The Washington government is providing financial support for a project to convert existing streetlights and utility poles into electric vehicle charging stations. According to WJLA, the District of Columbia's Department of Energy and Environment (DOEE) recently awarded 609,500 USD in grants to three electric vehicle charging companies.

One of the largest recipients is Voltpost, a startup specializing in upgrading existing utility poles with level 2 charging equipment. The company states its chargers can be installed in just a few hours by utilizing existing electrical infrastructure. This means no major construction, no trenching, and potential savings of tens of thousands of USD compared to traditional charging systems.

A Ford E-Transit electric vehicle charging at a Voltpost streetlight-integrated charging station near the Henry Ford museum complex in Dearborn, Michigan. Photo: Voltpost

The company plans to deploy up to 16 chargers across the city, though exact locations are still being determined in coordination with local agencies and electricity provider Pepco.

Voltpost is not the only entity to receive funding. PowerUp America also received funds to expand its charging network, while roadside charging specialist It’s Electric was also awarded grants. Together, the three companies are expected to significantly increase public charging accessibility throughout the District of Columbia. Importantly, none of the funds come from local taxpayer money. The money originates from funds allocated to the District of Columbia from Volkswagen’s emissions fraud settlement with the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).

If successful, this approach could serve as a blueprint for how urban areas across the United States can add public charging stations cost-effectively without major infrastructure changes.