This is part of a collection of case studies that focus on creative charging solutions for EV drivers in multifamily housing. For more information and the full collection, visit our Charging Solutions for EV Drivers in Multifamily Housing hub.
Challenge
Getting EV charging in cities can be extra challenging because they’re expensive, and many drivers who would use them most don’t yet have EVs (likely because they don’t have access to charging). This catch–22 makes it difficult to find public charging in cities. For rideshare drivers, who are high-mileage drivers, this lack of access can make driving an EV for rides impossible. How can urban drivers, especially rideshare drivers, be supported in their charging needs?
Objectives and solutions
Enter Revel. Revel is an EV charging company that started installing public charging to provide access to charging in dense urban areas that don’t have ample public charging and where drivers don’t have access to charging at home. Revel has taken a novel approach to funding their charging projects: building an all-electric rideshare platform.
Many rideshare drivers operate in cities where charging infrastructure is sparse, and the lack of charging stations close to popular pickup and drop-off locations can lead to long wait times, inefficient routes, and unnecessary downtime. For drivers who rely on EVs, this barrier makes it difficult to maintain an effective, profitable work schedule.
Revel’s concept to leverage its rideshare platform to deploy public EV charging is the first of its kind in the US. These charging stations are designed to serve electric vehicles used in ridesharing, ensuring that drivers can quickly and efficiently recharge their EVs during breaks without disrupting their schedules. The chargers are open to the public 24/7. Revel’s charging stations are equipped with DC fast chargers rated at 150kW and 320kW, depending on the site. Revel chargers have both NACS and CCS connector types to ensure all drivers can charge their vehicles.
Revel’s fleet of electric vehicles for rideshare services is available to provide an accessible option for drivers. Revel partners with platforms like Uber to provide discounts on EV charging and enable drivers to utilize the Revel charging network as part of their daily routines, further incentivizing EV adoption among those in the rideshare industry.
Revel is currently the largest provider of public EV charging in New York City. Building on their momentum, Revel has secured a $60 million loan from the state of New York to triple their public EV charging capacity in NYC.
Elements for Success
- Revel’s decision to build an all-electric rideshare platform and ability to partner with popular rideshare services like Uber ensures that drivers can easily incorporate the use of Revel’s vehicles and charging infrastructure into their workday.
- This integration provides drivers with a hassle-free solution that makes it easier to adopt electric vehicles.
References
- Revel
- NYC’s fastest EV charging company, Revel, opens its first West Coast station
- Revel and PANYNJ Open New EV Charging Station at JFK
- New York loans Revel $60M to expand NYC public EV charging
Recap:
Average charging cost: $0.54/kWh
Charging type: Public
Problem addressed: Access
Solution type: Technology
