Electric Cars

New York City is embarking on a significant expansion of its electric vehicle charging infrastructure, partnering with Brooklyn-based startup, it's electric. This collaboration will see the deployment of nearly 700 Level 2 EV charging points across all five boroughs within the next three years, marking a substantial upgrade to the city's current capabilities.

NYC Drives Forward with Massive EV Charging Expansion

In a strategic move to bolster its electric vehicle infrastructure, New York City has officially chosen 'it's electric,' a pioneering company based in Brooklyn, to provide the essential hardware for its permanent curbside EV charging network. This ambitious project, announced on September 15, 2026, will introduce close to 700 Level 2 charging stations across all five boroughs of the city over the coming three years. These new installations are set to replace existing pilot programs and add a substantial 600 new charging points to the current 88, with all manufacturing operations proudly conducted in Queens. The New York City Department of Transportation (NYC DOT), in conjunction with the New York Power Authority, is overseeing the procurement and installation processes. Each 'PlugNYC' station is designed to feature at least two charger posts, each equipped with two plugs, ensuring a minimum of four charging points per location. Maverick Corporation will manage the engineering and construction, while SWTCH Energy is providing the sophisticated software platform. The deployment strategy focuses on densely populated neighborhoods where residents predominantly utilize street parking, especially areas with a high concentration of Taxi and Limousine Commission (TLC) and rideshare drivers. Initial target locations include Soundview and Unionport in the Bronx; Rego Park, Forest Hills, and Far Rockaway in Queens; Red Hook, Carroll Gardens, and Bedford-Stuyvesant in Brooklyn; the Upper West Side and Washington Heights in Manhattan; and Stapleton on Staten Island. This localized approach is critical, given that half of New York City's car owners rely on street parking and lack access to private driveways or garages for home charging. The city's existing curbside chargers already exhibit high utilization rates, with some reaching nearly 99%. Nathan King, co-founder and CEO of it's electric, envisions a future where EV chargers are as ubiquitous as fire hydrants. This expansion will also support the city's 'Green Rides initiative,' which mandates that by 2030, all Uber and Lyft trips must be completed using zero-emission or wheelchair-accessible vehicles. New York's rideshare drivers are already contributing significantly, completing around 3 million EV trips monthly. While pricing details are still being finalized, NYC DOT will maintain control over driver costs, with charging billed by the kilowatt-hour. Drivers will have flexible payment options, including various apps and credit card tap functionality. The city aims to keep prices affordable while encouraging timely vehicle movement once charging is complete. Additionally, where feasible, these sites will incorporate electrical connections for e-bike charging, electrified bike-share docks, secure bike parking, or cargo-bike hubs. 'it's electric' launched its first New York curbside charging pilot in Sunset Park in 2023 and has since expanded its operations to Los Angeles, San Francisco, Detroit, Washington, D.C., and Boston. The company recently secured $15 million in new funding, led by Halogen Ventures.

This ambitious initiative by New York City and 'it's electric' represents a significant leap forward in addressing the critical need for accessible EV charging infrastructure in urban environments. The focus on street parking-dependent communities and rideshare drivers highlights a thoughtful approach to equity and practicality in the transition to electric vehicles. As more cities grapple with similar challenges, New York's model of integrating public and private sector innovation could serve as a blueprint for sustainable urban mobility, demonstrating that a robust EV ecosystem is achievable even in the most densely populated areas.

Stark Future, a leading innovator in electric dirt bikes, has revealed an extraordinary new model, the Stark VARG SM Sköll. This limited-edition electric supermoto builds upon the already impressive VARG SM platform, transforming it into a sleek, dark machine with enhanced performance and an exclusive aesthetic. With only 500 units planned for global release and no subsequent production runs, this motorcycle is poised to become a highly coveted item among enthusiasts. The Sköll distinguishes itself not merely through its striking all-black appearance, but also through significant engineering refinements that push the boundaries of electric motorcycle design.

Inspired by Norse mythology, where Sköll is the wolf destined to pursue and consume the sun, the motorcycle embodies a sense of power and mystique. This mythological connection is reflected in the bike's design, which features an extreme commitment to black, applied through specialized manufacturing processes rather than simple surface coating. Beyond its visual transformation, the Sköll incorporates the full ALPHA specification, delivering 80 horsepower and advanced dynamic traction control. The core architecture of the bike, including its 7.2 kWh structural battery, single-speed drivetrain, chassis, and carbon-fiber-sleeved motor with integrated inverter, remains robust, providing a reliable and potent foundation for this exclusive model. The attention to detail extends to weight reduction, making the Sköll the lightest VARG SM produced to date.

The Sköll: A Fusion of Dark Aesthetics and Advanced Engineering

Stark Future's new Sköll supermoto is a limited-edition marvel that meticulously blends a darkened aesthetic with cutting-edge engineering. Far from a mere cosmetic upgrade, the bike's pervasive black finish results from specialized manufacturing techniques, including anodizing and powder coating applied to virtually every component. This extensive treatment covers elements such as the triple clamps, steering stem, swingarm, motor housing, and even the handlebar map switch, creating a cohesive and aggressive visual identity. The only notable contrast is the gleaming gold 520 RK MXU chain against a black 7075 T6 rear sprocket, adding a subtle touch of flair to the otherwise monochromatic design. These deliberate choices underline Stark's commitment to delivering a truly unique and visually striking machine.

Beyond its visual appeal, the Sköll integrates significant performance enhancements. It inherits the robust ALPHA specification from the existing VARG SM, boasting a peak power output of 80 horsepower and advanced dynamic traction control for superior handling. The underlying structural components, such as the 7.2 kWh battery pack, single-speed drivetrain, and carbon-fiber-sleeved motor, remain foundational, ensuring the bike's formidable capabilities. A key highlight of the Sköll is its substantial weight reduction, achieved through the incorporation of 3D-printed titanium footpegs, which shave off 140 grams, and a comprehensive titanium bolt kit, reducing another 900 grams. Cumulatively, these modifications decrease the bike's weight by 1.1 kg (2.4 lb), bringing its total claimed weight down to 123.4 kg (272 lb). This makes the Sköll the lightest VARG SM, further amplifying its already impressive power-to-weight ratio and promising an even more exhilarating riding experience.

Exclusive Production and Enhanced Performance Through Lightweighting

The Stark VARG SM Sköll stands as a testament to exclusivity and performance, with Stark Future committing to a strictly limited production run of just 500 numbered units worldwide. This scarcity ensures its status as a collector's item, with no plans for future batches, underscoring the brand's confidence in its rapid sales performance. Each of these special motorcycles will commence deliveries in October 2026, targeting discerning riders who value both unique design and superior engineering. The name "Sköll," derived from Norse mythology, symbolizes a relentless pursuit of excellence and aligns perfectly with the bike's aggressive, all-black aesthetic, achieved through meticulous manufacturing changes rather than superficial coatings, reflecting a deep commitment to quality and detail.

A critical aspect of the Sköll's design philosophy is its focus on lightweighting, which significantly enhances its performance. By replacing standard components with advanced materials, Stark has managed to achieve a notable reduction in overall mass. The integration of new 3D-printed titanium footpegs alone contributes to a 140-gram weight saving, while a comprehensive titanium bolt kit shaves off an additional 900 grams. These combined efforts result in a total weight reduction of 1.1 kg (2.4 lb), bringing the Sköll's claimed weight down to 123.4 kg (272 lb), making it the lightest iteration of the VARG SM. This reduction, though seemingly marginal in isolation, is highly significant in a high-performance electric supermoto, further intensifying the bike's already absurd power-to-weight ratio and promising an even more dynamic and responsive ride. The Sköll truly caters to those who demand peak performance and a distinct, uncompromised aesthetic.