Governors Island, a beloved New York City landmark, is taking a major step towards a sustainable future. The Trust for Governors Island has partnered with itselectric, an EV charging startup, to install compact, curbside vehicle charging technology. This move marks a significant leap forward in the island’s sustainability efforts and sets a precedent for low-impact curbside charging in urban areas globally.
The new charging infrastructure will allow the Trust to transition to a zero-emissions fleet of operational vehicles, reducing its carbon footprint and demonstrating a commitment to clean energy solutions. “From urban air quality monitoring to compact aquaponic systems, we are proud to showcase innovative technology that will help cities and their residents fight climate change,” said Clare Newman, President and CEO of the Trust for Governors Island. “This new partnership with itselectric is the perfect example of what’s possible here on Governors Island, enabling us to modernize our fleet of operations vehicles while dramatically cutting our emissions and demonstrating the exciting future of climate solutions for New York City and cities around the world.”
“Our partnership with the Trust for Governors Island is a testament to the way entities of any size can lead progress toward decarbonization through breaking down barriers to EV adoption,” said Judy Chang, Project Director at itselectric. “We’re proud to bring our sleek urban chargers, deployable in just days, to the Island in support of its transition to an all-electric operations fleet, making the air even cleaner for everyone who visits. This collaboration reflects our mission to address pressing climate challenges by leveraging existing infrastructure in any urban environment — from a 172-acre, car-free island to the biggest cities in the country.”
This project also highlights the impact of public-private partnerships and investments in innovative climate solutions. Empire State Development, through NY Ventures, has invested $500,000 in itselectric, demonstrating the state’s commitment to fostering clean energy technologies. “Empire State Development’s $500,000 seed investment in ‘it’s electric’ through NY Ventures is already bearing fruit, as evidenced by this exciting deployment on Governors Island,” said Hope Knight, President, CEO and Commissioner of Empire State Development. “By backing innovative climate technologies like their compact charging stations at an early stage, we’re not only powering the island’s electric fleet but also driving forward New York’s commitment to clean energy. This project represents promising progress since our initial investment, and we hope it’s just the first of many future deployments across New York State.”
Governors Island, with its seven miles of car-free streets and pathways, is a prime example of how urban spaces can be transformed into havens for recreation and community. The Trust maintains a fleet of vehicles to support the island’s operations, and this new partnership with itselectric will play a crucial role in transitioning to a completely electric fleet. itselectric will install five Level 2 charging posts across the island and inside the Battery Maritime Building ferry terminal, leveraging existing infrastructure and promoting a model for widespread installation.
This initiative aligns with Governors Island’s broader commitment to environmental sustainability. In March 2023, New York City Mayor Eric Adams and the Trust announced that the island would be home to the city’s first public, hybrid-electric ferry, which is scheduled to begin service later this year. In addition, the island has been awarded a $7.48 million grant from the U.S. Federal Transit Administration to support shore-side rapid charging infrastructure, enabling the ferry to operate fully electric with battery-only propulsion.
Governors Island has become a hub for testing and showcasing innovative climate solutions. From indoor aquaponic farming (GrowNYC) to community science air quality monitoring (South Bronx Unite) and decentralized carbon monitoring and mitigation (Vycarb), the island is actively fostering a culture of sustainable innovation. Through its climate piloting program, the Trust provides a platform for startups, small businesses, nonprofits, and entrepreneurs to test climate solutions addressing mitigation, adaptation, and environmental justice.
With its unique waterfront campus environment, award-winning park, diverse audience, and commitment to climate piloting and education, Governors Island is positioned at the forefront of climate solutions research and demonstration. Visitors and residents alike can witness firsthand the exciting progress towards a greener and more sustainable future.
