New York City Selects Brooklyn Startup "it’s electric" to Build 700-Charger Curbside Network
New York City has chosen it’s electric, a Brooklyn-based company that manufactures in Queens, to replace its curbside electric vehicle charging pilot with a permanent network spanning all five boroughs. The project, set to be completed over three years, will expand the current 88 points to approximately 700.
This announcement follows the city’s August reveal of an expansion plan including 600 Level 2 charging points and 92 fast chargers. The New York Power Authority is responsible for equipment procurement and construction oversight, while the Department of Transportation manages and maintains the network.
The key aspect lies in the siting strategy, focusing on areas with high rideshare concentrations and limited off-street parking options—an area private charging networks have been reluctant to address. New York hosts over 80,000 rideshare drivers, many of whom rely on street parking, which hinders the adoption of electric vehicles due to a lack of convenient charging infrastructure.
The city’s Green Rides rule mandates that rideshare and taxi vehicles be electric by 2030; however, without readily available charging options, this deadline remains challenging.
"Our vision is for EV chargers to become that normal infrastructure New York’s kids simply grow up with," stated Tiya Gordon, co-founder, and chief operating officer of it’s electric.
The company emphasizes its manufacturing capabilities, arguing that every unit installed in Los Angeles, San Francisco, Detroit, Washington, and Boston will be produced in Queens. Uber’s senior director of public policy, Josh Gold, echoed this sentiment: "More accessible charging is critical to helping Uber drivers make the switch to electric."
it’s electric secured a bridge funding round led by Halogen Ventures, with participation from Wisdom Ventures, Future Communities, E8 Angels, DiPalo Ventures, Alumni Ventures, Gaingels, and returning investors including Uber, Failup, Gratitude Railroad, and the Partnership Fund for New York City. The exact amount raised remains undisclosed.
The deal’s structure is notable; the Power Authority purchases the equipment, easing the financial burden on it’s electric. However, the long-term viability of this arrangement as the network expands is a question to be explored in the coming year.
it’s electric‘s hardware design is crucial for its curbside charging success in dense urban environments. Traditional charging posts often fail due to space constraints on city streets, requiring innovative solutions to integrate charging infrastructure without compromising pavement.