sustainable transportation can be adopted by communities nationwide, thereby contributing significantly to decarbonisation efforts.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What are Voltpost lamppost EV chargers?
Voltpost lamppost EV chargers are innovative electric vehicle charging units that are mounted directly onto existing utility poles. They draw power from the pole’s electrical supply, circumventing the need for extensive ground-level construction. This design makes them a cost-effective and less disruptive solution for expanding EV charging infrastructure in urban areas, transforming existing streetlights into accessible charging points.
Where are the new Voltpost charging ports located in New York?
Voltpost has recently activated 14 new charging ports across three communities in New York State. These new installations include three dual-port chargers in Albany, three in Saratoga Springs, and one in Cold Spring. This expansion significantly increases the availability of public Level 2 EV charging options in these areas, complementing existing units in other parts of the state.
How do Voltpost chargers differ from traditional EV charging stations?
The primary difference lies in their installation. Unlike traditional stations requiring dedicated ground infrastructure, Voltpost chargers use existing utility poles, eliminating trenching, sidewalk cuts, and concrete pouring. This results in lower installation costs and faster deployment. While typically offering Level 2 charging (up to 9.6 kW), they are ideal for locations where EVs are parked for extended periods, providing convenient ‘top-up’ charging.
Are the Voltpost lamppost EV chargers easy to use?
Yes, Voltpost chargers are designed for user convenience. They feature dual ports with retracting J1772 cables, making them easy to connect to most EVs. Users manage their charging sessions through the Voltpost mobile app, which allows them to locate chargers, check availability, monitor progress, and make payments. There are no on-site card readers, simplifying the user experience through smartphone integration.
Why is Voltpost offering free charging in Brooklyn?
Voltpost is offering free charging at its MADE Bush Terminal installation in Brooklyn during Climate Week as part of an initiative to celebrate and promote sustainable mobility. This promotion encourages electric vehicle owners to experience the convenience of Voltpost’s charging solutions and aims to raise awareness about the benefits of EV adoption and accessible charging infrastructure in urban environments.
What is the power output of Voltpost lamppost EV chargers?
Voltpost lamppost EV chargers deliver up to 9.6 kilowatts (kW) of power. This categorizes them as Level 2 chargers, which are suitable for locations where electric vehicles can be parked for several hours, such as residential streets, workplaces, or shopping areas. They provide a steady charge that can significantly replenish an EV’s battery over a longer dwell time.
Where else is Voltpost planning to expand its charging network?
Beyond its significant presence in New York, Voltpost has ambitious plans for further expansion across the United States. The company is actively working on deploying its lamppost EV chargers in several other states and districts. These include California, Connecticut, Massachusetts, Michigan, Illinois, and Washington, DC, underscoring a broad strategy to enhance urban EV charging accessibility nationwide.