[Digital Today reporter Jae-won Choi] U.S. EV charging startup Voltpost has newly installed 7 Level 2 chargers and 14 charging ports in New York state. It is expanding an urban charging network by using existing street facilities such as streetlights and utility poles. In Brooklyn, it is also offering free charging to the public to coincide with Climate Week.

CleanTechnica reported on Sept. 22 (local time) that Voltpost built 3 dual-port chargers each in Albany and Saratoga Springs in New York state, and 1 in Cold Spring Village. The dual-port model has 2 charging ports on a single unit. A total of 7 chargers were installed across the three areas.

Voltpost's Air chargers are modular facilities that use existing poles and power connections. The company explained that installation can take a few hours at sites that do not require separate excavation. Sites that require new digging and connection of power lines can take several days. It installs the charging module about 3 meters above ground and designed it so the cable is automatically retracted after use.

Cold Spring is a case of introducing charging facilities without significantly changing the streetscape of its historic district. Cold Spring Mayor Kathleen E. Foley (캐슬린 폴리) said, "The approach using existing facilities makes it possible to provide charging services to residents and visitors even in the historic district." Some funding for the new installation project came from the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority, and it uses AT&T's wireless network for connectivity. Users can check charger locations, availability and charging status on a dedicated app.

The chargers at the Brooklyn MADE Bush Terminal Innovation Center began operating with support from the New York City Economic Development Corporation, the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority and Con Edison. Free charging is limited to Climate Week from Sept. 20 to 27. Voltpost is also pursuing projects in California and Connecticut outside New York and plans to expand its operating network through cooperation with installation and maintenance company InCharge Energy.