AmpUp, an electric vehicle (EV) charging software platform, and EVSE, a Division of Control Module, which designs and manufactures unique, patented, retractable-cable EV charging stations and support equipment, is expanding deployment for the Los Angeles Bureau of Street Lighting (LABSL) providing Level 2 EV chargers for an additional 150 existing streetlight poles throughout LA communities.
AmpUp’s software ensures users can easily manage their EV charging sessions with minimal downtime and maximum availability of charging stations. AmpUp offers app-less charging, enabling drivers who prefer using the AmpUp app to pay using credit, Apple Pay, Google Pay, and more.
EVSE offers a unique mounted EV charger that can be installed on existing or new light poles to save installation costs, enable curb-side charging, and use right-of-way resources. This charger can lower installation costs by up to 70% compared to ground-mounted stations by eliminating digging-related construction and reducing the need for electrical wiring.
Installed above grade at 10 feet, the charger reduces vandalism, vehicular damage, tripping hazards, and cable damage. The 25-foot cable descends upon activation and retracts when unplugged from the vehicle.
“Pole-mounted chargers make EV charging more accessible to a broader population, including those living in multi-unit dwellings or areas where traditional charging stations are scarce,” said Dean Spacht, VP of sales and marketing at EVSE. “While our patented retractable cable design addresses the city’s urban safety and vandalism concerns, AmpUp’s platform adds reliability and a crucial layer of grid intelligence. Their demand response feature allows for managed loads during peak demand, supporting grid stability. The EVSE-AmpUp team delivers a smart, secure urban charging solution that serves EV owners and contributes to overall energy management in cities.”
Pole-mounted EV chargers are an excellent charging solution for Los Angeles, especially in urban areas where parking is often limited to on-street only. These chargers provide a solution for residents who drive EVs and only have access to on-street parking. In a city where space is at a premium, elevated streetlight or utility pole-mounted chargers save valuable ground space that traditional EV charging stations would otherwise occupy.
LABSL oversees the city’s complex lighting infrastructure, featuring over 220,000 lighting poles. The LABSL streetlight EV charging program began with a mayoral target to install 10,000 EV chargers throughout the city, alongside a BSL initiative to replace existing bulbs with energy-efficient LEDs. The bulb switch significantly reduces electricity demand for lighting, freeing up capacity for other uses such as EV charging.
The chargers are integrated into the existing streetlight infrastructure, using 240-volt electrical service without requiring upgrades.
Filed Under: Charging, Technology News