In a strategic move to boost curbside electric vehicle (EV) charging options, AT&T is teaming up with lamppost EV charging startup Voltpost to bring internet-connected charging stations to Michigan and the Metro-Detroit area.

Cost-Effective EV Charging Deployment

Through this collaboration, existing lampposts will be retrofitted to serve as modular EV charging platforms, allowing for faster and more cost-effective deployment than traditional charging stations. In addition, AT&T’s IoT connectivity will boost charger uptime, ensuring dependable access to charging for drivers.

“Expanding access to EV charging is key to democratizing electric mobility and advancing the transition to renewable energy,” stated Jeffrey Prosserman, CEO and Co-Founder of Voltpost. “Our collaboration with AT&T enables us to deploy highly connected and convenient EV infrastructure that equips communities with much-needed charging access.”

AC Level 2 Charging for Everyday Needs

Article imageVoltpost lamppost charger (Image: Voltpost)The new lamppost chargers will provide AC Level 2 charging, which is suitable for longer charging sessions, such as when an EV owner parks at work or goes shopping. While not as fast as DC fast chargers, the lamppost chargers can still be a practical solution for many drivers.

Moreover, each charger can be equipped with two or four retractable cables, improving safety by eliminating dangling wires that could pose a hazard to pedestrians or passing vehicles.

“We are dedicated to fostering innovation and supporting emerging tech that will shape the transportation sector,” stated Joe Mosele, Vice President of AT&T Connected Solutions. “As cities move toward a more sustainable future, enabling cities to scale their charging networks with existing infrastructure and advanced connectivity is a game-changer.”

Goals for Nationwide Expansion

Furthermore, Voltpost has already deployed a handful of these lamppost chargers in New York City and Detroit as part of pilot projects, but the company has ambitious goals, aiming to install tens of thousands of curbside EV chargers by 2030. The first publicly available charging stations from this collaboration will go online in the coming months at several sites across Michigan, New York, and Illinois.

As this partnership between AT&T and Voltpost aligns with AT&T’s goal to help business customers reduce 1 billion metric tons of CO2 by 2035 through connectivity-backed solutions, the initiative also supports the broader transition to electric mobility and renewable energy by making EV charging more accessible and convenient.