Taxi drivers across the Bronx are raising concerns about the lack of available electric vehicle charging stations, saying the shortage is affecting their ability to work efficiently.
The New York City Department of Transportation recently opened a new public fast-charging site on White Plains Road, equipped with four fast chargers. The facility is part of the city’s ongoing effort to expand charging access for residents and professional drivers.
Despite these efforts, drivers say the infrastructure remains insufficient to meet growing demand. David, a Bronx taxi driver who relies on public chargers, said the shortage often forces him to wait for long periods before being able to recharge his vehicle.
“It definitely is not enough, especially for those who live in a building that doesn’t have the luxury of chargers,” he said. “I’m wasting time that I could be making money.”
According to the New York State Federation of Taxi Drivers, the lack of charging options has become a pressing concern as more drivers transition to electric vehicles. The organization is urging the city to temporarily allow owner-operators to switch to hybrid vehicles until more charging stations are installed.
The Taxi and Limousine Commission stated that it is working with city agencies, Con Edison, and private partners to increase the number of charging hubs in areas where drivers live and work.
The new White Plains Road station supports the city’s long-term goal to ensure every New Yorker lives within 2.5 miles of a fast charger by 2035, aligning with its broader zero-emission transportation initiatives.