The popularity of electric vehicles is expanding more than ever. As in individual use, more electric vehicles are rapidly taking place in the public space. Electric vehicles are more favorable than fossil fuel vehicles, especially in urban areas. Maintenance costs, automation systems, and energy efficiency also make EVs stand out a few more steps. The Federal government is also taking an important step in this direction.
Federal Government Increases Incentives for EVs Transition
In the US, the federal government provides various incentives for conversion to electric vehicles. The City of New York is also taking advantage of these incentives and incorporating a large-scale fleet. The New York City Council announced it will spend $10.1 million to purchase 925 electric vehicles. The fund will cover electric garbage trucks to street sweepers, and build 315 new EV chargers. The US Department of Transportation provides $10.1 million in federal grant funding to the City of New York. The fund will be used to purchase 382 Chevrolet Bolts, 360 Ford E-Transit vans, and 150 Ford F-150 Lightning pickup trucks.
The administration is also purchasing 25 plug-in hybrid street sweepers for the New York City Department of Sanitation (DSNY) and 7 Mack LR BEV garbage trucks with two 130 kW engines producing a total of 496 peak horsepower. After a successful pilot implementation, these will be the first electric garbage trucks owned by DSNY. This first order of electric pickup trucks and vans brings the agency closer to its goal of an all-electric light and medium-duty fleet by 2035.
Federal funds will also support the DCAS’s first major investment in all-electric pickup trucks. By September 2022 – three years ahead of schedule – DCAS has reached its goal of electrifying 4,000 vehicles in its city fleet. Currently, the electric fleet includes a variety of vehicle types and categories, from more than 200 Ford Mustang Mach Es to nearly 850 Chevy Bolts, most of which serve law enforcement.
New York City To Establish Its Own Charging Network
DCAS also operates the largest EV charging network in New York State. The total number of charging units consist of more than 1,300 for fleet vehicles. DCAS will build 600 more charging units in the next 18 months. This fund will also support the purchase of 315 additional charging units.
Related Article: EPA Has Released $5 Billion Electrified School Bus Initiative
