Revel Unveils EV Charging Hub in Brooklyn & Still Plans On Launching Its NYC Rideshare Service
U.S. Secretary of Energy Jennifer Granholm joined Company in ribbon cutting ceremony. Reading between the lines, Revel may still launch rideshare service by working with existing FHV license holders
Revel launched its much anticipated “super” charging hub in Brooklyn on Tuesday. US Secretary of Energy Jennifer Granholm joined in for ribbon cutting ceremony and praised the project as a model for the rest of the country.
“Thank you, Revel, for being an example of what we need in this country…Thank you for showing the county how it can be done” - Jennifer Granholm, Secretary of Energy
The “superhub” has 25 brand-agnostic (i.e., can charge any EV) DC fast chargers manufactured by Tritium and is open 24/7. Revel also stated the superhub is “future-proof” and can be upgraded for new charging technology without the need for major infrastructure work. The charging station is located at an old Pfizer manufacturing building on Flushing Avenue and drivers will not need to pay any entrance fees to access it. According to TechCrunch, charging a car will cost about $15 to $20 for a full charge and shouldn’t take more than 15 to 30 minutes. In addition, while drivers wait, they can access the redesigned space inside the old Pfizer building, which is now a co-working space for startups and a food giant court.
“As opposed to many fast chargers in New York where you have to pay a parking garage $10 to $20 to park your car, and then you have to pay for the charger, this site is completely publicly available 24-7. There are no entrance fees. The only thing you’re paying [for] is electricity itself.” - Frank Reig, Revel CEO & Co-Founder
Revel Still Wants to Launch NYC Rideshare Service
Revel has also been in the news recently after its attempt to launch an all EV rideshare service with new for-hire vehicles was stopped by the NYC Taxi & Limousine Commission (TLC). Although the decision confused many living outside of NYC and received a lot of media attention, including from Elon Musk(!), many are beginning to appreciate the unique dynamics of the NYC for-hire transport market that led to the decision.
“Presently, there are nearly 100,000 vehicle licenses, which is too large a supply for current passenger demand…The public meeting was about ensuring mechanisms to properly manage applications for new or additional licenses against current ridership numbers and needs. Those with interests for new and additional vehicle licenses have attempted to establish a narrative about my not supporting EVs because they want new/additional vehicles licenses, without any regard for the current state of the market and the fact that vehicle licenses are over capacity and that ridership is low.” - Aloysee Heredia Jarmoszuk, TLC Chair
That being said, Revel continues to indicate it will launch its rideshare service and is working with the TLC to find a solution. In fact, Revel initially expects its new charging hub will mostly be used by its own fleet. My guess is that Revel will either acquire or work with an existing TLC fleet (maybe even medallion owners). Let’s see how it all plays out, but expect to see bright blue Tesla taxis on NYC roads soon!
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