These Companies Are Charging Ahead to Help Make an EV Transition Possible

Jeff Prosserman recalls driving his electric car in New York a few years ago and facing a common issue for battery-electric vehicle owners: a lack of EV charging stations that cater to city living.

“I realized that this could be a significant pain point,” Prosserman shared with Newsweek, reflecting on the needs of EV owners who street park. “We must offer convenient and affordable charging access.”

Prosserman began brainstorming ways to “democratize” EV charging for urban apartment residents without garages or carports. That’s when he had a lightbulb moment: retrofitting existing lampposts into EV charging platforms.

“We achieve this by converting existing lampposts into an EV charging platform,” he explained.

Voltpost, Prosserman’s company, recently revealed its design for EV chargers utilizing the power conduits attached to streetlights. This innovation could streamline the installation process and costs for charging stations, allowing U.S. cities to catch up with Europe where such street-side charging is more prevalent.

The Voltpost design includes a cylindrical covering at the base of the lamppost housing the charger hardware and retractable cables for users to connect to their vehicles.

As ownership and oversight of streetlights, sidewalks, and electrical lines vary by location, Prosserman emphasized the importance of building relationships with municipal officials and electric companies.

“Collaborating with governments and utilities is a gradual process that requires alignment and capacity building,” he noted.

Voltpost has conducted trials in New York and is in discussions for installations in California, Illinois, Michigan, and New Jersey—states with climate targets reliant on EVs to reduce transportation emissions.

Although EV sales growth has slowed due to concerns about battery range and limited charging infrastructure, initiatives like Voltpost are working to expand EV charging options to meet various needs.

“This is a unique moment in history where policy and market forces are driving the evolution of EV infrastructure as the next generation of national infrastructure,” Prosserman highlighted.

Private investments totaling billions of dollars are fueling the EV charging drive, spurred by state EV targets, federal emissions standards, and supportive policies from the Biden administration.

The 2021 Infrastructure Law and 2022 Inflation Reduction Act offer incentives like grants, loans, and tax credits to boost EV charger installations. While progress has been made, there is still a gap to reach President Biden’s goal of 500,000 chargers by the end of the decade.

“For potential electric vehicle buyers, the expansion of charging options will provide more flexibility in choosing charging stations,” noted transportation researcher Ray Minjares.

Minjares emphasized the challenges in transitioning to EVs within a short timeframe, pointing out the lengthy development of infrastructure for gasoline-powered vehicles over a century.

“We’ve built up that infrastructure system over 100 years,” Minjares said. “And now we’re trying to shift that system incredibly quickly.”

An Electric Corridor for Heavy Trucks

While companies like Voltpost focus on expanding charging for passenger EVs, the joint venture Greenlane is electrifying routes for commercial truck fleets.

“Our goal is to establish a nationwide network of high-speed charging and hydrogen fueling stations for medium- and heavy-duty trucks,” shared Greenlane CEO Patrick Macdonald-King.

Formed by Daimler Truck North America, NextEra Energy, and BlackRock, Greenlane aims to electrify truck routes, starting with the Los Angeles to Las Vegas corridor.

Last month, Greenlane announced plans for a charging station in Colton, California, with over 60 chargers, including 400-kilowatt fast chargers.

Macdonald-King mentioned future additions of megawatt fast-charging stations to cater to the power needs of medium- and heavy-duty trucks.

“The challenge with these trucks is the need for more power to enable faster charging,” he explained. “Efficient routes are crucial to prevent long idle times for drivers.”

Greenlane’s decision to launch in California aligns with the state’s zero-emissions vehicle targets and strong clean car regulations.

“Federal programs and policies are driving fleet electrification, providing the impetus for electrified routes,” Macdonald-King added.

“While the election will have significant implications for the EV direction,” said Minjares, highlighting the importance of policy and politics in shaping the EV infrastructure and transition.

As the EV industry evolves, Macdonald-King draws on his experience to ensure the charging infrastructure aligns with the upcoming shift to EVs.

“I believe in tipping points,” Macdonald-King stated, predicting that EVs will soon become a more cost-effective choice than gas-fueled models. “Once manufacturers reach that tipping point, it will be challenging to revert.”

He stressed the importance of having robust charging infrastructure to support this transition.

Power Politics and the EV Future

Minjares highlighted the need for electric utilities to prepare for increased power demand, especially at heavy-truck charging centers requiring substantial energy.

“This entails investments in substations, transformers, and feeder lines,” he explained. “Utilities must plan accordingly for this surge in demand.”

Regulated utilities will require support from state officials overseeing utility decisions to invest in new infrastructure, emphasizing the role of policy and politics in shaping the EV infrastructure and transition.

Last week’s legal challenge against the EPA’s vehicle tailpipe emissions standards underscored the influence of policy and politics on the EV landscape, with differing views on EV adoption and environmental regulations.

While businesses drive EV infrastructure investments, Minjares emphasized the pivotal role of the upcoming election in shaping the future of EVs.

“The election will have significant implications for the trajectory of EVs,” he noted, particularly in the presidential race where candidates’ stances on EVs vary.

“It’s a clear choice for those supporting the EV transition,” Minjares concluded.