New York Construction Report staff writer
New York City has secured a $15 million federal grant from the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Charging and Fueling Infrastructure Grant Program to build the largest curbside electric vehicle (EV) charging network in the country.
The project includes the installation of 600 Level 2 chargers across the five boroughs, with more than half targeted for low-income and disadvantaged communities. Also, the grant will support the development of 32 solar-powered charging ports at eight New York City Parks locations.
The city’s existing 100-charger pilot program was developed in partnership with Con Edison and aligns with the city’s goal to transition all for-hire vehicle rides to electric or wheelchair-accessible vehicles by 2030.
“This $15 million grant will enable us to create the nation’s largest EV charging program, focusing on underserved areas to ensure that every New Yorker, regardless of their income, has access to electric vehicle charging,” said Mayor Eric Adams. “This is a crucial part of our ‘Green Rides’ initiative, and I want to thank the Biden-Harris administration and our congressional delegation for their support.”
The grant will ensure EV chargers are easily accessible, especially for taxi and for-hire vehicle drivers.
“This grant, combined with our efforts to promote mass transit and cycling, represents a major leap toward decarbonizing our transportation sector,” said New York City Department of Transportation (DOT) Commissioner Ydanis Rodriguez. “Electrifying our transportation network across all five boroughs is essential for tackling the climate crisis and ensuring no New Yorker is left behind.
“We’re grateful for the support from the Biden-Harris administration and our local partners.”
The expansion of EV chargers is critical support for the ‘Green Rides’ initiative and ensures that chargers will be placed where they are most needed, particularly in neighborhoods where TLC drivers reside.”
