Seth Leitman is president of the Greater Hudson Valley Electric Vehicle Association and has done research work for the state when it comes to green driving. He believes more fast EV chargers are needed throughout the state.
“I’m a father, so I want my kids to have clean air as well,” Leitman said. “I want to leave a better generation for them.”
Leitman isn’t an EV fan just because they’re greener. He says they’re also futuristic and cheaper.
“Most people that I know that own an electric vehicle are saving countless amounts of money on the amount versus what they were doing to fuel up their car,” Leitman said.
What You Need To Know
- Seth Leitman is president of the Greater Hudson Valley Electric Vehicle Association and has done research work for the state on green driving
- He likes EVs for the environmental friendliness and low maintenance costs, but believes more fast EV chargers need to be installed throughout the state
- According to the New York State Thruway Authority, there are currently 40 EV charging stations in commuter lots, select service areas and welcome centers; plans include installing at least two fast-charging stations at each service area by the end of 2025
- A recent report from Hudson Valley Pattern for Progress said less than 1% of New York’s new vehicle registrations were EVs in 2016; last year, that number increased to more than 5%
Generally speaking, modern EVs have decent range, but that may not be enough to convince all New Yorkers to abandon a trip to the gas station. Leitman hopes that changes with more fast-charging stations, where electric car owners can juice up and go, especially on long distance trips.
“Every time we put fast chargers or even destination chargers into a location, you start to see electric vehicles pop up around town,” Leitman said.
According to the New York State Thruway Authority, there are currently 40 EV charging stations in use at commuter lots, select service areas and welcome centers. Future plans include installing at least two fast-charging stations at each service area by the end of 2025. By then, more than 120 fast chargers every 30 miles or so will be along the Thruway.
The state wants to build at least 800 new fast-charging stations by 2025 along major routes.
“We need more fast-charging stations where there are fast-charging stations. Can't have just one. You need to have 10,” Leitman said.
As more drivers start to modernize and go electric, the hope is that the state can keep up with the need for chargers.
“I was hooked, and at that point I got out of the car, and I said, 'electric vehicles are the future,'” Leitman said.
According to a recent report from Hudson Valley Pattern for Progress, less than 1% of New York’s new vehicle registrations were EVs in 2016. Last year, that number increased to more than 5%, and it’s only expected to go up.