State University of New York to install 350 EV chargers

The State University of New York (SUNY) will receive $15 million in federal funding to install up to 350 EV chargers across its campuses. The main goal is to improve air quality in the US state.

Image: SUNY

SUNY will install fast-chargers, as well as Level 2 charge points throughout the state. Some locations will also feature solar canopies or battery storage. The press release from the office of New York Senator Chuck Schumer states that the new installations will “expand charging options for the campus and surrounding communities.” It thus seems that the chargers will be open to the public.

The funding comes from the US Department of Transportation’s Charging And Fueling Infrastructure Grant Programme, created under the Bipartisan Infrastructure Investment & Jobs Act. Schumer led the creation of the grant programme, specifically designed to fund electric vehicle charging and alternative fueling locations on public roads, schools, parks, and in publicly accessible parking facilities. The programme has a budget of just over 1,3 billion dollars.

SUNY is the latest recipient of funds. The state university has several locations across the US state – 64 to be exact. It is the largest comprehensive university system in the US and has nearly half a million students. There is no timetable yet as to when the first EV chargers will be installed or what the ratio of Level 2 to fast-chargers will be.

“This is a win for our students, teachers, local residents and hundreds of visitors who visit SUNY campuses every day,” said US Senator Schumer. “Electric vehicles are booming in popularity, and for this industry to succeed we need to make charging your car as easy and convenient as filling up a gas tank.” He added: “Now, SUNY will be leading the charge to help NY get on the road to a cleaner and greener future.”

“As more electric vehicles hit the road, it is paramount that we invest in expanding EV charging networks to make it easier for EV users to travel across the state,” said New York Senator Kirsten Gillibrand, who joined Schumer in the announcement. “This $15 million federal investment will greatly expand EV charging infrastructure on SUNY campuses across New York, helping to reduce carbon emissions and put the brakes on climate change.