As many New Yorkers do, I have prioritized walking, biking and public transit for years. As New York City’s transportation commissioner, I have committed my agency to making those modes of travel safe, affordable and convenient. However, roughly half of households in New York City have a car — and it is important we take steps to minimize the negative environmental and public health impact of these vehicles.
We have heard for years that electric vehicles (EVs) are the future. Despite a growing array of purchase incentives, the lack of convenient charging infrastructure is a major reason most city drivers have stuck with their fossil fuel–burning vehicles, making EV ownership rates here lower than elsewhere in the state or country.
Achieving a greener transportation future means investing in buses, biking and walking – and in public electric vehicle chargers that can help minimize damaging fossil fuels. That is why I am proud that the New York City Department of Transportation (DOT) and the New York Power Authority (NYPA) have taken a major step toward expanding access to charging infrastructure with our recent announcement of new fast-charging stations to be located at DOT municipal lots across the city.
Our agencies recently announced a commitment to install about 50 level 3 fast chargers at up to 13 different lots. This is significant because while level 2 chargers – more than 100 of which we have installed at curbsides around NYC in the last few years — can power up an EV in about five to eight hours, level 3 fast chargers can provide an 80% charge in as little as 20 minutes. Widely available fast charging provides peace of mind to EV owners. They can quickly charge up, and are particularly important for high-mileage fleets, like taxis and for-hire vehicles.
Funded by the state’s EVolve NY program, this partnership is noteworthy because of its scale and because these new hubs will dramatically advance equity. Currently, a map of fast…
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