The electric vehicle (EV) revolution is well underway, and there’s never been a better time to switch to electric. With increasing affordability, longer battery ranges, and a wider variety of models available, electric cars are becoming a practical choice for more and more drivers. Like traditional vehicles, EVs include cars, trucks, and buses, but they run fully or partially on electric energy, either from batteries or hydrogen fuel cells, offering a cleaner alternative to gasoline or diesel.
Discover the Benefits of Electric Vehicles
Choosing an EV comes with a range of advantages compared to conventional vehicles. Electric vehicles offer:
- Reduced Emissions: Contributing to cleaner air and a healthier environment.
- Quieter Operation: Less noise pollution in urban environments.
- Financial Incentives: Discounts on tolls on NYC bridges and tunnels, and the NYS Thruway.
- High Occupancy Vehicle (HOV) Lane Access: Saving time during commutes.
- Government Incentives: Various tax credits, rebates, and other incentives can significantly lower the purchase price of an EV.
With diverse price points and these compelling benefits, electric vehicles are increasingly accessible. New York City, in particular, is embracing EVs as a crucial step towards a sustainable future.
Electric Vehicles in the Big Apple
Alt text: DHL electric van promoting zero emissions parked in NYC, highlighting electric vehicle adoption in urban delivery services.
Transportation is a major source of greenhouse gas emissions in New York City, accounting for nearly 30% of the city’s total. Passenger cars are the largest contributors within this sector. To combat climate change and improve air quality, increasing the number of EVs across all five boroughs is a key priority for NYC. The city is committed to achieving net-zero transportation greenhouse gas emissions by 2050, and EVs are central to this ambitious goal.
Understanding EV Charging Options: Finding the Right Electric Car Charger Near Me
Charging your electric car is a fundamental aspect of EV ownership. There are three primary levels of EV charging, each offering different charging speeds and suited to various needs and locations. When looking for an “Electric Car Charger Near Me,” it’s helpful to understand these levels:
-
Level 1 Charging: This is the slowest charging method, providing up to 5 miles of range per hour of charging. It uses a standard household outlet (120v), making it convenient for overnight charging at home.
-
Level 2 Charging: A more common public charging option, Level 2 chargers offer up to 20 miles of range per hour. They utilize a mid-level voltage (240v), similar to what’s used for appliances like dryers. Level 2 chargers are frequently found at workplaces, shopping centers, and public parking areas – and are a key part of NYC’s public charging network.
-
Level 3 Charging (DC Fast Charging): For the quickest charge, DC Fast Chargers (also known as Level 3 chargers) can add over 30 miles of range in just 10 minutes. These high-voltage (over 480v) chargers are the fastest option available, comparable to the speed of refueling a gasoline car. DC Fast Chargers are strategically placed in public locations to support longer trips and rapid charging needs.
New York City is actively expanding its public EV charging infrastructure through PlugNYC, a comprehensive network focusing on Level 2 and DC fast chargers. PlugNYC aims to make charging accessible whether you’re at home, work, or on the go. Level 2 stations are ideal for convenient charging while parked for extended periods, while DC fast chargers provide rapid replenishment, much like a gas station stop.
Curbside Level 2 Charging in NYC: Public Electric Car Chargers on Your Street
Alt text: Curbside electric vehicle charging station in the Bronx, part of NYC’s PlugNYC initiative, providing convenient public EV charging access.
Finding an “electric car charger near me” in a densely populated city like New York can be a challenge, especially for residents who rely on street parking and lack access to home charging. To bridge this gap, NYC DOT is actively collaborating with partners to broaden the availability of public EV charging across all five boroughs, making it easier for EV owners to keep their vehicles charged.
The Curbside Level 2 Charging Pilot program, in partnership with Con Edison, has introduced 98 Level 2 charging ports at curbside locations throughout the city. This four-year demonstration project is evaluating the effectiveness and usage of curbside charging in a major urban environment. Installation began in June 2021, and the chargers are operated by FLO, a leading EV charging network provider.
NYC DOT, with input from Con Edison, carefully selected curbside locations based on factors like projected charging demand, geographic distribution across the boroughs, and feedback from local officials and community members. Public input also played a role in determining optimal charger locations.
These curbside Level 2 chargers are equipped with the universal SAE J1772 connector, ensuring compatibility with the majority of electric vehicles. Tesla owners can easily utilize these chargers with a readily available adapter that comes standard with every Tesla vehicle.
Charging at curbside Level 2 stations is priced per hour, competitively positioned against the cost of gasoline for traditional vehicles. Payment is seamless, offering options via smartphone app or credit card tap. It’s important to note that these designated parking spaces are exclusively for actively charging EVs, and vehicles parked without charging may be subject to ticketing by NYPD.
Curbside Level 2 Charging Locations in NYC: Find an Electric Car Charger Near Me by Borough
Curbside Level 2 charging stations are currently available at the following locations across the Bronx, Brooklyn, Manhattan, and Queens. This list provides a starting point for finding an “electric car charger near me” in your neighborhood.
Street | From | To | Chargers | Borough |
---|---|---|---|---|
Bedford Park Boulevard | Goulden Avenue | Paul Avenue | 4 | Bronx |
Broadway | West 242nd Street | West 240th Street | 4 | Bronx |
Dekalb Avenue | East Gun Hill Road | East 212th Street | 2 | Bronx |
Putnam Place | East Gun Hill Road | Reservoir Oval West | 2 | Bronx |
13th Street | 5th Avenue | 4th Avenue | 2 | Brooklyn |
3rd Avenue | 33rd Street | 34th Street | 6 | Brooklyn |
43rd Street | 5th Avenue | 4th Avenue | 2 | Brooklyn |
8th Street | 6th Avenue | 7th Avenue | 2 | Brooklyn |
Brooklyn Avenue | St. Marks Avenue | Prospect Place | 2 | Brooklyn |
Clarkson Avenue | 40th Street | Albany Avenue | 4 | Brooklyn |
Court Street | 1st Place | Carroll Street | 2 | Brooklyn |
Elton Street | Flatlands Avenue | Locke Street | 4 | Brooklyn |
Lenox Road | New York Avenue | East 34th Street | 4 | Brooklyn |
Linden Boulevard | East 96th Street | Rockaway Parkway | 4 | Brooklyn |
Marcus Garvey Boulevard | Broadway | Park Avenue | 2 | Brooklyn |
Meeker Avenue | Metropolitan Avenue | Rodney Street | 6 | Brooklyn |
Norman Avenue | Dobbin Street | Guernsey Street | 4 | Brooklyn |
North 4th Street | Bedford Avenue | Berry Street | 4 | Brooklyn |
Prospect Park West | 5th Street | 6th Street | 2 | Brooklyn |
Stuyvesant Avenue | Fulton Street | Chauncey Street | 2 | Brooklyn |
East 78th Street | Park Avenue | Lexington Avenue | 2 | Manhattan |
East End Avenue | East 88th Street | East 87th Street | 2 | Manhattan |
Fort Washington Avenue | West 164th Street | West 165th Street | 2 | Manhattan |
West 76th Street | Amsterdam Avenue | Columbus Avenue | 2 | Manhattan |
West 84th Street | Amsterdam Avenue | Columbus Avenue | 2 | Manhattan |
West 93rd Street | Central Park West | Columbus Avenue | 2 | Manhattan |
225th Street | Merrick Boulevard | 135th Avenue | 2 | Queens |
33rd Street | 31st Avenue | Broadway | 2 | Queens |
35th Street | 30th Avenue | 31st Avenue | 2 | Queens |
38th Street | 36th Avenue | 35th Avenue | 4 | Queens |
41st Avenue | 81st Street | Baxter Avenue | 2 | Queens |
72nd Street | 37th Avenue | 35th Avenue | 2 | Queens |
Queens Boulevard | 34th Street | 33rd Street | 4 | Queens |
Mason Avenue | Seaview Avenue | Delaware Avenue | 4 | Staten Island |
DC Fast Charger Program: Rapid Electric Car Chargers Near Me in NYC
Alt text: NYC DOT vehicle utilizing a DC fast charger in a municipal garage, illustrating public fast charging options for electric vehicles.
For EV drivers needing a quick charge, NYC DOT is developing a network of DC fast charging hubs throughout the city. Currently, the city operates three DC fast charging hubs located at city-owned public parking facilities, offering convenient “electric car charger near me” options for those needing a rapid charge. These hubs are located at:
- Court Square Municipal Parking Garage in Queens
- Queens Borough Hall Municipal Parking Garage in Queens
- Delancey/Essex Municipal Parking Garage in Manhattan
Expanding on this, NYC DOT is collaborating with the New York Power Authority (NYPA) to establish up to 13 additional EV fast-charging hubs at municipal parking facilities citywide. This expansion will add approximately 50 fast-charging plugs to the public network, significantly increasing access to rapid charging.
How to Use DC Fast Chargers:
Using a DC fast charger is a straightforward process:
- Park your EV in a designated DC fast charger space.
- Initiate a charging session using the EV Connect App or by swiping/tapping your credit or debit card on the charger.
- Plug the charging connector into your vehicle.
- The EV Connect app will notify you when your battery reaches 80% charge, typically within 30 to 60 minutes, depending on your vehicle.
NYC DOT’s DC fast chargers are equipped with both CHAdeMO and CCS connectors, ensuring broad compatibility with most EV models. Tesla owners can also use these fast chargers with Tesla’s CCS Combo 1 adapter.
The charging fee for DC fast chargers is $0.39 per kWh consumed. Parking fees at the municipal lots also apply, but DC fast charger customers receive a discount equivalent to the first hour of parking deducted from their charging session. For more detailed information, refer to the DC Fast Charger FAQ (pdf).
Map of EV Charging Stations: Locate an Electric Car Charger Near Me
Alt text: Electric vehicles charging in a municipal parking garage, showcasing Level 2 EV charging availability at public parking facilities in NYC.
Beyond curbside and DC fast charging, some NYC DOT municipal parking facilities also offer Level 2 charging stations. If you are looking for an “electric car charger near me” while parking in a municipal garage, these locations are worth considering. Please be aware that additional charging fees apply, and it’s recommended to review the rates before parking and charging.
Municipal parking facilities with Level 2 EV charging include:
- Jerome – 190th Street Municipal Parking Garage, Bronx: 5 EV charging spaces
- Jerome-Gun Hill Road Municipal Parking Garage, Bronx: 4 EV charging spaces
- Bay Ridge Municipal Parking Garage, Brooklyn: 5 EV charging spaces
- Delancey and Essex Municipal Parking Garage, Manhattan: 13 EV charging spaces
- Court Square Municipal Parking Garage, Queens: 13 EV charging spaces
- Queens Family Court Municipal Parking Garage, Queens: 3 EV charging stations
- Queens Borough Hall Municipal Parking Garage: 34 EV charging spaces
- Staten Island Courthouse Garage and Parking Lot, Staten Island: 5 EV charging spaces
For an interactive map and comprehensive list of charging locations, use NYSERDA’s Electric Vehicle Station Locator. This tool helps you easily find an “electric car charger near me” based on your current location or desired destination.
Loading alternative fueling station locator…
Key Reports on EV Charging in NYC
For those interested in deeper insights into NYC’s EV charging initiatives, the following reports provide valuable information:
Curbside Level 2 EV Charging Pilot: Evaluation Report
NYC DOT’s Evaluation Report on the Curbside Level 2 EV Charging Pilot offers a comprehensive analysis of the program’s first eighteen months. This report is a pioneering evaluation of curbside Level 2 charging in a major urban center, providing benchmarks and insights for policymakers and stakeholders globally. Key findings demonstrate that:
- Curbside Level 2 charging effectively addresses immediate charging needs in areas with high EV adoption and limited private parking.
- Curbside Level 2 charging promotes equitable access to charging in areas with lower EV adoption, though utilization may be initially lower.
- Curbside Level 2 charging is operationally viable, with well-designed and maintained chargers achieving high uptime in NYC conditions.
- Blocked charger spaces remain a challenge, causing inconvenience but not fundamentally hindering program effectiveness.
Curbside Level 2 EV Charging Pilot: Evaluation Report
Electrifying New York Report: An EV Vision for the Future
The “Electrifying New York: An Electric Vehicle Vision Plan for New York City” report outlines eight key initiatives to dramatically expand public charging access across the five boroughs. These initiatives represent a significant commitment to the city’s EV future and aim to position New York City as a national leader in EV readiness. The plan includes:
- Expanding the city-operated fast charging network to over 80 plugs by 2025.
- Equipping 20% of parking spaces in municipal garages with Level 2 chargers by 2025, increasing to 40% by 2030.
- Creating a network of 1,000 curbside charge points by 2025, scaling to 10,000 by 2030.
- Developing a user-supplied cord charging system integrated with street infrastructure.
- Advocating for federal funding and supportive policies for EV infrastructure.
- Streamlining and reducing the cost of EV charger installations in collaboration with utilities and regulators.
- Engaging with EV industry stakeholders to stay informed on market trends, technology, and charging needs.
- Enhancing public awareness of EVs and charging options through the PlugNYC marketing program.
Electrifying New York: An Electric Vehicle Vision Plan for New York City Electrifying New York: An Electric Vehicle Vision Plan for New York City (text only)
Additional Resources
NYSERDA’s Curb Enthusiasm: Report for On-Street Electric Vehicle Charging (pdf)