Governor Hochul Announces Free Electric Car Charging

In a press release on Thursday, Governor Kathy Hochul announced that electric cars will be able to charge for free at all EVolve NY Direct Current Fast Chargers for during the holiday weekend.

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The free charging will begin at 12:01 am on July 1st and end at 11:59 pm on July 5th. The EVolve NY program features nearly 100 high speed chargers across the state which can charge electric vehicles in as little as 20 minutes. The chargers are located along major travel corridors in the state, with local chargers located in Binghamton and Castle Creek.

The state is investing up to $250 million through 2025 in an effort to reduce its carbon footprint.

In the press release, Governor Hochul stated "My administration remains laser-focused on making continuous investments in green energy to help reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and this free charging holiday is in celebration of that commitment."

The state intends for all new passenger cars and trucks sold in New York to be zero-emissions by 2035, and hopes to have 850,000 zero-emission vehicles on the road within the next three years. Currently, there are approximately 103,000 electric vehicles registered in the state and over 10,000 electric vehicle charging stations. The Governor plans to reach the goal of over 50,000 electric vehicle charging stations by 2025.

Lieutenant Governor Antonio Delgado said "These free fast charging electric vehicle stations offered at EVolve NY sites across the state over the holiday week will help lower the cost of travel for New Yorkers on one of the busiest weekends of the year. We are hopeful that these free charging stations will help encourage more New Yorkers, and travelers from other states, to turn to energy efficient, emission-free vehicles and provide a cleaner environment for our children."