Voltpost Launches Retrofit Air Chargers for Urban Multi-Unit Dwellings
The New York startup is introducing ceiling and surface-mount Level 2 chargers designed to bypass costly garage construction.
New York-based startup Voltpost has expanded its product portfolio with two new versions of the Voltpost Air Level 2 charger to simplify EV deployment in dense urban environments. The expansion introduces a Ceiling Mount specifically for parking garages and a Surface Mount for walls and pedestals.
The new hardware is designed to retrofit existing infrastructure, allowing for installation in a matter of hours with minimal construction. By avoiding extensive trenching, Voltpost claims installation costs can be reduced by up to 70%. The chargers deliver up to 9.6 kW of power and are available in both single and dual-port configurations, supporting either J1772 or NACS connectors. To address safety and maintenance in shared spaces, the units feature "AutoCoil" retractable cables that extend 25 feet to prevent tripping hazards and cable damage. Additionally, the hardware is Build America, Buy America compliant.
The Multi-Unit Dwelling Gap
Voltpost originally built its reputation by retrofitting utility poles and lampposts into charging stations. The company is now pivoting toward the multi-unit dwelling (MUD) market, a critical bottleneck in the transition to electric vehicles. While nearly one-third of U.S. households reside in apartments or condos, less than 5% of home charging occurs in these settings. This disparity is largely driven by the prohibitive cost of installing new electrical infrastructure in older buildings and the limited electrical capacity often found in legacy garage designs.
Implications for Urban Adoption
By utilizing existing ceilings and walls for power routing, Voltpost aims to lower the financial and structural barriers for property owners to provide charging access. For urban residents who lack private driveways, the availability of reliable charging in their primary parking area is often the deciding factor in purchasing an EV. Reducing the friction of installation for landlords and condo boards could accelerate adoption rates in high-density cities where infrastructure costs have historically stalled progress.
Future Outlook
CEO and cofounder Jeff Prosserman described the expansion as a "natural evolution" of the company's vision to cost-effectively retrofit the built environment. As the company pushes into the MUD market, the industry will be watching to see if these retrofit solutions can scale across older metropolitan grids. While the company highlights significant cost savings, the actual impact on deployment speed will depend on local permitting and the existing electrical headroom of the buildings being retrofitted.