For Immediate Release: 02/19/25

Contact: NYPA: media.inquiries@nypa.gov

or Watkins Glen Mayor Laurie DeNardo: mayor@watkinsglen.us

New Electric Vehicle Fast Charging Stations Open in Watkins Glen

EVolve NY Installation by New York Power Authority Adds Convenient Stop for NASCAR fans, Hikers, Food and Wine Tours and All Who Live, Work and Play Near the Finger Lakes

See Fast Charging Site Photos Here, Here and Here

WATKINS GLEN, N.Y.— Four new fast charging stations for electric vehicles are now open in the village of Watkins Glen, a nationally recognized center for auto racing in the heart of the Finger Lakes. Installed by the New York Power Authority (NYPA), the four fast chargers are part of the state’s extensive EVolve NY charging infrastructure network that provides accessibility to many of New York State’s top tourism destinations. The additional location extends New York State’s largest fast-charging network and furthers its efforts to encourage EV adoption and reduce polluting greenhouse gas emissions from transportation.

“From hiking to racing to agrotourism, Watkins Glen draws more than a million tourists from around the world to the Finger Lakes each year, and this expansion of the EVolve NY fast charging network ensures that those who drive electric vehicles have a seamless and accessible experience in New York State,” said Justin E. Driscoll, Power Authority president and CEO. “This fast-charging bank in Watkins Glen also highlights NYPA’s work with local government partners like Mayor DeNardo to bring the convenience and environmental benefits of electric vehicles to more New York residents and communities.”

Watkins Glen Mayor Laurie DeNardo supported NYPA’s work to install the fast chargers as the village is the hub of the Finger Lakes and draws more than 1.3 million visitors annually. Many local residents have expressed interest in fast charging service expansion.

“We are elated to bring this service to our community and are grateful to the New York Power Authority for their expertise and collaboration as we strive to expand our sustainable actions to further reduce greenhouse gas emissions,” said Mayor DeNardo.

The latest EVolve NY high-speed chargers are located in the Southern Tier in a municipal lot at 155 S. Clute Park Drive, a mile east of the village of Watkins Glen, near the Watkins Glen Beach on Seneca Lake. The site, on the Electrify America network, is equipped with four fast charging stations—all with combined charging system (CCS) connectors rated at up to 350 kilowatts (kW). Under ideal conditions, charging time is as little as 20 minutes.

NYPA’s EVolve NY network now has 232 chargers statewide at 56 sites.

In the Finger Lakes region, EVolve NY chargers are available in Geneva, Bath, Preble, and Victor. A site recently opened in Horseheads, 25 miles south of Watkins Glen in Chemung County, and a Skaneateles location, in Onondaga County, is targeted to be operational this summer. Other network destinations popular for tourists include Niagara Falls, the Adirondack Park, Saratoga Springs, North and South Syracuse (home of the New York State Fair), and Bridgehampton on the South Fork of Long Island. Coming sites include Alexandria Bay in the Thousand Islands region along the Canadian border.

Aaron Young, senior manager, commercial networks & fleets, Electrify America, which operates and maintains the station, said, “Electrify America’s collaboration with New York Power Authority is providing more charging solutions for EV drivers. The new hyper-fast charging station in Watkins Glen demonstrates our shared commitment to building a robust network that empowers drivers and accelerates the state’s transition to a more sustainable future.”

New York State regulations require all new passenger cars, pickup trucks and SUVs sold in New York State be zero emission by 2035. The rules will help decarbonize the state’s transportation sector and advance the state’s Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act, which calls for emissions to be reduced 85 percent by 2050.

New York State currently hosts more than 2,100 public fast chargers at 516 locations, according to the U.S. Dept. of Energy Alternative Fuels Data Center. The chargers range in speed from 25 kW to 350 kW which equates to varying charging times.

EV owners can locate public chargers using smartphone apps such as EV Connect,Electrify America, PlugShare, ChargeHub, ChargeWay, ChargePoint,EVGo, Lynkwell Charge Port, Google Maps, or the U.S. Department of Energy's Alternative Fuels Data Center. For a map showing EVolve NY chargers, click here.  Credit cards are accepted; no subscription or membership needed.

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About NYPA

NYPA is the largest state public power organization in the nation, operating 17 generating facilities and more than 1,550 circuit-miles of transmission lines. More than 80 percent of the electricity NYPA produces is clean renewable hydropower. NYPA finances its operations through the sale of bonds and revenues earned in large part through sales of electricity. For more information visit www.nypa.gov and follow us on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, Tumblr and LinkedIn.

About Clute Park, Watkins Glen