Voltpost Brings Innovative Lamppost EV Charging to New York State
In a significant step towards enhancing electric vehicle infrastructure, Voltpost, an American startup specializing in converting public lampposts into EV charging stations, has inaugurated its initial charging points in Westchester County, New York. These innovative chargers are now operational in the Village of Larchmont, marking a pivotal moment in the expansion of accessible EV charging. The company has articulated ambitious plans to further deploy these pole-mounted units in Yonkers and Rye in the near future. This pioneering project in Larchmont receives crucial backing from the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority's Vehicle to Grid program, underscoring a collaborative effort to promote sustainable transportation solutions.
Voltpost's lamppost EV chargers represent a paradigm shift in urban charging, boasting rapid installation times—just a few hours—and a significantly reduced cost and physical footprint compared to conventional charging stations. This efficiency is largely attributable to their ingenious use of existing street infrastructure. Each lamppost can accommodate two of Voltpost's 'Air' chargers, with each unit delivering up to 9.6 kilowatts of power. This configuration is particularly well-suited for urban environments where space is at a premium and the integration of new infrastructure can be challenging.
To ensure durability and user safety, these chargers are strategically mounted approximately 10 feet (3 meters) above ground, safeguarding them against inclement weather and potential vandalism. Equipped with retractable cables and J1772 connectors, they offer Level 2 charging capabilities. Voltpost indicates that a full charge for an electric vehicle battery typically requires between six and 10 hours using these dispensers, making them ideal for scenarios where vehicles are parked for extended durations, such as overnight or during work hours.
The recently activated chargers in Larchmont are situated in a parking area on 61 Wendt Avenue, conveniently located near the village's train station and commercial district. These charging units are seamlessly integrated with the internet via AT&T's network, allowing users to effortlessly locate available stalls, check their status, and monitor charging sessions in real-time through the dedicated Voltpost application. This digital connectivity enhances the user experience, making EV charging more convenient and transparent.
Jeff Prosserman, CEO and Co-Founder of Voltpost, expressed immense pride in this collaboration, stating, "We are thrilled to partner with Larchmont for the inaugural Voltpost deployment in Westchester, providing residents with access to clean transportation. By repurposing existing infrastructure into a charging network, we can swiftly and affordably bring dependable and convenient charging solutions to communities where people currently live and park, benefiting municipalities alike." This initiative reflects Voltpost's commitment to leveraging existing urban assets for a greener future. The company plans to extend its network to the City of Yonkers and the City and Town of Rye in the upcoming months, further solidifying its presence across the Northeast. This expansion is bolstered by Voltpost's recent strategic alliance with InCharge Energy, a leading provider of EV charging installation and maintenance services. This partnership is set to accelerate the deployment of lamppost EV chargers nationwide, with an initial focus on key markets including New York, Connecticut, and California, promising a more robust and widespread EV charging ecosystem.