Voltpost wants to turn streetlights into EV chargers to solve urban charging access

Voltpost reimagines streetlamps

Voltpost transforms the humble streetlamp into an innovative electric vehicle (EV) charging solution. In dense cities where driveways and garages are rare, this innovative idea tackles a critical challenge: how to charge EVs curbside without a significant infrastructure overhaul. 

Using existing lampposts, Voltpost offers a low-cost, minimally disruptive way to make EV charging accessible where it’s needed most, right on the street.

Retrofitting lampposts

Voltpost’s model avoids digging up streets or building costly charging hubs, unlike traditional EV charging stations. Instead, its modular chargers are retrofitted directly onto existing streetlamps, typically within one to two hours. 

This dramatically cuts costs and installation time, making it ideal for local governments or utilities looking to deploy infrastructure quickly and with minimal disruption to neighborhoods or pedestrian traffic.

Level 2 charging experience

Voltpost chargers deliver Level 2 charging, typically adding 25–30 miles of range per hour. While not as fast as DC fast chargers, this level is ideal for overnight or long-duration parking. 

It benefits residents in apartments or townhomes without access to private charging. For urban EV adoption to grow, scalable and convenient options like this are essential for everyday drivers.

Oak Park, Illinois

The first Voltpost public installation debuted in Oak Park, Illinois. In collaboration with ComEd and the local park district, the pilot offered valuable real-world data and community feedback. 

The success of this pilot encouraged further rollouts and confirmed the feasibility of lamppost charging in suburban-urban transitional communities where EV adoption is growing but infrastructure still lags.

Federal support

In 2025, Voltpost received roughly $2.6 million in grants from the U.S. Joint Office of Energy and Transportation. These funds will support the deployment of 75 lamppost chargers in the Tri-State area, New York, New Jersey, and Connecticut, where street parking is common and home charging is rare. 

This federal backing signals confidence in Voltpost’s technology and mission to democratize EV access in underserved urban neighborhoods.

Charging access

Many potential EV buyers hesitate due to unreliable, nearby charging. The reality is stark for city residents without garages or driveways: charging infrastructure is often out of reach. 

Voltpost’s model directly addresses this issue by bringing power to the curb, allowing more drivers to consider EVs without the anxiety of limited access or long-distance detours just to find a charger.

Voltpost chargers

A significant benefit of Voltpost’s design is how well it blends into urban environments. The hardware is compact and discreet, attaching directly to lampposts without requiring additional poles, boxes, or signage. 

The sleek design maintains neighborhood aesthetics and avoids the visual clutter that sometimes accompanies traditional charging stations, making it more appealing for city planners and residents.

Smart technology

Voltpost’s system includes innovative features that are accessible through a dedicated mobile app. Through the Voltpost app, drivers can discover chargers, start/monitor sessions, and manage payments; some sites support RFID/contactless/SMS options.

This tech-forward approach ensures an easy user experience and supports long-term maintenance, planning, and data-driven decision-making for communities expanding their EV infrastructure.

Flexible installation

Each Voltpost charger can be configured with one to four ports, depending on the location and expected usage. This flexibility allows cities to adapt installations to meet demand without overbuilding. 

It also means more cars can be served at high-density spots without taking up additional curb space, an essential consideration in crowded neighborhoods with limited street parking.

Voltpost’s design

Safety and accessibility are built into Voltpost’s cable management system. Retractable cables help keep sidewalks clear and reduce clutter; Voltpost emphasizes a weatherproof, durable design for year-round use.

Weatherproofing and theft-resistant features are also part of the design, which has been tested in various climates and city environments for durability and year-round use.

Not all lampposts are compatible

Voltpost supports metal, wood, and concrete lampposts and utility poles; the newer Voltpost Air expands compatibility and reduces installation costs.

As more municipalities modernize their lighting infrastructure with LED retrofits or smart poles, compatibility with Voltpost’s systems is expected to increase, expanding deployment opportunities significantly.

Public-private partnerships

Voltpost’s growth depends on partnerships with cities, utilities, and state transportation departments. These stakeholders can provide access to public infrastructure, permitting support, and integration with clean energy goals. 

Voltpost is already collaborating with New York’s NYSERDA, Michigan’s Office of Future Mobility, and other regional programs to test and scale installations in diverse urban environments.

Level 2 charging

While fast charging is great for road trips, Level 2 chargers like Voltpost’s are better suited for daily routines in urban areas. Since most vehicles are parked for hours at night or while people work, slower overnight charging is often sufficient. 

Voltpost’s curbside option matches how people use their cars and helps normalize EV ownership without requiring significant behavior changes.

Avoids the need for new land

One of Voltpost’s most significant advantages is using existing public assets without acquiring new land or building new structures. This saves cities time, money, and headaches associated with zoning, permits, and public objections. 

It also makes Voltpost an attractive choice for historic neighborhoods or dense areas where installing a charging kiosk simply isn’t feasible.

Urban equity

EV equity is a growing concern, as wealthier zip codes often get chargers first. Voltpost helps reverse that trend by bringing chargers into communities lacking infrastructure investments. 

Because the system is modular and affordable, cities can deploy it in underserved neighborhoods and ensure the EV transition doesn’t leave anyone behind.

Gas-powered performance still has a strong appeal. Are gas trucks gaining ground as EV adoption slows?

EV infrastructure

As cities prepare for mass EV adoption, Voltpost offers a blueprint for charging that’s fast to install, community-friendly, and widely scalable. By tapping into infrastructure already standing on almost every block, streetlights, Voltpost helps redefine EV infrastructure as something simple, accessible, and deeply integrated into daily urban life. 

If it works at scale, this approach could shape the future of curbside mobility nationwide.

Could the growing appeal of restoring vintage pickup trucks signal a new trend? Will modern technology continue to dominate driver preferences?

Want to stay ahead on the biggest shifts in autos and EVs? Keep exploring these stories below.

Read More From This Brand:

• BYD Reboots Europe Operations After Stumbles
• BMW Just Moved Solid-State EV Tech Closer to Reality
• Tesla pushes to keep Robotaxi safety details confidential

Don’t forget to follow us for more exclusive content right here on MSN.

If you liked this article, you’ll LOVE our free email newsletter.

This slideshow was made with AI assistance and human editing.