An Innovative New Solution for Curbside EV Charging

In densely populated cities across America, the problem of very limited multifamily electric vehicle (EV) charging availability becomes painfully obvious, and that problem is significantly slowing EV adoption in the U.S. Very few large city dwellers are single-family homeowners that have the luxury of charging EVs in their own garages. The vast majority of urban EV drivers are multifamily dwellers.

A 2023 article by the U.S. Census Bureau reported that the U.S. homeownership rate in 2022 was 65.8%. According to the National Association of Home Builders, multifamily housing accounted for 31.4% of U.S. housing in 2019, based on a survey conducted by the American Housing Survey and the U.S. Census Bureau.

Despite the growing demand for electric vehicles (EVs), EV charging infrastructure in multifamily units remains significantly under-served. Most EV charging stations are currently found in locations such as shopping mall parking lots, airports, schools and universities, government offices, and other business premises. This makes charging for city dwellers more challenging.

While EV charging is considered a valuable amenity for multifamily property owners to install, widespread implementation has yet to take place. In a 2021 survey conducted by Multifamily Design+Construction and reported by the National Apartment Association, property managers indicated that EV charging was the third most popular amenity upgrade.

Curbside EV Charging, an Important Part of the EV Charging Industry

For most big city EV drivers, charging in places they typically park is preferable to making a special trip to a charging station. This is the great value of curbside EV charging, a growing industry in the U.S. Many curbside EV charging startup companies have been created to address the issue. However, a partnership between two well-established and respected EV charging companies, EVSE and AmpUp, is delivering an innovative solution for the lack of curbside EV charging. This solution, pole-mounted EV charging, is also the most cost-effective, in addition to being a revolutionary new idea.

Pole-mounted Level 2 Chargers Solve Multiple Problems

EVSE had the innovative idea of mounting EV charging stations on existing utility or lighting poles along streets, creating a new paradigm in curbside EV charging. This new approach leverages existing infrastructure, such as utility poles, to significantly reduce the costs and time associated with installing EV chargers. By using utility poles for installation, costs are reduced by up to 70%, making the process much more affordable and efficient compared to traditional EV charging installations. This clever integration presents a practical solution for expanding EV charging networks, particularly in underserved, densely populated cities and other areas.

Mounting EV chargers on existing utility or light poles offers several practical benefits. Positioned 10 feet above ground level, these chargers are less vulnerable to vandalism, vehicular damage, and other environmental threats that ground-level chargers might face.

EVSE’s 3704 Light/Utility Pole EV Charger is a major breakthrough in EV charging infrastructure. The chargers feature Automated Cable Retraction, which meets ADA and OSHA standards. The 25-foot cable descends upon activation of charging and retracts when unplugged.

Pole-mounted Level 2 EV chargers offer a practical solution for high-density urban areas where traditional, bulkier charging stations are not feasible. These chargers can provide up to 35 miles of range per hour of charging, making them ideal for EV drivers who park for extended periods, such as while shopping, dining out, or overnight near their apartments or condos.

One of the main challenges in urban EV adoption is the lack of dedicated parking spaces with charging stations, as many city residents must park on the street. Pole-mounted chargers address this issue by bringing the charger to the vehicle, eliminating the need for dedicated charging spots.

This setup utilizes existing infrastructure, minimizing the need for additional street-level construction and reducing visual clutter, which benefits both EV drivers and city planners. As EV adoption continues to grow, more pole-mounted chargers can be easily added without the need for extensive new infrastructure, providing a scalable solution for urban charging needs.

EVSE and AmpUp Have Collaboratively Completed Pole-mounted EV Charger Projects in Los Angeles, CA, Melrose, Massachusetts and Burlington, Vermont

EVSE and AmpUp partnered with National Grid to install pole-mounted chargers in Melrose, Massachusetts, home to the first pole-mounted EV chargers on the East Coast. These chargers are located in convenient curbside spots throughout the community, as shown on the map below. The chargers are part of the AmpUp network, allowing users to easily start charging by using the AmpUp app on their smartphones.

The cost to charge at these public chargers is $0.30 per kilowatt-hour (kWh). Since most parking in Melrose is limited to three hours, a $3 idle fee will apply after three hours to encourage EV drivers to move their vehicles and free up the charger for others.

AmpUp is pioneering smart charging solutions, playing a key role in supporting the pole-mounted Level 2 charging pilots featuring EVSE chargers in Melrose, Massachusetts, Burlington, Vermont and other areas. The company offers a comprehensive suite of charging solutions that make EV charging more accessible and user-friendly. AmpUp’s smart charging platform ensures that these stations are easy to locate, use, and seamlessly integrate with existing energy grids, supporting efficient and reliable charging infrastructure in urban settings.

EVs for Everyone Podcast: AmpUp & EVSE’s Vision for Urban EV Charging

In a recent episode of The EVs for Everyone Podcast, Mike DiNucci, Chief Revenue Officer of AmpUp, and Dean Spacht, Executive Director at EVSE, discussed their collaborative efforts to revolutionize urban EV charging. Together, they have spearheaded the installation of state-of-the-art Level 2 EV chargers on streetlight poles in Los Angeles and other cities, tackling challenges such as limited parking and curbside access. The episode highlights how AmpUp’s intuitive software, combined with EVSE’s retractable cable technology, is setting a new benchmark for cities looking to accelerate EV adoption. Listen to the full episode to discover how their innovative solutions are creating a more accessible and electrified future.

Ampup’s Intelligent EV Charging Solutions Power Thousands of Stations Across North America

AmpUp, founded in 2018 and incubated by the YCombinator accelerator, was established by electric vehicle (EV) drivers to address a common problem—owning an EV without access to home charging. Initially, AmpUp developed a mobile app to create a shared charging network, providing a solution for those facing charging challenges. The company quickly expanded, offering commercial and fleet charging solutions that are now used by various types of properties. The company offers turnkey EV charging services to fleets, workplaces, multifamily units, hotels, resorts, schools, universities, and more.

AmpUp takes a holistic, connected approach to smart charging, simplifying the process for drivers, property managers, and installers alike, making EV charging more effortless, speedy, and reliable.

The Future of Urban EV Charging

The future of urban EV charging looks promising, with pole-mounted Level 2 chargers playing a key role in expanding charging accessibility. AmpUp and EVSE are leading the way by offering intelligent, scalable solutions for city-dwelling EV drivers who lack access to home chargers. These innovations are helping to bridge the gap in urban charging infrastructure, making EV ownership more practical and convenient for a growing number of drivers.

Commitment to Sustainability

The company’s passion for clean energy and sustainability is simple: AmpUp is committed to enabling innovative new technologies that transform the world’s transportation systems for improved environmental and human health.

Contact AmpUp today for more information at [email protected].