News Summary
Revel Transit Inc. is ending its ridesharing operations in New York City amid rising competition. The company plans to concentrate on electric vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure, partnering with Uber to increase charging station availability. Notifications will be sent to customers and drivers about this transition, while Revel seeks buyers for its vehicle licenses and intends to expand its charging network with new stalls in various neighborhoods. This move aims to address the pressing need for EV charging accessibility, especially in underserved communities.
New York City
Revel Transit Inc. is officially winding down its rideshare operations in New York City due to increasing competition in the urban mobility sector. The company is transitioning its focus to electric vehicle (EV) charging, marking a significant shift in its business strategy. This new direction includes a partnership with Uber Technologies Inc. and aims to enhance the availability of EV charging stations in the city.
Notifications will be sent to both customers and drivers regarding this transition on Monday. Revel is actively seeking buyers for its 165 for-hire vehicle license plates, currently valued at approximately $20,000 to $25,000 each. The company also plans to either sell or return its fleet of blue Teslas and Kias as part of the operational change.
Challenges in Urban EV Charging Infrastructure
The push for EV charging infrastructure is not only aimed at benefiting the general public but particularly focuses on providing options for disadvantaged communities. However, New York City continues to lag behind other global cities, such as those in China, when it comes to charging accessibility. As of 2025, it remains challenging to locate open and functioning DC fast-charging stations in New York City.
EV station developers tend to favor working in smaller towns that are near shopping areas and highways, which complicates the installation of charging stations in dense urban settings like New York City. To address this infrastructure gap, New York State is ramping up efforts with a new $60 million initiative, with funding from the NY Green Bank and the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority.
Revel’s Expansion Plans
In alignment with the state’s efforts, Revel plans to expand its network by adding a total of 267 new charging stalls at nine different locations by the end of the year. Notable areas earmarked for this expansion include Greenpoint with 30 stalls, Port Morris in the Bronx with 20 stalls, and a significant station in Maspeth, Queens, which will become the largest EV charging station in the Northeast with 60 stalls. Additionally, vital transportation hubs will see considerable upgrades, with 24 chargers to be installed at JFK Airport and 44 at LaGuardia Airport.
Governor Kathy Hochul has underscored the significance of building EV infrastructure as part of the state’s transition to a clean energy economy. It’s noteworthy that no new charging stations are scheduled for Manhattan under this current funding initiative, despite Revel already operating one site there. The company has expressed intentions to further prioritize the installation of chargers near LaGuardia, JFK, and in the Bronx, focusing more on underserved communities.
EV Charging Challenges and Market Growth
New York City, along with other cities, faces limitations concerning curbside charging options for residents who rely on street parking. Meanwhile, Revel has made strides in the Bay Area, recently launching its first fast-charging station in San Francisco, which features a total of 12 chargers. The company is on track to add over 125 chargers across urban areas in the Bay Area, including Oakland, San Jose, and South San Francisco in the upcoming year.
In a quest to expand its presence in the EV charging market, Revel secured a $60 million loan from NY Green Bank, representing the company’s first investment specifically focused on EV charging. The firm now aims to triple its fast-charging network in New York City, targeting a total of 300 chargers by the end of the year. Currently, Revel operates four charging sites in the city with a combined total of 64 charging ports.
The EV charging market is rapidly evolving, especially in urban centers where EV ownership rates are climbing. Statistics show that over 35% of new vehicle sales in San Francisco were electric in 2024, highlighting a growing trend that Revel is positioning itself to capitalize on as it transitions away from ridesharing.
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Additional Resources
- Bloomberg: Revel to End New York Rideshare Business
- Wikipedia: Electric Vehicle Charging Infrastructure
- Autoweek: Revel Charging NYC New Locations
- Google Search: EV Charging Stations New York City
- TechCrunch: Revel Opens First EV Fast-Charging Hub in San Francisco
- Google Scholar: Revel EV Charging
- InsideEVs: Revel New York Charging Funding
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Electric Vehicle
- Axios: Revel Fast Chargers SF & NYC
- Google News: Revel Charging Stations
Author: STAFF HERE NEW YORK WRITER
NEW YORK CITY STAFF WRITER The NEW YORK CITY STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERENewYorkCity.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in New York City, the five boroughs, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as New York Fashion Week, Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade, and Tribeca Film Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater New York Chamber of Commerce and United Way of New York City, plus leading businesses in finance and media that power the local economy such as JPMorgan Chase, Goldman Sachs, and Bloomberg. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREBuffalo.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into New York's dynamic landscape.
