New York City Launches Comprehensive Curbside EV Charging Network
News related to:its electric · 4 min read
New York City has taken a significant step towards its ambitious climate goals by launching a new curbside electric vehicle (EV) charging network. The project, spearheaded by it's electric, will replace the city's current pilot infrastructure with a comprehensive network of 700 chargers across all five boroughs.
it's electric, a Brooklyn-based company, has been selected by the City of New York and the New York Power Authority to build out the network. The chargers, designed and manufactured in Queens by Boyce Technologies, will be installed over the next three years. This initiative aims to support the city's transition from fossil fuel-powered vehicles to electric ones, addressing one of the top contributors to greenhouse gas emissions in New York City.
The expansion of the curbside charging program follows an announcement from the New York City Department of Transportation (NYCDOT) in early August. The plan is to increase the number of Level 2 charging points from the current 88 to 700, facilitating the transition for TLC and rideshare drivers, who are the majority of New York City's 80,000 rideshare drivers. These drivers often park on the street, making it difficult to switch to electric vehicles due to limited off-street parking.
The new network will be strategically placed in neighborhoods with high concentrations of rideshare drivers and limited off-street parking, addressing the biggest obstacle keeping drivers from switching to EVs. The project is part of the city's broader push towards an 80% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions by 2050 under OneNYC, the city's blueprint for climate resilience.
it's electric's CEO, Nathan King, expressed excitement about the project, stating, "New York City is our home, it's where it's electric was born. From Crown Heights to Jackson Heights, our solution was designed for every neighborhood and every block that we love across this city. Just as fire hydrants are on every street, our vision is for EV chargers to become that normal, infrastructure New York's kids simply grow up with."
The buildout will also position curbside charging as core infrastructure behind New York's climate commitments. The city's Green Rides initiative requires that all Uber and Lyft trips licensed by the New York City Taxi and Limousine Commission (TLC) be electric or accessible by 2030. This initiative will make charging more affordable and convenient, helping support the transition from fossil fuel-powered vehicles to electric vehicles and expanding charging access to TLC-licensed drivers and residents of low- and moderate-income neighborhoods.
The contract also highlights the importance of local economic development. The chargers will be designed and manufactured in Queens, creating both construction and manufacturing jobs. This investment will not only improve the health of New Yorkers but also contribute to the health of city-people everywhere.
According to Mike Flynn, the NYC DOT Commissioner, "For the transportation sector, our main goal is making it easier and more affordable for New Yorkers to walk, bike, and take transit. But for those who still drive, we need to dramatically accelerate the adoption of electric vehicles. This initiative will make charging more affordable and convenient, helping support the transition from fossil fuel-powered vehicles to electric vehicles and expand charging access to TLC-licensed drivers and residents of low- and moderate-income neighborhoods underserved by private charging options."
The project is part of a broader strategy to reduce transportation-related emissions and improve air quality in densely populated neighborhoods.
In addition to the infrastructure buildout, it's electric has secured funding to support its rapid growth. The company has closed an oversubscribed bridge round, led by Halogen Ventures, with participation from Wisdom Ventures, Future Communities, E8 Angels, DiPalo Ventures, Alumni Ventures, and Gaingels, alongside returning investors including Uber, Failup, Gratitude Railroad, and The Partnership Fund for New York City. The round brings the company's total funding raised to date to $15 million.
The project is part of a larger effort by the city to support local innovation and economic development. Anthony Shorris, the NYCEDC President and CEO, said, "When it's electric partnered with NYCEDC on its first deployment at Brooklyn Army Terminal, it wasn't just testing a new charging technology, it was helping establish a model for how the City can support climate innovation. Now, that pilot is growing into a citywide network, demonstrating how strategic public support can help early-stage companies scale solutions that create jobs, strengthen key industries, and deliver lasting benefits for New Yorkers."
The expansion of the curbside charging network is a significant step towards New York City's climate goals and a testament to the city's commitment to clean transportation. As the network rolls out, it is expected to play a crucial role in reducing emissions and improving air quality in the city.