NYC secures $15m federal grant for largest municipal EV charging program

New York City Mayor Eric Adams has announced a monumental $15 million federal grant awarded by the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Charging and Fueling Infrastructure Grant Program.

This funding is set to fuel the nation’s largest municipal curbside electric vehicle (EV) charging program, making significant strides in the city’s green transition.

This ambitious initiative will see the installation of an additional 600 Level 2 chargers across the five boroughs, with a commendable focus on equity—over 50% of these chargers are earmarked for disadvantaged and low-income neighborhoods. In a move toward integrating renewable energy, the grant will also facilitate the construction of 32 solar-powered charging ports at various New York City Department of Parks and Recreation locations.

Mayor Adams emphasized the program’s commitment to inclusivity: “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.” He expressed gratitude to the Biden-Harris administration and the city’s congressional delegation for their pivotal support.

Deputy Mayor for Operations Meera Joshi highlighted the importance of accessibility: “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.”

This expansion is a leap forward from the Department of Transportation’s (DOT) successful pilot program, which already boasts the highest utilization rate at 70% across 35 sites. New York City DOT Commissioner Ydanis Rodriguez stressed the importance of inclusive access in the transition to a sustainable future, stating, “As a former cab driver, I understand how important equity of access will be to our efforts.”

The program aligns with New York City’s “Green Rides” initiative, aiming for a complete transition of for-hire vehicles to electric or wheelchair-accessible models by 2030. It promises to cut down greenhouse gas emissions significantly, with an estimated reduction of 8,000 tons of carbon dioxide annually.

The Adams administration’s strategic efforts are bolstered by recent federal legislation, such as the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law and the Inflation Reduction Act. The city has already secured over $850 million in competitive federal grants, reinforcing its commitment to sustainable and equitable infrastructure development.

Assemblymember Jenifer Rajkumar lauded the initiative, stating, “Placing 600 chargers across all five boroughs will put us on the fast track to our goal… Together, we will drive down transportation emissions and charge full speed ahead to a sustainable city.”

Bronx Borough President Vanessa Gibson and Queens Borough President Donovan Richards Jr. echoed sentiments of progress toward a sustainable and equitable future, acknowledging the transformative potential of this investment.