NYSERDA partnership to bring 150 electric vehicle charging stations to LeFrak City

LeFrak City will soon host 150 electric vehicle charging stations. Photo via NYC.gov

By Rachel Vick

A new $3 million project to expand electric vehicle capacity is headed to Lefrak City, New York State Energy Research and Development Authority announced June 9.

NYSERDA is partnering with New York-based Blueprint Power to bring charging to the 20 building complex in Corona and demonstrate energy efficient technology that adapts to demand.

“The infrastructure required to ready a site for EV charging is a significant cost driver and frequent roadblock for anyone who wants to offer EV charging on their property,” said Robyn Beavers, co-founder and CEO of Blueprint Power. “Blueprint is thrilled to demonstrate how the software platform we built to decarbonize buildings in a financially attractive way can simultaneously deliver cost-effective decarbonization of our city’s transportation fleets.

The project was funded through NYSERDA’s High Performing Grid program and aims to have 150 EV chargers installed on the property by 2025. The installation will be one of the largest in the northeast.

Part of their goal is to prove that the same amount of EV charging can be done with less infrastructure, lowering utility costs and saving space, according to NYSERDA. It will also work  to model solutions to reaching a zero emission power grid by 2040 as outlined in the Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act from Gov. Andrew Cuomo.

Data will be collected to analyze LeFrak City’s building energy uses to optimize solar, storage and EV charger installations. Excess energy not used by the building will go to power the chargers, ultimately reducing energy use.

“LeFrak has a long-standing commitment to sustainability and the future of New York City,” said Jamie LeFrak, the vice chairman of the LeFrak Organization. “We’re honored to partner with Blueprint on this innovative initiative that will not only enhance our offerings to residents at LeFrak City, but also make a significant impact on creating a cleaner economy for our city.”