New Electric Vehicle Fast Chargers Launch in Queens to Promote Green Transportation
NEW YORK — In a significant step towards sustainable urban mobility, New York City’s electric vehicle (EV) infrastructure received a boost with the installation of eight new fast chargers at a municipal lot in downtown Flushing, Queens. This initiative, a collaborative effort between the New York City Department of Transportation (NYC DOT) and the New York Power Authority (NYPA), marks the beginning of a larger rollout of charging stations across the city.
The new charging hub, strategically located at 135-23 39th Avenue, aims to support the City’s ambitious goal of achieving net-zero carbon emissions by 2050. The chargers are specifically placed in an area with limited access to affordable charging solutions and a high density of Taxi and Limousine Commission (TLC)-licensed drivers. Notably, drivers using these chargers will not incur additional parking fees. Each of the eight 360kW units can charge a vehicle up to 80% in approximately 10-15 minutes.
“Clean energy infrastructure is the foundation of our City’s green future,” remarked Mayor Zohran Kwame Mamdani. He emphasized the importance of situating charging hubs in neighborhoods that are home to many for-hire drivers, highlighting the dual benefits of affordability and sustainability.
NYC DOT Commissioner Mike Flynn noted that the placement of EV chargers in residential areas of working drivers facilitates the transition to electric vehicles. “These chargers will also be available to the public and help serve communities with few affordable charging options,” he added, underscoring the city’s commitment to equitable investments.
NYPA President and CEO Justin E. Driscoll highlighted the importance of expanding fast charging infrastructure citywide to support cleaner air and a move towards clean transportation. The Flushing station is the first of several planned installations, with additional sites in Bayside and Rosedale expected to be operational soon.
Overall, 66 EVolve NY fast chargers will be available across 10 NYC DOT municipal parking facilities, spanning Queens, Brooklyn, and the Bronx. Future sites include:
- Jerome-190th St Municipal Parking Garage
- Brighton Beach Municipal Parking Field
- Canarsie Municipal Parking Field
- Ditmars #2 Municipal Parking Field
- Rockaway Park Municipal Parking Field
- Steinway #1 Municipal Parking Field
- Sunnyside Municipal Parking Field
These additions complement the existing network of five fast-charging stations operated by NYC DOT, located in strategic areas such as Queens Borough Hall and Court Square in Queens, as well as locations in Manhattan, the Bronx, and Brooklyn.
The expansion also includes ongoing projects managed by NYPA, which are slated for completion by 2027, and the operation of 92 curbside Level 2 chargers in partnership with Con Edison. As of early 2026, more than 79,000 EVs are registered in NYC, accounting for a 25% share of the state’s total and demonstrating a significant year-over-year growth.
Local and state officials have praised the initiative for its potential to enhance the practicality of EV ownership while contributing to environmental justice and zero emissions goals. State Senator Gustavo Rivera and U.S. Rep. Grace Meng acknowledged the role of such infrastructure in making EVs more accessible and practical, particularly in working-class neighborhoods.
As Queens Borough President Donovan Richards Jr. stated, “Queens is firmly on the frontlines of the fight against climate change,” emphasizing the borough’s leadership in New York City’s clean energy transition.
With a focus on equitable access and environmental sustainability, this initiative represents a critical step forward in New York City’s journey towards a greener future. As NYLCV Deputy Director Alia Soomro noted, prioritizing high-speed EV chargers in underserved areas plays a crucial role in meeting the city’s electrification and net-zero targets.
Original Story at www.nyc.gov