$5.2 million investment expands the City’s charging infrastructure | City of New York

Department of Citywide Administrative Services


Press Release


NYC DCAS Adds 71 Solar Electric Vehicle Chargers to Power Fleet Vehicles Using Nothing but Sunlight

February 10, 2023

$5.2 million investment expands the City’s charging infrastructure and provides a resilient charging option during a power outage

NEW YORK - NYC Department of Citywide Administrative Services (DCAS) Commissioner Dawn M. Pinnock today announced the acquisition of 71 new solar carports featuring electric vehicle (EV) charging stations to power the City’s electric fleet vehicles. The solar carports will charge vehicles using nothing but sunlight and provide a resilient charging option if there is a power outage. Twenty-one of the new solar carports have been deployed at sites across the five boroughs, with the remainder going live by June 30, 2023. This $5.2 million investment in green energy infrastructure reflects the City’s commitment to resiliency and preparing for the full electrification of the City’s fleet by 2035.

“Our fleet is going electric, and we will now be powering more of our electric vehicles using nothing but sunlight,” said DCAS Commissioner Dawn M. Pinnock. “By investing in 71 new solar carports, we are investing in a greener, more sustainable future. These carports will provide a renewable and resilient energy source to power our vehicles to carry out critical work.”

With its storm resilient design, these 71 solar carports provide autonomous solar power with very low maintenance and upkeep costs. Each unit costs $74,000 and comes equipped with level two charging ports for fast charging EVs and regular outlets.

The new solar carports add to the City’s existing network of 85 solar carports. The first round of installations are now powering vehicles at DCAS, Taxi and Limousine Commission (TLC), New York City Department of Sanitation (DSNY), NYC Parks, and New York City Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) facilities across the five boroughs.

DCAS/TLC

Queens; 3 installed

DSNY

Brooklyn; 9 installed

Staten Island; 1 Installed

DEP

Staten Island; 1 installed

Yonkers; 1 installed

NYC Parks

Brooklyn; 2 installed

Bronx; 1 installed

Manhattan; 1 installed

Queens; 2 installed

Earlier this month, DCAS announced that it was replacing 925 fossil-fuel powered vehicles with EVs. As of September 2022, DCAS reached its 2025-goal of transitioning 4,000 vehicles in the city fleet to electric vehicles - three years ahead of schedule.
DCAS operates the largest public or private EV charging network in New York State, with over 1,400 charging ports available for fleet units.

“We normally think of fleet as a consumer of fuel and energy,” said DCAS Deputy Commissioner for Fleet Management Keith Kerman. “For the first time, we are also now a producer of zero emissions solar power through these carports. Our network of solar carports are independent of the electric grid, do not require fixed installation, and can be readily moved if needed. The carports will play a critical role charging our electric vehicles daily and also provide emergency backup and resiliency during storm and other emergencies”

About the NYC Department of Citywide Administrative Services

The NYC Department of Citywide Administrative Services (DCAS) makes city government work for all New Yorkers. Our commitment to equity, effectiveness, and sustainability guides our work providing City agencies with the resources and support needed to succeed, including:

Recruiting, hiring, and training City employees

Managing 55 public buildings

Acquiring, selling, and leasing City property

Purchasing over $1 billion in goods and services for City agencies

Overseeing the greenest municipal vehicle fleet in the country

Leading the City’s efforts to reduce carbon emissions from government operations
Learn more about DCAS by visiting nyc.gov/dcas or by following us on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn, and listening to the Inside Citywide podcast.