Pole-mounted EV chargers?
Earlier this year, EVSE LLC’s pole-mounted EV chargers were deployed in Melrose, Massachusetts, as part of a pilot with the local utility, National Grid. The devices were installed 10 feet up several power poles around the city. To access the service, users utilize a mobile app offered by AmpUp, a California-based software company, and network provider.
“The city has partnered with electric utility National Grid to deploy a new kind of electric vehicle charger that’s mounted 10 feet above the street, on city power poles. Developed by Connecticut-based Control Module Inc., the charger uses an electric winch to lower the charging cable to street level, and then retract the cable once the job is done.”
Courtesy of msn news.
How it works:
A driver pulls up to a parking spot next to the EV charger-equipped pole.
Using the app, the operator locates and activates the charger. This triggers the charger to lower the charging plug.
After completing the session, the charger retracts the plug.
According to this Boston Globe article, EVSE has installed over 200 of these chargers in Los Angeles on poles that support 240-volt charging.
The chargers in Melrose are encouraging EV adoption!
Courtesy of Voltrek
“So far, the chargers have only been used about 400 times — not surprising since only about 240 electric cars were registered to Melrose residents as of June. But Martha Grover, the city’s sustainability manager, said that city residents have told her that they’re giving serious thought to buying electric cars because of the new chargers.”
Relevant articles:
Voltrek Chosen for National Grid's Innovative Pilot Program in Melrose, MA
AmpUp Selected by National Grid for Utility Pole Charge Station Pilot
