Forget Gas Stations—Michigan’s Lampposts Are Now Charging Electric Cars. Here’s How It Could Change Urban Streets Forever
Michigan rolls out its first Voltpost lamppost EV charger, promising quick installs, clean cities, and a massive charging network expansion in 2025.
- First in Michigan: Lamppost EV charger now live in Ypsilanti Township
- Install Time: Under 1 hour per charger
- Multi-Car: Each unit charges up to 4 vehicles at once
- 2025 Growth: 11 more Michigan installations planned this year
Imagine parking on a city street and plugging into a lamppost for a rapid and reliable EV charge—no more hunting for specialized stations! This sci-fi concept has become a reality in Michigan thanks to a cutting-edge solution from startup Voltpost.
Founded in 2021 and fueled by a mission to revolutionize urban mobility, Voltpost is turning everyday lampposts into next-generation EV chargers—all without digging up city streets or installing bulky hardware. Their technology is setting a new pace for America’s shift to sustainable transport.
What Makes Lamppost EV Charging So Different?
Traditional EV charging often means costly infrastructure and time-consuming street construction. Voltpost’s modular Level 2 system sidesteps all that by retrofitting existing lampposts, offering:
- Installations in less than an hour
- Integrated cables charging up to four cars per pole
- No need for expensive upgrades—just use what’s already there
The first charger is already online at the American Center for Mobility in Ypsilanti Township, just outside Ann Arbor.
Where Are More Chargers Coming Next?
This is just the start. By the end of 2025, at least 11 more Voltpost chargers will power up key Detroit-area locations, expanding public access and helping municipalities deliver meaningful infrastructure upgrades without the traditional price tag.
Beyond Michigan, Illinois just joined the club with a public Voltpost charger activated in Oak Park last week, showing how quickly this new approach can scale nationwide.
Can Anyone Use the Lamppost Charger?
Absolutely. Parked near the University of Michigan for a class or running errands in Detroit? Plug in and charge while you go about your day.
Each lamppost charger operates at Level 2 speeds—perfect for topping off your battery during longer stays. They rely on public lighting circuits, so while they aren’t as fast as DC rapid chargers, they’re a game-changer for daily urban charging.
How Are These Chargers Managed and Maintained?
In 2024, Voltpost partnered with communications giant AT&T to bring high-tech oversight to Detroit’s growing EV charging network. With AT&T’s wireless system, each charger can be monitored in real-time to catch malfunctions fast—ensuring reliability and accessibility for everyone.
Q: Will Lamppost Chargers Replace All Fast Chargers?
Not quite. Level 2 lamppost chargers give cities a quick, low-cost way to build out the charging grid for everyday needs. However, highways and busy travel centers will still need super-fast DC stations to keep long-distance commuters (and road trippers) moving.
For all things electric vehicle innovation, don’t miss updates from Electrek and the latest government push for EV infrastructure at energy.gov.
Ready for the Future of Urban EV Charging?
- Look for Voltpost lamppost chargers popping up across Michigan—especially in the Detroit area
- Plan EV errands for longer stops where Level 2 charging is enough
- Municipalities: Consider retrofits over costly new build-outs
- Stay updated on EV and clean-tech news from trusted sites
If you’ve ever dreamed of a cleaner, more convenient city, Michigan’s lamppost EV chargers are lighting the path forward—literally. Stay tuned as this bold idea sparks an urban mobility revolution in 2025 and beyond!