Earlier this month, New York Governor Kathy Hochul announced the installation of the first fast chargers for electric vehicles in downtown Albany. The Quackenbush public parking garage has been upgraded, and now features a charging hub, expanding the New York Power Authority’s EVolve NY high-speed network into the heart of the state’s capital city.
This partnership with the Albany Parking Authority resulted in the installation of four charging stalls, which should helpe the city achieve its goal to upgrade overall infrastructure to support carbon-free transportation.
“New York State is adding convenient fast charging in its cities and along rural highways to truly prepare for a transportation future where electric vehicles are the norm,” Governor Hochul said. “Bringing fast chargers to the center of our capital city sets a trend for urban planners and makes it easier for city dwellers to enjoy the benefits of zero-emission travel. Fast and convenient charging will make our cities more accessible and environmentally friendly.”
According to the governor’s office, investing in downtown infrastructure also supports the state’s transition to zero-emission vehicles by 2035, while also moving the state toward the goals set out in New York’s Climate Act. The act establishes targets for decreasing greenhouse gas emissions from the transportation sector (even if they’re not quite as fast as climate activists would like).
Another important goal the Governor’s office mentioned is the elimination of “fast charging deserts” to make it easier for everyone (both living in New York and visiting from out of state) to travel to anywhere in New York. The New York Power Authority (NYPA) claims to have the largest open-access high-speed charging network in New York State, with almost 150 charging stalls at 38 stations along major highways, and this adds to that number. National Grid (the local utility) supplies power to the new site.
The Quackenbush garage (owned by the City of Albany) is located at 25 Orange St. It was selected as an Evolve NY DC Fast charging site because it’s convenient for apartment dwellers, hotel guests and other residents who probably don’t have the ability to charge at home. It’s also close to Quackenbush Square and many of the city’s premiere shopping, dining and historic sites, so the stations will likely see plenty of use in the coming years.
Out of 879 parking spaces, Quackenbush now has 13 total EV charging stalls. On top of the 4 new fast charging spots, nine other spaces have Level 2 charging provided by the Albany Parking Authority (located on the garage’s second level). The garage does require a fee, and people coming to charge will need to pay that fee.
“The addition of more electric vehicle chargers – especially the first fast chargers in downtown Albany – builds upon the momentum we have in the City of Albany towards a more sustainable future,” said Albany Mayor Kathy Sheehan. “I am excited to expand access and encourage more people to choose electric knowing they have the ability to charge on the go. Thank you to Governor Hochul, the Albany Parking Authority and the New York Power Authority for their continued partnership in realizing this milestone.”
Featured image provided by Evolve NY.
