NEWS

Oneida, Herkimer see dramatic increase in electric vehicle use, but few charging stations

Edward Harris
Observer-Dispatch

While electric vehicle (EV) use in Oneida and Herkimer counties has skyrocketed in the last seven years, there are few local charging stations available for drivers to use, creating a gap in public infrastructure.

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According to the recently updated Electric Vehicle Charging Station Community Plan encompassing Oneida and Herkimer Counties, originally released in 2015, there has been a 580% increase in the use of EVs in the Mohawk Valley region. 

“We all saw at the recent opening of Wolfspeed in Marcy that electric vehicles are an important part of the future of transportation nationally and a key piece of our economy in this county and region,” said Oneida County Executive Anthony Picente Jr., in a statement. “We are committed to seeing all aspects of this industry grow and that includes preparing Oneida County to be a leader in Upstate New York electric vehicle infrastructure.” 

A Lucid Motors electric vehicle that was used to cut the ribbon at the Wolfspeed Grand Opening ceremony outside of the new facility in Marcy on Monday, April 25, 2022.

The goal of the EV plan is to recommend strategies for supporting current and future EV drivers traveling within the region and the state. 

According to the plan, the range of EVs continues to improve each year and is quickly approaching that of a conventional internal combustion engine.  

However, the report lists a “critical” need for additional charging stations to facilitate longer distance travel, support inter-county commutes and provide access to charging opportunities for more moderate-income households and owners of earlier generation EVs. 

The electric vehicle charging station at SUNYIT. Located near the Student Center parking lot, the station is free and open to the public. IThe stations can charge two cars at a time and it takes four to six hours.

A look at the plan 

The plan identifies gaps where public infrastructure is not currently available in the region to support EV drivers and recommends charging station installations at key locations to establish a comprehensive charging network.  

According to the report, there are currently 32 EV charging stations – including 129 charging ports - within Oneida and Herkimer counties. 

Only six of the charging stations are within Herkimer County. 

The vast majority of the charging stations are located in the highly urbanized areas adjacent to Interstate 90. 

The city of Rome, with nine charging stations, has the most in the region. Rome is followed by Utica, with six, and the village of Herkimer with 4. 

Whitestown, Sylvan Beach, New Hartford, Verona and Webb have also included EV charging stations within their borders since 2015. 

Publicly available EV charging stations have the greatest value to individuals who would not otherwise have charging infrastructure available at home and those who intend to take a long-distance trip, the report states. 

Some of the areas the report suggests including EV charging stations include: 

  • Wynn Hospital of the Mohawk Valley Health System 
  • Nexus Center 
  • Orgill Distribution Center 
  • Innovare Advancement Center 
  • Wolfspeed-Marcy Nanocenter 

Picente also has committed to including 67 EV charging stations in the parking garage being built in conjunction with the Mohawk Valley Health System Wynn Hospital in downtown Utica, with the ability to expand to as many as 300. 

“Although EV charging stations are currently sparse in Herkimer County, some are being proposed,” said Herkimer County Legislature Chairman Vincent Bono. “As the wave of EV sales increases, the demand for charging stations will certainly follow. The market and highway networks will drive the placement and need for new stations. Many of the startup stations have been funded by grants and it will be interesting to see if and when private companies will finance and develop them.”  

Plan timeline 

The plan looks to commit to creating a foundation that will support New York State’s goal for all new passenger cars and trucks sold in New York State to be zero emissions by 2035.  

The plan further looks to mitigate the impacts of climate change, save consumers money, boost public health, and advance environmental justice 

The multi-year implementation timeline includes: 

0-2 years 

  • Identify relevant stakeholders 
  • Establish an EV charging station ownership/continuity model 
  • Develop an approved listing of EV charging station sites based on stakeholder discussions. 
  • Commence site-level planning 
  • Select a charging station equipment provider 
  • Determine funding needs, timelines and permit requirements 
  • Identify and apply for federal and state funding for EV infrastructure 
  • Install EV charging stations for approved sites 
  • Develop platform for residents and non-residents to easily locate EV charging stations (the Oneida County EV Charging Station Dashboard) 

2-5 years 

  • Update approved listing of EV charging station sites 
  • Install EV charging stations for approved sites. 
  • Install signage and visibility improvements related to stations 

5 years+ 

  • Reassess areas of greatest need for additional EV charging stations 
  • Identify advancements in EV charging technology to replace outdated units 

“The plan outlines a 5+ year implementation timeline to address this growing need,” said Oneida County Commissioner of Planning James Genovese, in a statement. “There are 14 concrete steps spread over the timeframe that range from site level planning to installation of stations to improving signage and visibility around locations, as well as steps that will allow for continued reassessment and community involvement.” 

Ed Harris is the Oneida County reporter for the Observer-Dispatch. Email Ed Harris at EHarris1@gannett.com.