Revel Brooklyn Superhub: 25 EV Fast Chargers Now Open

Revel Launches First EV Fast Charging Superhub in Brooklyn

On Tuesday morning, amidst humid conditions in Brooklyn, electrified mobility company Revel officially opened its inaugural electric vehicle fast charging superhub.

The ribbon-cutting ceremony was attended by U.S. Secretary of Energy Jennifer Granholm and Revel’s founder and CEO, Frank Reig.

Granholm Praises Revel’s Initiative

Granholm commended Revel, stating, “Thank you for demonstrating to the country how this can be achieved and for serving as an example of what is needed nationwide.”

Superhub Details and Capacity

The new Revel superhub features 25 brand-agnostic RTM75 chargers, supplied by DC fast charging manufacturer Tritium. Reig indicated that this Bed-Stuy location, operating 24/7, represents the largest universal charging station currently available in North America.

NYC’s Energy Landscape and Renewable Goals

Currently, over two-thirds of New York City’s energy supply originates from fossil fuels. Consequently, approximately a quarter of the city’s greenhouse gas emissions are attributable to electricity generation.

The state has set ambitious targets, aiming for 70% renewable electricity by 2030 and a fully carbon-free power grid by 2040. Achieving these goals may prove challenging, particularly with the planned decommissioning of the Indian Point nuclear reactors, which currently provide roughly 25% of the city’s energy, as per 2018 mayoral office data.

Furthermore, most renewable energy sources necessitate substantial land areas for solar or wind power infrastructure, a significant hurdle in a densely populated and expensive city like New York.

Power Infrastructure and Future-Proofing

The superhub is situated within the former Pfizer manufacturing building on Flushing Avenue, a site boasting 7 megawatts of available power.

Reig explained to TechCrunch that the site was designed with future scalability in mind. “Every charger can be upgraded without requiring infrastructure excavation. Should we wish to install 250 or 350 kilowatt chargers in the coming years, as vehicle capabilities evolve, we will be able to do so.”

Strategic Location for Accessibility

Revel deliberately chose the Pfizer building due to its central location within “New York City’s urban core,” prioritizing accessibility for the majority of New Yorkers, rather than locating the station at airports or in private garages.

Equitable Access and Pricing

“Revel strongly believes in ensuring equitable access to charging infrastructure,” Reig stated. “Unlike many fast chargers in New York that require parking fees of $10 to $20, plus the charging cost, this site is publicly accessible 24/7 with no entrance fees. Customers pay only for the electricity consumed.”

Charging Costs and Amenities

Charging costs are set at 39 cents per kilowatt hour, translating to approximately $15 to $20 for a full charge, with a charging time of 15 to 30 minutes. While vehicles charge, drivers can utilize the redesigned space within the Pfizer building, now a co-working space and food hall.

Parking and Fleet Integration

The chargers will occupy about one-third of the parking lot. Revel’s fleet of 50 Teslas, used in its ride-hail service, will also have designated overnight charging spaces.

Reig believes this arrangement will optimize energy demand, aligning with the typical charging patterns of individual EV owners – mornings, afternoons, and early evenings.

TLC Ruling and Licensing Challenges

Despite initial optimism, the NYC Taxi and Limousine Commission (TLC) recently voted to halt the issuance of new for-hire vehicle licenses for electric vehicles. Revel had initially hoped to leverage a loophole in city regulations, exempting wheelchair-accessible and electric vehicles from the new vehicle-for-hire cap designed to limit the growth of Uber and Lyft.

The TLC’s decision mandates that any company seeking for-hire licenses must purchase existing licenses to comply with the cap.

TLC’s Rationale for the Decision

According to TLC Commissioner Aloysee Heredia Jarmoszuk, the vote was not specifically targeted at EVs or any particular company. Instead, it aimed to address a saturated and struggling market, exacerbated by the pandemic and economic recession.

Jarmoszuk explained, “There are currently nearly 100,000 vehicle licenses, exceeding current passenger demand. The focus was on managing applications for new licenses in relation to existing ridership levels.”

Revel’s Future Plans

Despite this setback, Reig remains optimistic and states that Revel is actively collaborating with the TLC to find a viable solution.

“We are committed to operating legally and will continue to do so with this venture,” he affirmed.

Update: This article has been updated to include recent information from NYC’s TLC.