EV charging, 3 meters up: Voltpost launches ‘Air’ lamppost charger

Voltpost has just unveiled its new lamppost-mounted EV charger - Voltpost Air. Rather than being installed at street level, it's fitted 3+ metres above ground to prevent vandalism.

The new Level 2 charger is mounted on a lamppost and features a retractable cable mechanism to enable user access, which Voltpost says protects the system against both vandalism and weather. It’s available in either single or dual port versions and supports up to 9.6kW of charging per port.

Voltpost argues that the height and the modular, retrofit design of the charger can cut installation complexity and cost, with minimal disruption to existing infrastructure. It can be hung on wooden and metal lampposts, utility poles, and placed curbside or in car parks. Like other Voltpost hardware, it connects to the Voltpost app to provide drivers with real-time information on charger availability, payment options, and remote monitoring.

Luke Mairo, COO and Co-Founder of Voltpost, commented: “With Voltpost Air, we’re delivering a charger that meets the real-world needs of cities, property managers, and drivers. The modular design and quick installation reduce costs and complexity, making it easier than ever to expand charging infrastructure.”

The first Air charger has been deployed in Brooklyn, New York, as part of a pilot at the MADE Bush Terminal. This is linked to the Pilots at BAT program, which supports green tech companies in testing and scaling new solutions for New York’s energy transition. Voltpost states that the charger will be available to the public by the end of the year, and is the first of many such deployments planned for New York.

Doreen M. Harris, president and CEO, New York State Energy Research and Development said: “NYSERDA is proud to support Voltpost’s deployment of a new electric vehicle charging platform that incorporates innovative technology into existing infrastructure. Expanding access to reliable charging in Brooklyn for residents and businesses is just the start for this highly replicable, scalable model that can be adopted across New York State.”

Retrofitting lampposts with EV chargers is already a popular way of installing street charging for residents who lack off-street parking, but it remains to be seen whether Voltpost’s new solution takes off. The company already has projects underway in multiple US states, including in Connecticut, where it’s involved in a pilot program to retrofit utility poles with EV chargers. If the Air charger proves effective, it could quickly be incorporated into other Voltpost initiatives.

voltpost.com