Mayor de Blasio Announce New Fast Charging EV Hubs In All Five Boroughs

Following on his ambitious plan to mandate cuts in greenhouse gas emissions from buildings, Mayor Bill de Blasio announced today the next step in his climate action agenda. The Mayor announced plans to significantly expand access to electric vehicle (EV) charging for residents by developing new fast charging stations across the city. As part of the Administration’s target for 20 percent of the motor vehicle registrations in New York City to be electric by 2025, the City will invest $10 million to develop fast charging hubs with up to 20 chargers per site. Beginning in 2018, the City will partner with Con Edison to identify at least one site in every borough; these five hubs would have the capacity to charge more than 12,000 electric vehicles every week.

“New York City will continue to invest in the new technologies we need to reduce our emissions, especially in the face of Trump’s abdication of leadership on climate,” said Mayor Bill de Blasio. “By helping develop the infrastructure necessary for electric vehicles, we’re going to make it easier than ever for New Yorkers to switch. This is another step towards aligning our action on climate change with the Paris Agreement’s 1.5 degree stretch goal.”

Council Member Costa Constantinides, Chair of the Council’s Environmental Protection Committee, said, “As we work to meet our goal of reducing greenhouse gas emissions 80% by 2050, we must encourage New Yorkers to form sustainable habits including driving electric vehicles. My legislation for a pilot program that brings electric vehicle charging stations to every borough has broken barriers to increase use of these vehicles. This plan to build fast-charging EV hubs across our city will spur further adoption. Encouraging greener and more sustainable forms of transportation will greatly reduce our emissions, helping our city become a global leader on the environment. Thank you to the Mayor’s Office of Sustainability for their partnership on reducing carbon emissions.”

Rendering of fast–charging hub courtesy of ChargePoint

“Increasing access to fast charging electric vehicle charging stations puts us on the right track to keeping up with other cities in our country and around the world,” said Council Member Ydanis Rodriguez, Chair of the New York City Council Transportation Committee. “More than ever, we must reaffirm our commitment to cleaner alternative modes of transportation and to efforts reducing dependency on carbon-dioxide emitting vehicles.”

To further spur the market for EVs, the City is making a new commitment to establishing 50 fast-charging hubs citywide by 2020, providing reliable access to high-speed charging for would-be EV drivers who lack other charging options.

The City will also be working in partnership with the U.S. Department of Energy, General Motors’ Maven carshare division, and EVgo to bring additional fast chargers and more than 50 EVs to New York City for use by for-hire vehicle drivers to encourage a shift to electric and low-carbon vehicles in the for-hire fleet.

And as part of Con Edison’s $25 million EV demonstration project, DOT and NYPD will reserve access to 100 or more on-street parking spaces for EVs only, where they will be able to plug in for low-speed charging. If the pilot is successful, the program could be expanded to provide curbside charging citywide.

This announcement today builds off of Local Law 160 of 2016, championed by Council Members Constantinides and Rodriguez. This law established an EV charging station pilot program, and requires installation of at least 25 multi-hour EV charging stations in publicly accessible locations by March 1, 2018, with at least two stations in every borough. The law also expanded an Electric Vehicle Advisory Committee that monitors the results of the program and will make recommendations related to the installation of electric vehicle charging stations in the city, including the feasibility of on-street electric vehicle charging.

When President Trump announced the US would abandon the Paris Climate Agreement earlier this year, the Mayor pledged New York City would adhere to the treaty and accelerate its own actions to reach the 80 percent reduction in emissions by the 2050 target. Transportation in New York City accounts for nearly 30 percent of greenhouse gas emissions – but nearly all of those emissions (90 percent) come from private cars or trucks. When charged in New York City, because of the relatively low-carbon composition of our grid, electric vehicles have the same carbon footprint as a car that gets 80-110 miles per gallon. This will only improve as New York City’s electricity grid expands use of renewable and low-carbon power.

The investment in electric vehicle infrastructure is part of a series of steps the City must take to help hold global temperature increases to just 1.5 degrees Celsius and avoid the most disastrous effects of climate change. The measures announced today can support a 5 to 10 percent electric vehicle adoption rate in the near term, reducing annual citywide greenhouse gas emissions by approximately as much as 1 percent below 2005 levels. Sustained effort to meet the Mayor’s target of a 20 percent electric vehicle share by 2025 can unlock up to 1.5 percent annual reduction by 2030.

This step is part of a comprehensive set of initiatives to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from transportation, including expanding non-vehicle options and encouraging more trips to be taken by transit, walking, and bicycling. The de Blasio administration is expanding city’s bike lane network, bringing bike share to more neighborhoods, investing in pedestrian safety, improving bus service by investing in new select bus service routes and bus service upgrades across the city, and pursuing a tax on millionaires to modernize the subway system and provide half-priced fares for low-income riders. But even as New Yorkers take more trips by bus, subway, bike or on foot, we are taking steps transition remaining vehicle trips to clean and electric vehicles.

There are currently 307 publicly available charging sites citywide, consisting of 526 Level 2 chargers and just 16 fast chargers. The difference between fast charging sites and a Level 2 charger is 30 minutes vs. as many as 8 hours to charge. A study is in process to identify the best sites for each fast charge hub, based on factors including projected EV ownership, traffic density, and proximity to amenities to enjoy while drivers charge their cars.

As the cost of electric car and trucks become more affordable, ensuring the infrastructure is in place to help New Yorkers make the switch to cleaner vehicles is essential. Electric vehicles release no tailpipe emissions, require less maintenance and are ideal for city driving.

This new effort complements NYC Clean Fleet, the City’s comprehensive plan to create the largest municipal electric vehicle fleet of any US city. The City has already surpassed 1,000 electric vehicles in its fleet and is ahead of schedule to meet its target of adding 2,000 electric vehicles by 2025.

“New York City remains committed to the Paris Agreement. Achieving its goals requires deep reductions in greenhouse gas emissions across our entire built environment,” said Daniel Zarrilli, Senior Director for Climate Policy and Programs and Chief Resilience Officer for the NYC Mayor’s Office. “Today’s commitment to expand electric vehicle infrastructure across the city is just the latest example of how we are accelerating our climate actions and ensuring a more sustainable city for today and generations to come. Thanks to Councilman Constantinides for his leadership and support in making this happen.”

“We want to see less cars on the roads and ones that are on the road, increasingly need to be electric, said Mark Chambers, Director of the Mayor’s Office of Sustainability. “Investing in the infrastructure needed to make the transition to electric vehicles as easy as possible for New Yorkers is an essential part of reducing NYC’s greenhouse gas emissions and improving air quality.”

“Having learned the critical value of charging infrastructure through our own EV pilot program,” said TLC Commissioner and COO Meera Joshi. “We are very excited about the possibilities that this bold infrastructure investment and partnership opportunity have in store for the for-hire vehicle industry.”

“We are proud to support Mayor de Blasio’s transformative plan to reduce emissions in New York City, including increased access to electric vehicle charging stations. These investments complement the City’s ongoing work to support innovation in the urban tech sector, which is rapidly improving the sustainability, connectedness, and quality of life across the five boroughs,” said James Patchett, NYCEDC President and CEO.

“Electric vehicles will play an essential role in meeting the City’s environmental and public health goals,” said DOT Commissioner Polly Trottenberg. “Under the Mayor’s leadership, we will create the infrastructure to make electric vehicles a more practical and attractive option for New Yorkers and visitors to our City. With this and other initiatives to enhance cycling, walking, and public transportation, New York City will meet its goal of cutting greenhouse gas emissions 80% by 2050 while supporting a healthy economy.”

“NYC already operates over 1,000 electric vehicles in its fleet, leading the way on this critical initiative,” said Department of Citywide Administrative Services Commissioner Lisette Camilo. “Today’s announcement will help private vehicles owners make this same transition to cleaner zero emission vehicles.”

“I am extremely pleased that City Hall is taking our forward-thinking vision toward electric vehicles and putting it into dollars-and-cents action. Earlier this year, I stood in the same Gowanus parking lot as Mayor de Blasio is standing in today, putting forward my administration’s plan to fuel Brooklyn’s future in a sustainable and environmentally-conscious manner. I restate my commitment to allocate capital dollars toward creating EV charging infrastructure across our borough, complementing the efforts of the de Blasio Administration that I look forward to helping execute. Let’s go further and let’s be bolder, because New York City has the will and the way to lead in this massive industry transition,” said Brooklyn Borough President Eric Adams.

“Changing over to electric vehicles is not realistic if there is no infrastructure to support them. The investment of fast charging hubs across all five boroughs shows a commitment from New York City to make electric vehicle ownership possible for all residents,” said U.S. Representative Adriano Espaillat. “I am proud that New York City is taking steps to honor the Paris Climate Agreement through providing the infrastructure to make electric vehicle ownership feasible. When we reduce emissions from transportation, we are ensuring the future stability of our planet.”

“If we as a nation are ever to break from our dependence on fossil fuels, it’s going to take a real commitment from all of us—and every level of government—to support clean, renewable fuel sources. Electric vehicles are becoming more and more popular, but charging them is not always easy to do away from home. Expanding fast charging EV hubs in all five boroughs, as Mayor de Blasio has committed to do, will make owning a zero emission vehicle much easier in our neighborhoods. This is a great step forward for our city and I will continue to work at the federal level on the House Energy and Commerce Committee to expand access to clean, renewable sources of energy,” said U.S. Representative Eliot Engel.

“Through the leadership of Mayor de Blasio, New York City has moved forward to address global climate change and to build a sustainable future for our children and grandchildren. As a member of the Energy and Commerce Committee, I have worked tirelessly to support these efforts to develop next generation electric vehicles that are safe and reliable and to uphold the Paris Accord,” said U.S. Representative Yvette Clarke.

State Senator Jesse Hamilton said, “This initiative to expand access to fast-charging electric vehicle hubs represents a key part of constructing the infrastructure to make a more sustainable New York possible. I welcome Mayor de Blasio’s announcement today, and I welcome the public-private participation. This announcement underscores the point that we can deliver the innovation and ongoing commitment necessary to meet Paris Agreement goals. Hurricanes Harvey, Irma, and Maria show the urgent need for our collective action.”

“I applaud Mayor de Blasio for expanding access to electronic vehicle charging hubs,” said State Senator Kevin Parker. “As the Ranking Democratic Member on the Senate Energy and Telecommunications Committee, I recognize the benefits of this initiative in achieving the Mayor’s goal of electric vehicles being 20 percent of all motor vehicle registrations in NYC by 2025. It is imperative that elected officials work together to ensure the use of clean, renewable energy sources in efforts to combat climate change. This expansion program is one more step towards that shared vision.” NYS Senator Kevin Parker

“Developing fast charging hubs in every borough is a leading example for cities across the country to follow,” said Assembly Member Latrice Walker. “As the clean energy initiative continues to grow we see the increase of Electric Vehicles in our city and the demand for charging hubs. I applaud Mayor Bill de Blasio for developing fast charging electric vehicle hubs in every borough. The time to cut greenhouse emissions is now and I look forward to New York City becoming a more energy efficient city.”

“Expanding fast charging hubs for electric vehicles throughout the five boroughs will encourage New Yorkers to make the switch from gas to electric vehicles and will help reduce greenhouse gas emissions from transportation. With so many commuters who rely on their car to travel to work and school, encouraging this switch is critical if we want to achieve the City’s goal of reducing emissions and show that we are serious about protecting our planet. While Washington is moving backwards on fighting climate change, I’m thrilled that Mayor de Blasio is moving New York City forward and leading the way on sustainability efforts,” said Assembly Member Jo Anne Simon.

“I am pleased to stand with the Mayor today as we take our first step towards a cleaner, greener future of electric cars that can be recharged at a convenient public location ‎for the same amount of time it takes to do your grocery shopping,” said Council Member Brad Lander.

“New York City is a leader in addressing the environmental challenges of today and tomorrow, said Matthew Ketschke, Vice President of Distributed Resources Integration for Con Edison. “We look forward to advancing the benefits of electric vehicles and working with the City to provide charging locations for our customers.”

“When mass transit is not an option, car drivers need the cleanest cars possible. Electric charging stations are vitally important in cities and Mayor De Blasio is making it easier for New Yorkers to rely on cleaner cars,” said Judith Enck, former EPA Regional Administrator.

“While the City has made tremendous strides to set the example by greening its own fleet, private electric vehicle registration in New York City remains low. Consumers are still concerned about getting stuck without a place to charge their electric vehicle and that is among the biggest barriers to increased adoption rates. These fast charging hubs will help rectify this concern, continuing the build out of a robust citywide charging network.” said Marcia Bystryn, President of the New York League of Conservation Voters.

“These are the fuel stations we need. Building these charging stations will make it possible for more and more New Yorkers to switch to clean, electric vehicles. That means cleaner air for New York neighborhoods, and progress in the fight against global climate change. It’s an example that cities around the country, and the world, can follow,” said Luke Tonachel, Director, Clean Vehicles and Fuels Project, Natural Resources Defense Council.

“The Sierra Club commends Mayor de Blasio, who, in partnership with Con Edison, New York Department of Transportation, and the New York Police Department, committed to expand access to electric vehicle (EV) charging,” said Roger Downs, Conservation Director of the Sierra Club Atlantic Chapter. “By placing charging hubs in every borough, they are making it more convenient than ever for New York drivers and visitors to plug in and drive away dangerous air and climate pollution.”

“The urgency of the climate crisis means the world’s largest cities need to peak their greenhouse gas emissions by 2020–with a big focus on transport–if there is any hope of delivering on the Paris Agreement and preventing catastrophic climate change. By bringing fast charging hubs to all five boroughs, Mayor de Blasio has made it easier for New Yorkers to choose electric vehicles over polluting diesel or gasoline models. This will accelerate the transformation of transport in New York City and is yet another example of how the city is leading the world,” said Mark Watts, Executive Director, C40 Cities Climate Leadership Group.

“NYC Fleet has shown phenomenal leadership as one of the largest municipal EV fleets in the country, but the lack of much needed public EV infrastructure has been a barrier towards getting the rest of New Yorkers to drive EVs. The installation of these charging hubs is a step in the right direction towards putting NYC on the leadership map for EV drivers,” said Christina Ficicchia, Executive Director, Empire Clean Cities. “Empire Clean Cities hopes to see more of its fleet partner adopt EVs for making deliveries, and moving people in and around NYC.”

“Fast-charging stations will expand the range of choices offered to New York City consumers,” said John Corlett, Director of Public and Government Affairs for AAA Northeast. “New Yorkers looking to buy a car benefit when they can take advantage of all available options. As electric vehicles become more affordable, fast-charging stations will make them an increasingly practical alternative.”

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