New York City has won a $15 million federal grant from the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Charging and Fueling Infrastructure Grant Program to build the nation’s largest curbside electric vehicle (EV) charging program. The funding will allow for an additional 600 Level 2 chargers to be installed along streets across the five boroughs, with more than half of those chargers designated for disadvantaged and low-income neighborhoods. Additionally, the funding will allow the city to build 32 solar-powered charging ports at eight different New York City Department of Parks and Recreation (NYC Parks) locations throughout the city. This builds on the city’s existing 100-charger pilot program, launched in conjunction with Con Edison, and supports the city’s goals to transition 100 percent of for-hire vehicle rides to electric or wheelchair-accessible vehicles by 2030.
“We’re building a cleaner, greener, and more affordable city for all New Yorkers, and through initiatives like this, we’re making sure that no New Yorkers are left behind,” said Mayor Adams.
“Supporting the transition to electric vehicles means ensuring that everyone has quick and easy access to chargers — especially taxi and for-hire-vehicle drivers, who will lead the way towards a modal shift,” said Deputy Mayor for Operations Meera Joshi.
“Combined with efforts to promote mass transit and cycling, this grant will help us take a big step toward decarbonizing the transportation sector in New York City. The electrification of transportation across five boroughs, including for-hire vehicles, is a vital step in combating the climate crisis for future generations," said New York City Department of Transportation (DOT) Commissioner Ydanis Rodriguez.
“With the use of EVs surging thanks to the ‘Green Rides’ initiative, we know that the chargers coming out of this grant are not only needed but will go right where they’re needed most — in neighborhoods where TLC drivers live,” said New York City Taxi and Limousine Commissioner David Do.
