New York is getting serious about going electric. The New York Power Authority (NYPA) has launched a new $250-million initiative called Evolve NY that will seek to create private sector partnerships to accelerate EV adoption throughout the state.

Evolve NY is part of the Governor’s Charge NY 2.0 initiative, which has a goal of installing at least 10,000 charging stations by the end of 2021.

In the initial phase of funding, $40 million will be allocated to three programs through the end of 2019:

• Interstate Fast Chargers. Up to 200 DC fast chargers will be installed along key interstate corridors – with a target interval of every 30 miles – and in select urban areas.
• Airport Fast Chargers. DC fast chargers will be installed at or near JFK and LaGuardia airports to serve EV drivers within a 200 mile-radius of New York City. This will add to the existing Level 2 chargers at airport parking garages.
• EV Model Community. The community will have a utility-managed charging platform to ensure affordability, reliability, and grid efficiency, and will test and scale new EV infrastructure and service business models.

New York State has already provided incentives for employers to encourage employees to drive electric, and offered rebates for municipalities to purchase plug-in vehicles for municipal fleet use and to install charging infrastructure. The state’s PSC is also considering time-of-use electric rates for EV drivers.

“The Power Authority’s mission is to be a first mover,” said NYPA Board of Trustees Chairman John R. Koelmel. “By building a vast electric car charging network and supporting infrastructure, we are laying the groundwork for a bright future – where electric vehicle driving is the norm.”

“Electric vehicles started in Buffalo in 1902,” said Lieutenant Governor Kathy Hochul. “I’m proud of that history, and now we’re moving away from gas vehicles again and toward the future of electric vehicles.”

Source: NY Power Authority