Detroit is turning streetlights into charging stations for electric cars

A project to turn streetlights into charging stations for electric cars has begun in Detroit, Michigan.

Here's What We Know

This project is thanks to a collaboration between telecoms giant AT&T and startup Voltpost. The new charging stations will be connected to the internet, allowing operators to respond quickly to faults and ensure smooth operations.

The charging stations will utilise existing streetlight infrastructure, which significantly reduces installation costs compared to traditional charging stations. However, charging speeds will be limited to levels comparable to home chargers, as the street power grid is not designed for high loads.

Despite this, such stations could be useful for electric car owners who leave their cars for long periods of time, such as at work or while shopping. This project is an important step towards creating a more accessible and convenient infrastructure for electric vehicles in urban settings.

Source: Insideevs