Fast charging for electric vehicles is quietly becoming part of everyday life in Queens and Long Island. Rather than building isolated charging hubs that require a special trip, Kempower and GET Charged Fast EV Charging are rolling out a new network of DC fast-charging stations embedded directly into neighborhood shopping centers.
The first site is already live at Glen Oaks Shopping Center in Queens, with four more locations close behind. Once complete, the initial rollout will add 80 public DC fast-charging ports across five sites—focused squarely on places where people already shop, eat, and run daily errands.
Charging that fits real life
Each location features eight dual Kempower Satellite chargers, using Kempower’s distributed charging system. That setup allows power to be dynamically shared, helping keep charging speeds consistent even when multiple vehicles plug in. Importantly, every charger supports both NACS and CCS1 connectors, making the stations accessible to a wide range of EVs without adapters or workarounds.
But the real shift isn’t technical—it’s behavioral. By placing chargers at grocery stores, restaurants, and small local businesses, charging becomes something you do while living your life, not something you plan your life around. Plug in, grab groceries, pick up dinner, answer emails—and return to a meaningfully charged car.
As Kempower North America president Monil Malhotra put it, EV drivers increasingly prefer charging locations that offer nearby services. These retail-centered hubs reflect how people actually move through their neighborhoods.
Lower friction, better experience
The network is designed to remove common EV frustrations. Drivers won’t need new apps or memberships, pricing is competitive, and payment options are flexible. Amenities like free Wi-Fi further reinforce the idea that charging time doesn’t have to feel like wasted time.
Additional sites are scheduled to open in Whitestone (Queens), Levittown, Elmont, and Commack in early 2026—extending this convenience deeper into suburban Long Island, where home charging isn’t always an option.
Why this matters for the environment
From an environmental perspective, this kind of infrastructure is quietly powerful. Convenient, visible charging in everyday locations reduces range anxiety, encourages EV adoption, and makes it easier for drivers to rely less on gasoline vehicles. The more seamlessly charging fits into daily routines, the more likely people are to choose electric for their next car.
Final outlook
This expansion may not grab headlines like megawatt chargers or highway superhubs—but it arguably matters more. By bringing fast charging into the flow of daily life, Kempower and GET Charged are helping EVs feel normal, practical, and accessible. And that normalization is exactly what the transition to cleaner transportation needs next.
