Empowering New York’s Electric Grid: Innovative Projects Receive $6 Million Boost
May 21, 2026
In a bid to enhance New York’s electric grid capabilities, the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA) has allocated over $6 million to seven pioneering projects. These initiatives, part of the State’s Vehicle Grid Integration Program, aim to seamlessly incorporate electric vehicles into the grid, thereby improving grid flexibility, meeting energy demands efficiently, and reducing costs for consumers.
NYSERDA President and CEO Doreen M. Harris commented, “NYSERDA is proud to partner with forward-thinking companies that are pushing the boundaries of vehicle-to-grid innovation and demonstrating new ways to manage and deliver energy more intelligently. Advancing these technologies will help unlock greater value from electric vehicles, support a more flexible energy system, and create new opportunities to modernize how power is shared and utilized across the state.”
The Vehicle Grid Integration Program selects projects that promise scalable advancements in EV charging infrastructure. This includes innovations in bi-directional charging, energy storage, on-site generation, and managed EV charging.
Funding highlights include:
- V2G Technology for Refuse Trucks: Roundtrip EV Solutions received over $1.6 million to implement bi-directional, fast-charging technology in four refuse trucks across two municipal fleets in Ulster County.
- Gravity VGI Platform: Nearly $1 million was granted to Gravity to create a bidirectional Vehicle Grid Integration platform, aiding in reducing EV charging station installation costs and balancing energy by enabling EVs to supply power back to buildings in Manhattan.
- Refrigerated Trailers and Thermal Storage Integration: Energy One was awarded nearly $1 million to develop a platform that integrates electric refrigerated trailers with thermal energy storage at the Hunts Point Food Distribution Center in Brooklyn.
- Comprehensive EV Planning Software: New York University received more than $700,000 to develop a software tool for utility stakeholders, addressing EV charging infrastructure gaps and power grid upgrade planning in New York City.
- Optiwatt’s Transformer Protection Demonstration: Optiwatt was awarded over $600,000 for demonstration projects on Long Island, utilizing an active EV managed charging platform to balance energy loads.
- Pvilion’s Solar-Powered Structures: Pvilion was given $500,000 to showcase a portable, solar-powered EV charging solution at Westchester Tool Rentals in Peekskill and RPI’s Manufacturing Innovation Learning Laboratory in Troy.
- Wireless Static and Dynamic EV Charging: Electreon Wireless received $1 million to demonstrate wireless charging for electric shuttle vans in Buffalo, aiming to lower grid interconnection costs and improve fleet efficiency.
New York State Senator Kevin Parker stated, “New York is proving that the transition to clean transportation is not just about putting more electric vehicles on the road it’s about building a smarter, stronger, and more affordable energy system for the future. Through the sustained leadership of the Senate Energy and Telecommunications Committee, which I am proud to chair, we have helped advance the policy framework and innovation agenda that made investments like these possible. By prioritizing vehicle-grid integration, supporting emerging technologies, and ensuring New York remains at the forefront of clean energy deployment, we are delivering real solutions that lower costs for consumers, strengthen grid reliability, and accelerate our progress toward a more resilient and equitable energy future. From Brooklyn to Buffalo, these projects reflect what is possible when government, industry, and research institutions work together to turn bold climate goals into practical action for working families across the state.”
New York State Assemblymember William Magnarelli noted, “I am pleased to see these funds being allocated to build our electric vehicle infrastructure. These projects are important to making the electric vehicle transition affordable and practical.”
Alliance for Transportation Electrification Executive Director Philip B. Jones remarked, “Across the country, we are achieving much greater scale in EV adoption and infrastructure as consumers prefer to purchase EVs as a superior technology. Vehicle grid integration solutions can unlock more savings for all at this greater scale. I am delighted that these innovative programs have been recognized by NYSERDA and that they can move forward now.”
Vehicle Grid Integration Council (VGIC) Executive Director Zach Woogen praised, “New York continues to demonstrate national leadership in vehicle-grid integration by supporting innovative projects that move these technologies from concept to real-world deployment. Investments in managed charging platforms, bidirectional charging solutions, and charger-paired distributed energy resources help unlock EVs as a critical grid resource. These solutions enhance system reliability, community resilience, grid utilization, and energy affordability for all users of the electric grid, not just EV drivers.”
New York Battery and Energy Storage Technology (NY-BEST) Consortium Executive Director Dr. William Acker expressed, “The efficient integration of electrified transportation with the electric grid creates an opportunity to improve reliability and affordability. NY-BEST applauds NYSERDA’s vehicle grid integration program which is advancing key technologies like bi-directional charging and the use of energy storage to improve grid utilization and flexibility, directly impacting ratepayer cost.”
This announcement is part of New York State’s ongoing efforts to boost technology and innovation to address energy costs and support a stable electric grid. NYSERDA annually invests over $96 million to attract global energy innovators, reduce investment risks, and remove barriers to clean energy adoption, leveraging $15 in additional investment for every dollar spent. The agency has collaborated with over 900 companies, leading to the commercialization of more than 300 products.
Under Governor Hochul’s leadership, nearly $3 billion is being invested in zero-emission vehicles, with efforts to broaden clean transportation access for all New Yorkers, including those in disadvantaged communities. State initiatives include the Drive Clean Rebate Program, EV Make Ready 
, Charge Ready 2.0, EVolve NY , the New York Truck Voucher Incentive Program (NYTVIP), the New York School Bus Incentive Program, and the Direct Current Fast Charger Program.
This initiative is funded through the Clean Energy Fund (CEF).
New York State’s Climate Agenda
New York is committed to an equitable and affordable transition to a clean energy economy that fosters job creation and economic growth through green investments, ensuring at least 35 percent of the benefits reach disadvantaged communities. Efforts are underway to achieve an emissions-free economy by 2050, targeting energy, building, transportation, and waste sectors.
NYSERDA
Operating since 1975, NYSERDA is dedicated to advancing New York’s energy system and economy. As a public benefit corporation, it provides impartial information and expertise to drive innovation. NYSERDA’s initiatives focus on environmental protection, energy efficiency, and reducing fossil fuel dependence. For more information on NYSERDA’s programs and funding opportunities, visit nyserda.ny.gov or follow on Twitter , Facebook , YouTube , or Instagram .
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Original Story at www.nyserda.ny.gov