New York Governor Announces Additional $28.5 Million for Fast Chargers Across the State

Photograph: Shutterstock

New York Gov. Kathy Hochul said an additional $28.5 million is now available to install electric vehicle (EV) fast chargers along major travel corridors across the Empire State. 

Funded by the federal National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (NEVI) formula funding program, the state of New York’s new competitive Downstate Direct Current Fast Charger (DCFC) program will improve consumer access to reliable EV charging, the governor’s office said.

This second round of NEVI funding focuses on locations south of Interstate 84, including the lower Hudson Valley, New York City and Long Island.

“This critical federal NEVI funding supports New York State’s ongoing leadership to invest in a network of electric vehicle fast chargers, particularly in areas downstate that face heavy traffic,” Hochul said. “Making quick, reliable charging easily available will encourage more people to drive EVs that help to lower pollution from vehicles, provide cleaner air for New Yorkers, and improve health in our communities.”

The Downstate NEVI DCFC Program, administered by the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA) in partnership with the New York State Department of Transportation (NYSDOT), provides funding to qualified EV infrastructure developers to install and operate DCFC stations at one or more sites along Federal Highway Administration-designated Alternative Fuel Corridors (AFCs). 

“Proposed sites must meet all federal requirements, including being located within one travel mile of an AFC exit, being publicly accessible 24 hours a day, seven days a week, and having the ability to charge at least four EVs simultaneously at speeds of at least 150 kilowatts per vehicle,” Hochul said. 

Proposals are due on March 18 by 3 p.m., and a complete list of rules can be found on NYSERDA’s website.

Designated AFCs eligible under the second round of the program include:

• Interstate 87 south of I-84
• Interstate 95
• Interstate 278
• Interstate 287
• Interstate 495
• Interstate 678
• Interstate 684 south of I-84
• New York 17 south of I-84
• New York 25
• New York 27

The governor’s office said the New York State Department of Transportation was allocated $175 million under the federal NEVI program and New York was one of the first states to open a DCFC site with NEVI funding in December 2023.

“Building on the NEVI funding made available earlier this year, NYSERDA is proud to support the expansion of fast chargers to more areas of the state,” said NYSERDA President and CEO Doreen Harris. “Matching federal funding with private industry expertise will build a robust, reliable, network of chargers helping to increase the number of options available for New Yorkers and visitors alike.”

The governor’s office said EV purchases in New York have risen 660% in the last five years, and there are currently more than 15,500 chargers (a combination of DCFC and Level 2 chargers) at more than 4,500 public locations across the state.

Members help make our journalism possible. Become a CSP member today and unlock exclusive benefits, including unlimited access to all of our content. Sign up here.