With the ambitious target of achieving a “net-zero” status by 2050, New York City’s transportation landscape is set to undergo a significant transformation. A cornerstone in reaching this goal is the reduction of combustion engine vehicles in favor of electric ones. A key initiative in this endeavor is the implementation of curbside EV charging stations, which began in earnest back in 2021.
A Revolutionary Step for Urban EV Infrastructure
One of the most daunting challenges faced by city dwellers is the lack of private parking, leaving half of New Yorkers without easy access to EV charging at home or work. Recognizing that effective charging options are critical to encouraging electric vehicle uptake, New York City initiated the installation of public curbside EV chargers.
Partnership with FLO for a Cleaner Future
To spearhead the pilot program, the city partnered with FLO, an expert Canadian company in the realm of curbside charging solutions. Tasked with installing and maintaining the first 100 curbside chargers, FLO has contributed to a greener cityscape by providing convenient charging stations across the five boroughs and in front of municipal buildings, ensuring even the city’s fleet goes electric.
Accessibly priced at $2.50 per hour—or a dollar less during nighttime—the street-site chargers provide an affordable alternative to the expensive parking garages. Moreover, these Level 2 chargers promise a complete charge within 4 to 8 hours, depending on battery size, adding much-needed practicality for New Yorkers embracing electric vehicles.
Such efforts towards affordable EV charging have not gone unnoticed with industry analysts praising the economical benefits that accompany curbside charging. In the eyes of FLO, the effective maintenance and operational resilience of these chargers have transformed New York’s project into a template for other cities looking to increase their EV infrastructure reliability.
Learning from the Pilot’s Success and Challenges
Despite initial conservative expectations of demand, curbside charging spaces have experienced much higher usage than anticipated, sometimes minor setbacks such as internal combustion engine vehicles obstructing chargers—known colloquially as being “ICEd”—have occurred. However, proactive measures like stringent fines and towing have been instrumental in reducing such obstacles.
Building on the program’s achievement, New York City is considering an extension to continue collecting valuable data and forge plans for expansive growth. The anticipated expansion is already drumming up interest from various companies willing to participate, including current partner FLO, reflecting the city’s commitment to fostering an inclusive and innovative EV charging infrastructure.
Navigating the Scarcity of Charging Spots
The scarcity of charging points is palpable among EV drivers in the city, with some finding it necessary to coordinate with fellow EV users to ensure access to the coveted charging spots. And while other solutions exist, such as residential charging or paid garage spots, the convenience and affordability of curbside options remain unbeatable for most.
With the city’s sights set on a dramatic EV boost—necessitating support for 1.5 million electric vehicles by 2050—it’s clear that the pilot’s success is just a stepping stone. Achieving such ambitious numbers will require considerable scaling and innovative changes. New York City’s drive toward a net-zero future continues to pick up speed, fueled by the lessons learned and the groundwork laid by pioneering projects like the curbside EV charging initiative.
