4 benefits of installing EV charging stations for New York businesses

New York State’s goal is to have 850,000 electric vehicles (EVs) on its roads by 2025. With the uptake of EVs moving at a steady pace, there’s a growing need for charging stations to support this transition to cleaner forms of transport.

With ever more EVs on the roads as we journey to net zero, installing EV charging stations can lead to numerous benefits for businesses across Upstate NY.

1. Be an environmental leader

The transportation industry – including diesel-fueled cars – is the leading cause of greenhouse gas emissions in the US.[1] According to the US Environmental Protection Agency, diesel fuel emissions contribute to the production of ground-level ozone, which damages crops, trees and other vegetation.[2]

In contrast, EVs produce zero harmful emissions at the tailpipe and the lifetime emissions of a medium-sized EV in the US is 60-68% lower than a gas-powered car.[3]

EVs therefore play a crucial role in the decarbonization of transport, aiding New York’s journey to net zero carbon emissions statewide by 2050.[1] With more EV charging infrastructure available, EV adoption can continue to increase and by investing in EV charging stations businesses can position themselves as leaders in sustainability.

2. Installations at little to no cost

Through National Grid’s EV Make-Ready Program in Upstate NY, we will fund up to 100% of the electric infrastructure costs associated with new electric vehicle charging stations. In conjunction with our support, businesses can take advantage of state-level incentives to help offset the upfront investment. Two major projects sponsored by our program so far are in Buffalo and the Village of Ellicottville.

The Ellicottville project involved installing four Level 2 EV charging plugs in a new 125-car municipal public parking lot, receiving nearly $24,000 in incentives. “Our Make-Ready Program is ideally suited for municipalities like the Village of Ellicottville,” said Whitney Skeans, EV Make-Ready Program Manager. “One of the advantages that Level 2 chargers create is that while their vehicles are being charged visitors may shop, dine, stay overnight and support area businesses.” The community and the more than 25,000 weekend visitors will benefit from the additional parking and the ability to charge their vehicles.

> Find out more about the Ellicottville project

Axis 360 Apartments, located in Buffalo NY, installed 18 Level 2 EV charging plugs for its residents, making it the largest EV charging installation at a multi-unit apartment complex in Western New York. Our Make-Ready Program covered more than 70% of Axis 360’s total project costs, in addition to extra funding for existing electricity infrastructure.

> Find out more about the Buffalo project

3. Attract new customers, tenants and employees

Installing EV charging stations meets customer and employee needs, while promoting clean energy use. According to the Department of Energy, about 80% of charging takes place at home.[4] Escalent’s EVs for EVeryone study estimates that one-third of multifamily housing residents say the availability of EV charging will be important in choosing where to live when they next move. This means that investing in EV charging stations for multifamily properties can attract tenants who are willing to pay higher rents with less turnover.

The standard charge time for an EV is around 60 minutes. With an EV charging station available, local businesses open themselves up to a new demographic that may be looking for something to do while their car charges, whether that’s enjoying a meal, shopping or grabbing a cup of coffee. If visitors know they can charge up at a local business it may keep them coming back.

4. Get a jump start on the future

According to the New York Times, 2023 was a record-breaking year for EVs across the US.[5] Americans bought more than one million fully electric cars, trucks and SUVs – a milestone number as we transition away from gas vehicles. In addition, EVs accounted for 8.5% of new auto registrations nationwide, while hybrids covered an additional 10%. In the New York City metropolitan area, ownership rates of electric cars have more than doubled.[6]

As New York moves towards the goal of 850,000 EVs on its roads by 2025, the need for proper infrastructure is clear.[7] Businesses looking to get ahead of the movement by investing in EV charging stations will position themselves as leaders in the space and be better prepared for the inevitable need when EV sales reach their peak.

> Learn more and apply for the EV Make-Ready Program

Sources

[1] Carbon Pollution from Transportation | US EPA

[2] Learn About Impacts of Diesel Exhaust and the Diesel Emissions Reduction Act (DERA) | US EPA

[3] A global comparison of the life-cycle greenhouse gas emissions of combustion engine and electric passenger cars - International Council on Clean Transportation (theicct.org)

[4] A big EV purchase decision that's not about the car model you buy (cnbc.com)

[5] Where E.V.s Are (and Aren’t) Taking Off Across the U.S - The New York Times (nytimes.com)

[6] Why the NY Metro Area Is Seeing an Explosive Growth in Electric Cars - The New York Times (nytimes.com)

[7] Governor Hochul Signs Legislation to Advance New York's Transition to Clean Transportation | Governor Kathy Hochul (ny.gov)