Electric vehicle (EV) ownership has long been associated with the convenience of home charging. However, for many urban dwellers, this luxury is not readily available. Voltpost, a company renowned for transforming lampposts into EV chargers, is addressing this challenge with its latest innovations: the Voltpost Air Ceiling Mount and Surface Mount chargers.
These new Level 2 chargers are designed to bring EV charging to multi-unit buildings and parking garages without the need for extensive infrastructure changes. By leveraging existing structures, Voltpost aims to make EV charging more accessible and cost-effective for apartment dwellers and property owners.
Voltpost Air Ceiling Mount: Maximizing Space in Parking Garages
The Voltpost Air Ceiling Mount is specifically engineered for parking garages and multi-level parking structures. This innovative charger mounts directly to the ceiling, utilizing suspended cables to optimize parking space. The retractable cable system ensures that charging hardware remains tidy and off the ground, reducing the risk of tripping hazards or damage from vehicles, water, or snow.
One of the standout features of the Air Ceiling Mount is its ease of installation. Voltpost claims that these chargers can be installed in just a few hours, significantly reducing the time and cost associated with traditional charging infrastructure projects. By avoiding the need for extensive trenching or demolition, Voltpost estimates that installation costs can be cut by up to 70%.
Voltpost Air Surface Mount: Versatile Charging Solutions
Complementing the Ceiling Mount is the Voltpost Air Surface Mount designed for walls and pedestals. This versatile charger provides an alternative for parking lots and curbside locations where a suitable pole or ceiling is not available. The Surface Mount can be attached to the side of buildings or bolted into pavement, offering flexibility in installation.
Like its ceiling-mounted counterpart, the Surface Mount features a retractable cable system to keep the charging area clear and organized. This design not only enhances safety but also ensures that the charging equipment remains protected from potential damage.
Key Features and Benefits
Both the Ceiling Mount and Surface Mount chargers offer several key features that set them apart from traditional charging solutions. These include:
- Retractable Cable System Ensures that charging cables are neatly stored when not in use, reducing clutter and potential hazards.
- Quick Installation Can be mounted on existing structures, eliminating the need for extensive construction work.
- Cost-Effective Reduces installation costs by up to 70% compared to traditional methods.
- High Power Output Delivers up to 9.6 kW adding approximately 25-30 miles of range per hour, depending on the EV.
Additionally, these chargers are equipped with advanced connectivity features, allowing users to pay through the Voltpost app, by credit card, or with an RFID card. They are also connected through AT&T’s cellular network for remote monitoring and can be found in popular navigation apps like Google Maps, Apple Maps, Waze, and Uber.
The Importance of Multi-Unit Building Charging
Home charging is a significant advantage for EV owners who have access to a driveway or garage. However, nearly one-third of US homes are in multi-unit buildings, yet less than 5% of home EV charging takes place at these properties. Factors such as installation costs, limited electrical capacity, assigned parking, and the question of who pays for the charger and electricity can all slow down the adoption of EV charging in these settings.
Voltpost’s new models do not solve all these problems; adequate electrical capacity, permits, and a willing building owner are still required. However, by utilizing existing ceilings, walls, and pedestals, Voltpost’s solutions could simplify and reduce disruption during installation, particularly in older parking structures that were not originally designed with EV charging in mind.
The chargers are Build America, Buy America compliant and use modular, replaceable components to simplify repairs. While Voltpost has not yet announced pricing, delivery dates, or the first locations for the two new models, the company’s innovations represent a significant step forward in making EV charging more accessible for urban dwellers.
