Brooklyn-based Revel, an electric mobility and infrastructure company, announced in a press release Monday it will aim to multiply the number of available fast chargers for electric vehicles across New York City.
The company said it intends to develop and open five new EV fast charging “superhubs” across multiple boroughs to add 136 public charging stalls. Those sites will be open 24/7 and compatible with any EV brand, the company said. The largest site, set to feature 60 stalls, will be in Queens, with smaller hubs in the Bronx, Brooklyn and Manhattan. Most sites are slated to open by the of this year.
This development builds on Revel opening its first public superhub in Brooklyn in mid-2021 with 25 chargers. At the time, Revel said it was the first in a “network” of such hubs the company planned across New York City. In November, on the heels of new financing, Revel said it plans to open additional sites in major U.S. cities in 2023.
Revel last year also installed the city’s first vehicle-to-grid two-way charging system and has received grant money from a New York state program spurring clean transportation.
The company has a history of operating shared e-mopeds in cities. But Vice President of Corporate Affairs Haley Rubinson told Smart Cities Dive last fall that the company sees a “greater need” in the EV fast charging space. The company said Monday that through the upcoming expansion, it will operate “roughly 80% of New York City’s public fast charging infrastructure.” Revel said its ride-hailing fleet would participate in managed charging at the new sites.
Mayor Eric Adams’ administration last week announced plans to replace nearly 1,000 gas-powered vehicles in the municipal fleet with electric alternatives and add 315 new chargers. Public officials in New York praised Revel’s development.
“Making fast, reliable electric vehicle charging accessible across New York City's five boroughs is at the foundation of reducing emissions in our city,” said Deputy Mayor for Operations Meera Joshi in Revel’s press release. “We applaud Revel’s infrastructure investment in New York City, which will make it easier for drivers to go electric.”
John Markowitz, senior director for eMobility at the New York Power Authority, was also quoted in the announcement. “New York State has made significant investments in electrifying the transportation sector and encouraging drivers to choose zero-emission vehicles. Building out charging infrastructure in New York City is a key part of the equation,” Markowitz said.
