Key Takeaways:
- Voltpost has significantly expanded its network of pole-mounted EV chargers across New York State, enhancing urban electric vehicle infrastructure.
- A total of 14 new charging ports are now operational in the communities of Albany, Saratoga Springs, and Cold Spring.
- To mark Climate Week, Voltpost is offering complimentary charging at its facility at the MADE Bush Terminal in Brooklyn.
- The company’s innovative lamppost EV chargers provide a cost-effective and scalable solution for public charging, particularly in densely populated areas.
New York, USA – Voltpost, a pioneering American startup, is making substantial strides in revolutionizing electric vehicle (EV) charging accessibility, particularly in urban landscapes where off-street parking is a scarcity. The company recently announced the activation of more than a dozen new lamppost EV chargers across New York State, alongside a special initiative offering free charging in Brooklyn.
This expansion underscores Voltpost’s commitment to addressing critical gaps in EV infrastructure, particularly through its signature pole-mounted charging solutions. While curbside charging has historically been less prevalent in the United States compared to Europe, Voltpost is actively working to shift this paradigm, starting with a concentrated effort within New York State.
Expanding the Curbside Charging Network
Following successful deployments of its lamppost EV chargers in key locations such as Westchester County, Brooklyn, and Glenn Falls, Voltpost has now augmented its network with 14 new charging ports. These latest installations are distributed across three distinct communities, significantly enhancing regional EV charging capabilities.
Strategic Locations Across New York
The newest additions to Voltpost’s growing network include three dual-port chargers now live in Albany and three more in Saratoga Springs. Additionally, one dual-port charger has been activated in Cold Spring. These deployments collectively introduce 14 new charging ports, strategically placed to serve a broader base of electric vehicle owners and accelerate the transition to sustainable transportation.
Beyond these permanent installations, Voltpost is engaging the community with a special offer. In celebration of Climate Week, the company is providing free charging services at its dispenser located at the MADE Bush Terminal in Brooklyn throughout the week. This initiative aims to encourage EV adoption and highlight the convenience of accessible public charging solutions.
The Innovation Behind Lamppost EV Chargers
What sets Voltpost’s pole-mounted EV chargers apart from conventional charging stations is their innovative design and installation methodology. Unlike traditional dispensers that often require extensive civil engineering work, Voltpost’s units leverage existing utility infrastructure, streamlining the deployment process.
Cost-Effectiveness and Installation Advantages
The core advantage of Voltpost’s lamppost EV chargers lies in their significantly lower installation costs. These units ingeniously tap directly into the existing electrical supply of the utility pole they are mounted on. This eliminates the need for costly and disruptive civil works such as digging trenches, cutting into sidewalks, or pouring concrete foundations. This efficient installation approach not only reduces expenses but also minimizes urban disruption, allowing for faster and more widespread deployment of crucial EV infrastructure.
However, due to the inherent limitations of tapping into existing lamppost electrical supplies, these chargers are typically restricted to lower power outputs, generally up to 9.6 kilowatts (kW). While this falls within the Level 2 charging category and is not considered ‘fast charging,’ it is perfectly suited for scenarios where electric vehicles remain parked for extended durations.
Such ideal locations include public parking areas adjacent to residential zones lacking private charging access, shopping malls where vehicles are parked for several hours, or near office buildings where employees can charge their EVs throughout the workday. This strategic application ensures efficient utilization of the available power, making them a practical solution for daily charging needs.
User Experience and Connectivity
Voltpost’s dual-port ‘Air’ chargers are designed for user convenience and safety. Each unit features retracting cables equipped with J1772 connectors, a common standard for Level 2 EV charging in North America. Drivers simply pull on the handle to extend the cable to their car’s charge port, ensuring a tidy and accessible connection.
To safeguard against environmental elements and potential vandalism, these lamppost EV chargers are strategically installed approximately 10 feet (3 meters) above ground level. Furthermore, each dispenser is permanently connected to the internet through AT&T’s network, ensuring reliable communication and operational efficiency.
Accessing and managing a charging session is designed to be seamless. Users can interact with the pole-mounted Level 2 chargers via the dedicated Voltpost app. This application allows drivers to locate available charging stalls, check their real-time availability, monitor the progress of their charging sessions, and process payments. Notably, the system foregoes on-site card readers, streamlining the transaction process through the digital platform.
Addressing the Urban Charging Challenge
The expansion of Voltpost’s lamppost EV chargers is a critical step in addressing one of the most significant barriers to widespread EV adoption: accessible public charging, especially in urban areas. Many city dwellers lack private driveways or garages, making at-home charging an impossibility. Curbside charging solutions, like those offered by Voltpost, provide a viable and scalable alternative.
Jeffrey Prosserman, CEO & Co-Founder of Voltpost, articulated the company’s vision, 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.
He further added, We’re thrilled to partner with utilities and communities across New York State that share our commitment to deploying sustainable mobility solutions.
This sentiment highlights the collaborative effort required to build a robust EV ecosystem.
Voltpost’s Vision for Broader EV Adoption
Voltpost’s strategic deployments in New York are part of a larger, ambitious plan to expand its innovative EV charging technology across the United States. The company is actively working to deploy its lamppost EV chargers in several other states and districts, including California, Connecticut, Massachusetts, Michigan, Illinois, and Washington, D.C.
This multi-state approach demonstrates Voltpost’s commitment to making electric vehicle charging infrastructure ubiquitous and convenient, thus accelerating the nation’s transition to cleaner transportation. By leveraging existing urban infrastructure, Voltpost aims to make EV ownership a practical and attractive option for a wider demographic, supporting national decarbonization goals.
Broader Impact and Future Outlook
The continued rollout of lamppost EV chargers by companies like Voltpost represents a significant evolution in electric vehicle charging infrastructure. These solutions provide an elegant and unobtrusive way to integrate charging facilities into existing urban environments without requiring extensive new construction or dedicated land. This model is particularly appealing for municipalities looking to support EV adoption without incurring prohibitively high costs or disrupting city aesthetics.
As EV sales continue to climb, the demand for accessible, reliable, and cost-effective charging solutions will only intensify. Voltpost’s approach offers a scalable blueprint for cities nationwide to expand their EV charging networks, making sustainable mobility a tangible reality for more residents. The success of these initiatives in New York State will likely serve as a model for future deployments across other major metropolitan areas.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is Voltpost?
Voltpost is an American startup specializing in innovative pole-mounted EV chargers. The company aims to expand access to electric vehicle charging, particularly in urban areas, by converting existing lampposts into charging stations.
Where are Voltpost’s new chargers located in New York?
Voltpost has recently activated 14 new charging ports across three communities in New York: Albany (three dual-port chargers), Saratoga Springs (three dual-port chargers), and Cold Spring (one dual-port charger).
What kind of charging do Voltpost lamppost chargers offer?
Voltpost lamppost EV chargers offer Level 2 charging, providing power outputs of up to 9.6 kilowatts (kW). This makes them ideal for locations where EVs are parked for longer durations, such as residential streets, shopping centers, or workplaces.
Why are lamppost EV chargers considered cost-effective?
These chargers are cost-effective because they utilize the existing electrical supply of utility poles. This eliminates the need for expensive and disruptive civil engineering work like trenching, cutting sidewalks, or pouring concrete, reducing installation costs and time.
How do users access and pay for charging at Voltpost stations?
Users can access Voltpost chargers and manage their charging sessions through the dedicated Voltpost app. The app allows users to locate stations, check availability, monitor charging, and process payments, as there are no on-site card readers.
What is the significance of free charging in Brooklyn during Climate Week?
The offer of free charging at the MADE Bush Terminal in Brooklyn during Climate Week is an initiative to promote EV adoption and highlight the convenience and accessibility of Voltpost’s charging solutions, aligning with broader environmental awareness efforts.
In which other states is Voltpost planning to deploy its chargers?
Beyond New York, Voltpost is actively working to deploy its innovative lamppost EV chargers in California, Connecticut, Massachusetts, Michigan, Illinois, and Washington, D.C., as part of its national expansion strategy.