City, five other employers, vow to create charging stations

City, five other employers, vow to create charging stations

The City of Rochester and five other employers are pledging to boost electric vehicle recharging stations, hoping to enlarge the infrastructure supporting the growth of electric vehicles in the state.

The employers, which also include Dixon Schwabl, Larsen Engineers, Nazareth College, Rochester Institute of Technology and SunCommon NY Inc., are scheduled to be recognized at an event at Radio Social Tuesday (March 6) night. The event is co-sponsored by the city’s Rochester Electric Vehicle Accelerator and the Greater Rochester Chamber of Commerce.

“By increasing the number of charging stations at workplaces, local organizations are making it clear they want to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and make their local communities healthier,” said Alicia Barton, president and CEO of New York State Energy Research and Development Authority. “I applaud those who have signed the pledge for showing real leadership by supporting this initiative which will help us meet Governor Cuomo’s ambitious goals to combat climate change while advancing the economic growth and community development priorities of Finger Lakes Forward.”

NYSERDA supports the city’s electric initiative, which has already resulted in 12 city recharging stations, and 10 electric city vehicles. Combined, the six employers have a total of 30 charging stations.

Cuomo’s Charge NY 2.0 initiative had set a goal of 30,000 to 40,000 electric cars on the road by 2018, which has already been met. Charge NY also set a goal of making 10,000 charging stations available across the state by 2021. Currently there are about 2,000 stations.

“Workplace charging allows employers to increase the convenience and affordability of driving electric for their employees, which plays a role in attracting and retaining top talent, said Bob Duffy, president and CEO of Greater Rochester Chamber of Commerce.

Mayor Lovely A. Warren added, “Our region’s growing reputation as a community that is committed to environmental stewardship is helping us create more jobs, safer and more vibrant neighborhoods and better educational opportunities for our citizens.”

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