Los Angeles adds 150 new streetlight EV chargers in expansion

AmpUp, a provider of electric vehicle (EV) charging software, and EVSE, a division of Control Module Inc., have announced an expansion of their partnership with the Los Angeles Bureau of Street Lighting (LABSL). This project will equip an additional 150 streetlight poles in Los Angeles communities with Level 2 EV chargers. The goal is to make EV charging more accessible to the public, particularly in urban areas.

AmpUp’s software platform ensures reliable and easy-to-use EV charging services. The platform allows users to manage charging sessions efficiently with minimal downtime. AmpUp offers an app-less option for charging, while users who prefer the app can pay using major credit cards, Apple Pay, Google Pay, and other payment options.

EVSE’s solution involves a pole-mounted EV charger that uses existing streetlight infrastructure, helping to lower installation costs by up to 70% compared to traditional ground-mounted stations. The design eliminates the need for extensive construction work such as digging and reduces the need for additional electrical wiring. Installed at a height of 10 feet, the pole-mounted solution minimizes vandalism, vehicular damage, and other hazards. The charger’s retractable 25-foot cable only descends when activated and retracts after use.

EVSE has a strong track record, with over ten years of experience in manufacturing EV solutions in the United States. The company has installed thousands of units across the country, gaining recognition for its reliability and partnership with numerous utilities and municipalities.

According to Dean Spacht, vice president of sales and marketing at EVSE, the pole-mounted chargers address urban safety concerns while providing an accessible solution for residents without access to private parking. AmpUp’s software enhances the system by offering demand response features to manage electrical loads during peak demand periods, supporting overall grid stability.

Los Angeles, with its dense population and high number of multi-unit dwellings, benefits from such solutions. The pole-mounted chargers provide a practical option for EV owners who rely on on-street parking. By utilizing existing infrastructure, these chargers save ground space and reduce installation costs.

The LABSL oversees more than 220,000 streetlights across the city. The streetlight EV charging program aligns with a mayoral initiative to install 10,000 EV chargers throughout Los Angeles. Additionally, the city’s Bureau of Street Lighting is working to replace existing streetlight bulbs with energy-efficient LEDs, which will reduce electricity consumption and free up capacity for EV charging.

This expansion of EV charging infrastructure supports the city’s broader goals under the Mayor’s Sustainable pLAn, which aims to increase EV adoption by 25% by 2025, 80% by 2035, and 100% by 2050.