The Role of Transportation in Climate Change
Climate change poses a major threat to our planet and our city. Barring dramatic action, New Yorkers will face severe sea level rise, extreme flooding, more frequent heat waves, and more intense storms. These impacts will place huge strains on our economy, our infrastructure, and our communities. In response, the City of New York is working to reduce the city’s greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions—the gases that trap heat in the atmosphere and contribute to global warming—80% by 2050.
Transportation is responsible for almost 30% of New York City’s GHG emissions, with most of these emissions coming from passenger cars. As part of the city’s climate action plan, we are encouraging New Yorkers who own cars to switch from traditional gas vehicles to electric models. Increasing the adoption of electric vehicles (EVs), along with promoting walking, biking, and transit, will reduce carbon emissions, as well as improve the city’s air quality and public health.
You can read more about the City's sustainability plans, including the transportation sector in PlaNYC: Getting Sustainability Done. You can also read more in Charged Up!: TLC’s Roadmap to Electrifying the For-Hire Transportation Sector in New York City
Promoting the Adoption of EVs: Expanding Charging
There has never been a better time to go electric. EVs are becoming much more affordable, battery range is increasing, and more and more models are hitting the market. Consumers in the U.S. can now choose from over 30 EV models and can buy vehicles with 200 miles of range per change for under $30,000 with federal tax incentives. Used EVs can be purchased for significantly less.
But to go electric, car owners need a way to charge their EVs. In New York, where many people park their cars at the curb and don’t have access to a home charger, that can be a challenge. To address this gap, the New York City Department of Transportation is working to expand access to public EV charging across the five boroughs.
Curbside Level 2 Charging Project
In partnership with Con Edison, the NYC DOT has installed 100 public Level 2 chargers. You can find out more info about the Curbside Charging Pilot here, and read an evaluation report here.
Currently New York City is developing its strategy for curbside charging beyond the existing pilot.
What is level 2 EV charging?
Level 2 chargers provide an EV with a full charge in about 4-8 hours, depending on the vehicle’s battery size. EV owners typically use level 2 chargers for most of their charging needs. Level 2 is a good fit for charging while parked at home, at work, or curbside.
What types of electric vehicles are able to use these chargers?
In the existing pilot level 2 chargers come with a standard SAE J1772 connector that is compatible with most EVs. Tesla owners are able to use the level 2 curbside chargers with an adapter that comes with each Tesla.