With more New Yorkers transitioning to electric vehicles, New York City Department of Transportation (NYC DOT) Commissioner Ydanis Rodriguez announced the next phase of expansion of the city’s network of public electric vehicle (EV) fast chargers. Construction has begun on new fast-charging stations at NYC DOT parking fields in Brooklyn and the Bronx, communities where drivers licensed by the Taxi and Limousine Commission (TLC) are highly concentrated. Both sites are slated for completion by the end of the year.
“As a former cab driver, I understand how important equity of access will be to our efforts to transition for-hire vehicles away from fossil fuels,” said NYC DOT Commissioner Ydanis Rodriguez. “By targeting Bronx and Southern Brooklyn neighborhoods where we know many drivers live, we will better meet growing demand for more fast charging as well as advance our ambitious climate goals.”
The two locations where NYC DOT is now in the process of installing four fast chargers (three 50 kW units and one 175kW unit), capable of providing most electric vehicles with an 80% charge in 20 minutes to one hour, are:
- White Plains Road Municipal Field (Pelham Parkway), 2071 White Plains Road, The Bronx, construction has begun; scheduled to open by November 2024
- Bensonhurst Municipal Field, 1763 86th Street, Brooklyn, construction to start in September, and scheduled to open by January 2025
In addition to the four fast chargers at these locations, these lots will also be equipped with four Level 2 chargers, which can provide most EVs a full charge in 6-8 hours.
The new fast chargers add to the city’s growing network of public charging stations. Prior to this year, NYC DOT had three fast-charging stations in operation in Queens and lower Manhattan. In addition to these hubs, 100 curbside on-street Level 2 chargers have been installed by the agency in partnership with Con Edison since 2021, helping New York City spearhead the recent growth in EVs in the state. As of July 2024, 62,192 EVs are now registered in NYC, representing 26% of all EVs registered in the State; last year, New York City only represented 21% of the total.
NYC DOT plans to roll out additional fast charging stations across the city at its lots and garages, including three city-funded stations and up to 11 hubs funded through a partnership with the New York Power Authority (NYPA).
“Through its PowerReady incentive program, Con Edison is supporting the buildout of a widespread network to bring electric vehicle charging to all New York City area drivers with $585 million of infrastructure incentives,” said Britt Reichborn-Kjennerud, director, e-mobility, Con Edison. “We are proud to power the DOT’s new fast chargers in the Bronx and Brooklyn, which will play an important role in bringing charging within reach of ride-hail vehicles and personal drivers and advancing our region’s transition towards a cleaner energy future.”
