DC Turns Streetlights Into EV Chargers, And Dieselgate Cash Foots The Bill

Washington, D.C. is rolling out a new curbside EV charging network by retrofitting existing streetlights and utility poles into Level 2 chargers, avoiding costly new infrastructure. The District’s Department of Energy and Environment (DOEE) recently awarded $609,500 in grants from Volkswagen’s emissions-cheating settlement fund to three companies—Voltpost, PowerUp America, and ‘It’s Electric’—to deploy up to 16 chargers citywide. Voltpost specializes in quick retrofits using existing electrical infrastructure, slashing installation time to hours and costs by thousands compared to traditional charging stations. Exact charger locations are still being finalized with local agencies and Pepco, the utility provider. The initiative targets residents without home charging access, aiming to ease range anxiety and accelerate EV adoption. No taxpayer money is involved; all funding comes from D.C.’s Volkswagen emissions settlement allocation. If successful, the model could set a template for other cities to expand public charging affordably.