DRIve EV Downtown Launches
November 22, 2021
Governor Kathy Hochul today announced the launch of the "DRIve EV Downtown" program that will bring electric vehicle (EV) fast charging stations to downtown areas in New York State that are undergoing revitalization and development efforts.
Amsterdam in Montgomery County is the first of five cities that will deploy EVolve NY fast chargers as part of the state's Downtown Revitalization Initiative (DRI), making EV driving a more accessible option for Amsterdamians, all New Yorkers and visitors. The program is helping to advance the state's nation-leading clean energy goals, including decarbonizing the transportation sector and reducing overall greenhouse gas emissions 85% by 2050.
"New York continues to be a national leader in growing the utilization of electric vehicles, and placing charging stations throughout the state will allow more people to recognize the benefits of tying clean transportation initiatives to efforts that bolster economic activity in our downtowns," said Governor Hochul. "Everyone benefits from getting more zero-emission vehicles on the roads alongside investment and development in our downtowns. This will make our communities healthier both environmentally and economically."
The New York Power Authority (NYPA) and the Department of State collaborated to make Amsterdam the first of five initial charger deployments in DRI communities. Similar hubs will be installed in Utica (Oneida County), Oswego (Oswego County), Geneva (Ontario County), and Middletown (Orange County) over the next few months. The Amsterdam site is the 10th addition to NYPA's EVolveNY fast charging network, which is bringing high-speed open access charging to key locations along primary travel corridors and in urban areas to encourage the adoption of EVs. The statewide network currently has nearly 40 charging units.
NYPA Interim President and CEO Justin E. Driscoll said, "Providing fast charging options in our state's downtowns will make it easier for residents to help reduce emissions from the transportation sector and for municipalities to contribute to the advancement of the state's ambitious climate action goals. NYPA's EVolve NY charging infrastructure program is a perfect fit for downtown revitalization efforts and is a great way to expand public awareness about how easy and convenient it is to drive electric."
The clean energy initiative supports New York's Climate Act (the Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act), the most aggressive climate and clean energy initiative in the nation, which establishes bold targets for decreasing climate-altering greenhouse gas emissions and air pollution from the transportation sector.
The fast chargers can be used by any make or model of electric vehicle and can recharge most of the battery capacity in as little as 20 minutes. NYPA will fund, install, own and operate two EV fast chargers per selected location in DRI communities in the state's Regional Economic Development Council regions.
To read more, you can visit Governor Hochul Announces First of Five City Electric Vehicle Fast Charging Sites Installed Through State's Downtown Revitalization Initiative.
New York Pressroom
November 22, 2021