Electric Car Charging on the Streets of New York City
As I walked my dog over the weekend in my neighborhood, I discovered we now have an electric vehicle (EV) charging station. When I took a closer look, I learned that New York City and Con Edison have partnered to roll out the PlugNYC program, a network of level 2 curbside charging stations that provide EVs with 20 miles for every hour charged. The program is managed by the company FLO.
EV owners pay for curbside charging by the hour at the charging stations via their smartphone, tap card, or the program website. The cost is comparable to fuel for gas-powered cars. There are currently 50 street-side charging stations across the Bronx, Brooklyn, Manhattan, and Queens. More will be added in the coming weeks.
EVS are becoming more popular as the prices drop, incentives in the form of tax credits and rebates increase, manufacturers introduce more models, and there is an increasing desire to lower our carbon footprints. Compared to gasoline powered vehicles, EVs have lower emissions, are quieter, can access HOV lanes, and receive discounts on New York City’s bridges and tunnels, and on the New York State Thruway.
The Mayor’s Office of Sustainability has diligently prepared documents, reports, and presentations to explain their efforts and plans to fight climate change. Transportation accounts for ~30% of New York City’s greenhouse gas emissions (GHGs),the vast majority of which come from passenger cars. Increasing the number of EVs is a key element of the city’s sustainability plans with the goal of reducing GHG emissions 80% by 2050.
PlugNYC is the latest evidence of New York City’s plans to become a sustainability powerhouse on the world stage. May this commitment continue and grow exponentially—we can’t afford anything less.