PRESS RELEASE
$4.4 Million Investment Creates New Jobs, Lowers Fossil Fuels, and Cuts Toxic Emissions
Governor Andrew M. Cuomo today announced that $4.4 million has been
awarded to ten companies, municipalities and other entities to enable
more than 325 new electric-vehicle (EV) charging stations to be
installed across New York State.
New York State's electric-vehicle charging stations are supported by a
joint effort by the New York State Energy Research and Development
Authority (NYSERDA)'s Electric Vehicle Supply Equipment Demonstration
Program and the U.S. Department of Energy.
With high gas prices, EVs provide a fuel-efficient alternative to gas-
and diesel-powered vehicles while helping reduce the nation and state's
dependence on fossil fuels. A diverse infrastructure of EV charging
stations will create new jobs and business opportunities across the
state, as well as helping promote the sale of electric cars, trucks and
other vehicles.
"With New Yorkers facing higher prices at the pump, the state is
stepping up to make owning an electric vehicle an affordable and
convenient option," Governor Cuomo said. "Creating an infrastructure to
accommodate electric vehicles will create jobs and new economic
development across the state, while reducing our carbon footprint and
helping protect the environment."
New York's transportation sector has considerable potential for energy
efficiency. Transportation makes up about three-fourths of the state's
oil consumption, and nearly 40 percent of the state's greenhouse gas
emissions.
Francis J. Murray Jr., President and CEO of NYSERDA, said, "Electric
vehicles offer a cleaner alternative to combustion engines, helping
reduce the consumption of fossil fuels and the emission of greenhouse
gases. NYSERDA supports the Governor's continued leadership in creating
an electric-vehicle future in New York State, and advancing technology
that will not only stimulate the economy but lessen our impact on the
environment."
Last year, NYSERDA received a $1 million U.S. Department of Energy
grant on behalf of the Transportation and Climate Initiative, a
collaboration of the transportation, energy, and environment agencies of
11 Northeast states and Washington, DC to reduce greenhouse gas
emissions from the transportation sector. The goal of the initiative is
to accelerate the introduction of EV charging stations throughout the
Northeast making the region a hub for electric vehicles through public
and private partnerships. President Barack Obama has called for 1
million plug-in vehicles to be on the street nationwide by 2015.
U.S. Senator Charles Schumer said, "Sky-high gas prices and tight
budgets have left many New Yorkers struggling at the pump, but there is
hope in new technology, like electric cars, that can free us from our
dependence on foreign oil. By finally making electric cars more
accessible to the general public, we are taking a huge step towards
giving consumers another viable and affordable transportation option,
and I'm proud to have fought for money for this program from the U.S.
Department of Energy."
U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand said, "In this tough economy we need a
do-it-all approach that expands our energy portfolio to provide middle
class New Yorkers with relief at the pump. By creating an infrastructure
for electric vehicles, we can cut energy costs, cut pollution to
protect the air we breathe, and reduce our dependence on foreign oil
which strengthens our national security."
U.S. Representative Eliot Engel, a senior member of the House Energy
and Commerce Committee, said, "America needs to end our dependence on
foreign oil, and our reliance on such hostile nations as Iran and
Venezuela to power our cars and homes. Alternative technologies exist,
such as electric cars, and their widespread use will go a long way
towards ending this reliance. I am the author of the Open Fuel Standard
Act, (along with Rep. John Shimkus, R-IL) that would require 50 percent
of new automobiles in 2014, 80 percent in 2016, and 95 percent in 2017,
to operate on nonpetroleum fuels in addition to or instead of petroleum
based fuels. Between electric cars and alternative fuels, we can
eventually reach a point where we no longer have to put money in the
coffers of our enemies."
U.S. Representative Paul Tonko, who is also the former President and
CEO of NYSERDA, said, "Drivers across New York, and indeed the nation,
are sick and tired of giving tax breaks to Big Oil companies while at
the same time paying record prices at the pump. One competitive
alternative is electric vehicles. I applaud Governor Cuomo for
installing these new charging stations and for partnering with the
federal government to advance clean energy technology, create jobs and
provide drivers options they so urgently deserve."
NYSERDA will also be managing a $10 million fund that offers vouchers
of up to $20,000 per vehicle for the purchase of EV commercial trucks
weighing more than 10,000 pounds.
EV charging station projects announced today include:
Access Technology Integration Inc. – Plans to install charging
stations with innovative reservation and payment systems at seven
locations around the Albany area, including St. Peter's Hospital,
Albany-Rensselaer Train Station, Times Union Center, universities,
supermarkets, and other locations. NYSERDA funding: $244,000.
Beam Charging LLC – Company will install a total of 28 charging
stations, each one in a separate public parking garage around Manhattan,
for the purpose of gathering data to determine how well such charging
stations are used. $400,000.
Car
Charging Group Inc. – Plans to install charging stations at up to 15
high-traffic locations in New York City, directed toward apartment
dwellers who do not have parking at home. Sites would go in parking
garages that are used primarily for monthly parking. NYSERDA funding:
$200,000.
City of Rochester – Plans to install 24 charging stations at seven
highly-visible and busy locations around the city, including municipal
parking garages, City Hall, the Port of Rochester and the Rochester
Public Market. NYSERDA funding: $228,000.
Coulomb Technologies Inc. – Partnering with National Grid, Coulomb
will deploy 81 dual charging stations with Coulomb's ChargePoint
software. The technology will demonstrate a web-based demand response
program, a new low-cost installation method and a customized reservation
system. NYSERDA funding: $1 million.
EV Connect Inc. – Plans to install EV charging stations at five
Marriott hotels around New York State that make use of a unique
reservation and payment system. Project would make it possible for
overnight visitors to charge their vehicles while staying at a hotel.
NYSERDA funding: $250,000.
Golub Corp. (Price Chopper Supermarkets) -- Plans to install 12
charging stations at four locations, each equipped with a weather canopy
and lighting to make them visible. This is the first phase of an
intended statewide rollout. NYSERDA funding: $325,000.
New York Port Authority – Plans to install seven experimental charging
stations for fleet vehicles and public use that practice
demand-response (aligning charging times with times of low power
demands, reducing charging cost and impact during peak demand to the
grid). NYSERDA funding: $720,000.
New York Power Authority –Plans to install 124 charging stations at
train and bus stations, airports and municipal parking lots. Three sites
would be powered in part through on-site solar power. NYSERDA funding:
$989,000.
Plugin Stations Online – Plans to install charging stations at three
apartment complexes in Albany, Rochester and Buffalo, as well as one at
Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, Troy. NYSERDA funding: $64,000.
Another round of the program is currently underway with proposals due
July 25, 2012. Visit PON 2301 - Electric Vehicle Supply Equipment (ESVE)
Demonstration and Support Program for more information.
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