Voltpost’s solution is billed as a convenient, affordable way to install on-street charging infrastructure. The company enables traditional lampposts to be retrofitted with a modular, upgradable Level 2 EV charging platform powered by a mobile app. Its USPs include a short installation time of between one and two hours, plus lower maintenance needs. The installation itself can house either 2 or 4 charging ports and features a 20-foot-long illuminated cable for ease of access.
The opening of the Illinois Voltpost therefore marks a major milestone for the company which previously shared plans to open 10,000 on-street chargers by 2030. It was supported by a partnership between the Park District of Oak Park and regional utility company ComEd, which should give an indication as to the nature of public-private collaboration that could drive the company’s expansion elsewhere in future. Other pilot projects, such as that in New York, have previously seen the company install its chargers on lampposts in Department of Transportation car parks.
In a statement, Voltpost CEO Jeffrey Prosserman said: “The deployment of a Voltpost charger in Oak Park will expand EV charging access for the local community and help catalyze the transition to sustainable transportation. This deployment builds upon our ongoing projects in New York and Michigan, and marks a step forward in our mission to scale the Voltpost platform nationwide.
“Ensuring the residents of Oak Park benefit from affordable access to EV charging infrastructure is vital to fulfilling our commitment to serving the needs of our community,” added Kassie Porreca, President of the Park District Board of Commissioners. “We are happy to collaborate with Voltpost and ComEd to provide convenient curbside charging infrastructure that will improve village life.”
Voltpost are one of a number of companies working on retrofitted lamppost chargers worldwide. In the UK, companies such as char.gy and Ubitricity are already rolling out lamppost chargers in London, Richmond and Wandsworth. And, in Prague, the company responsible for public street lighting is currently operating a pilot project looking at installing 1000 lamppost chargers across the city.
pdop.org, linkedin.com
