Mayor Ravi S. Bhalla and the City of Hoboken today announced the City will expand on-street electric vehicle ("EV") charging infrastructure to more than double the amount of publicly accessible charging ports city-wide. Through a new partnership with Volta Inc., an industry-leading EV charging and media network, the City will install at least 25 public EV charging stations on City streets, which includes eight DC fast chargers, all at no cost to the taxpayer. DC fast chargers can charge a vehicle's battery from 20 percent to 80 percent in approximately 30 minutes. A level 2 charger will add about 20 to 25 miles of range per hour.
Once installed, nearly all residents will be within a 5-minute walk of a public EV charger as demand for EV charging infrastructure is surging in Hoboken. Vehicle registration records show that there are currently over 1,600 electric or plug-in hybrid electric (PHEV) vehicles registered to Hoboken residents, and this number is predicted to triple by 2025.
"An accessible and public electric vehicle charging network is an essential component of achieving Hoboken's Climate Action Plan to become carbon neutral by 2050, by reducing our dependency on fossil fuels," said Mayor Bhalla. "Through this new partnership with Volta, no matter where a resident lives in Hoboken, they will be within a five-minute walk of a charger, making it easier to own an electric or plug-in hybrid car. I look forward to cutting the ribbon on the first station in the new year, which will come at no impact to the municipal budget."
“Over 80 percent of Americans live in urban areas, many of whom lack access to at-home EV charging. Public charging networks in densely populated areas are essential to moving away from fossil fuels and addressing climate change,” said John Stuckey, Vice President of Public Network Development at Volta. “We’re pleased to partner with the vibrant City of Hoboken to provide this essential service, and to do so at no-cost to the City.”
“EV charging needs to be accessible to everyone, not just those with private garages,” said Councilman Ruben Ramos, Chair of the Hoboken City Council's Transportation and Parking Subcommittee. “I am proud to support this new partnership with Volta that will expand access at no-cost to the City.”
Through this partnership, the City will receive a share of advertising screen time to promote City events, provide real-time transit information, and more.
The City and Volta will determine the pricing of charging a vehicle through the new Volta charging stations in the coming months. The City’s goal is to provide affordable and conveniently located charging stations that residents can easily access.
"I am excited to move forward with Volta in the coming months as we more than double the capacity of Hoboken to provide electric charging stations, including the first eight fast charging stations in the City,” said Council Vice President and Finance Subcommittee Chair Emily Jabbour. “With over 1,600 electric cars registered in Hoboken, there is a clear and increasing demand for this service and Volta provides an amazing opportunity to ensure that nearly every household in the City will be near a charging station - all while also generating revenue for the City of Hoboken."
Expanding the accessibility of electric vehicle charging infrastructure is a key initiative within the City's Climate Action Plan to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and become carbon neutral by 2050. Since the first public charging stations were installed in 2021, more than 3,300 people have charged their vehicles over 4,300 times. Of these charging sessions, almost half have taken place at the City's only on-street charging station on First Street, demonstrating the appeal and accessibility of curbside charging.
“It is only fitting, and I am proud that on another 95-degree day, when England just had its hottest day ever before recoded, we are doing our part in this incremental battle toward achieving carbon neutrality,” said Councilman at-Large and Hoboken Green Team member Jim Doyle.
Earlier this month, the City launched the Green Pass pilot program to make electric vehicle charging more affordable for Hoboken residents. The new program allows Resident On-Street Permit holders to park their registered electric vehicles or plug-in hybrid electric vehicles at a reduced rate while charging a vehicle in participating municipal garages.
For more Green Pass information, go to www.hobokennj.gov/news/city-of-hoboken-expands-electric-vehicle-charging-station-availability.
The City began replacing its traditional combustible engine vehicles with electric vehicles in 2018 and has since replaced 17 vehicles with electric, hybrid, or plug-in hybrid electric vehicles. The City's Climate Action Plan calls for phasing in hybrid and electric vehicles to the municipal fleet to further reduce greenhouse gas emissions and realize additional cost savings, which include reduced fuel and maintenance costs.
Hoboken's recent Climate Action Plan initiatives have also included an expansion of Hoboken's residential composting drop-off program, the purchasing of 100 percent renewable electricity for all municipal operations, providing renewable energy options for homeowners, and launching a new community solar program with the Hoboken Housing Authority.
About Volta
Volta Inc. (NYSE: VLTA) is an industry-leading electric vehicle ("EV") charging and media company. Volta's unique network of charging stations powers vehicles and drives business growth while accelerating a clean energy future. Volta delivers value to site partners, brands, and consumers by installing charging stations that feature large-format digital advertising screens located steps away from the entrances of popular commercial locations. Retailers can attract and influence foot traffic, advertisers can precisely target audiences, and EV drivers can charge their vehicles seamlessly as they go about their daily routines. Volta's extensive network leverages its proprietary PredictEV™ platform, which uses sophisticated behavioral science and machine learning technology to help commercial property owners, cities, and electric utilities plan EV infrastructure intelligently, efficiently, and equitably. To learn more, visit www.voltacharging.com.
