As New York State continues transitioning its fleet operations toward electric vehicles, PISO was selected to support a major EV infrastructure rollout across state-operated facilities. One of the most technically advanced projects within the initiative is located at the Empire State Plaza P2 North parking garage in Albany, NY.
Designed primarily to support New York State fleet vehicles, the project includes the installation of 15 single-port Level 2 chargers, along with infrastructure expansion capabilities for 15 additional future charging ports. The project required custom electrical integration, specialized equipment design, and complex installation logistics inside one of the region’s busiest government parking facilities.
The Challenge
Building EV infrastructure within the Empire State Plaza garage presented several operational and technical challenges, including:
- Integrating charging infrastructure directly into an existing garage substation system
- Designing a scalable electrical system capable of supporting future expansion
- Navigating a lengthy multi-phase design approval process involving multiple state stakeholders
- Working within a low-clearance parking structure with constant vehicle activity
- Performing approximately 75% of conduit installation work from elevated lifts throughout the garage
- Coordinating delivery and installation of large electrical switchgear within confined garage conditions
Since the project involved a state-operated facility, all engineering drawings and designs required multiple rounds of review and approval before permitting and installation could proceed.
The Solution
PISO leveraged its turnkey EV infrastructure expertise to manage the project’s technical design, electrical integration, construction coordination, and installation strategy.
The project included:
- Installation of 15 single-port Level 2 EV chargers
- Infrastructure buildout supporting 15 additional future charging ports
- Integration into the existing Empire State Plaza garage substation
- Development of a custom-built Lincoln electrical enclosure
- Installation of a transformer system to step down 480V power to 208V
- Deployment of a 1200-amp electrical panel supporting long-term charging expansion
- Elevated conduit routing throughout the parking structure
To overcome site constraints, PISO carefully coordinated specialized equipment selection, lift operations, and installation sequencing to safely complete work within the active garage environment. The team also collaborated closely with engineering and manufacturing partners to custom-design the enclosure and electrical configuration required for the project’s unique power distribution needs.
The Impact
Once completed, the charging infrastructure will support New York State’s ongoing fleet electrification efforts by providing reliable charging access for state-owned electric and plug-in hybrid vehicles.
The project will:
- Expand EV charging capabilities for New York State fleet operations
- Create scalable infrastructure ready for future fleet growth
- Support statewide sustainability and electrification initiatives
- Provide future opportunities for EV charging access for eligible state employees
- Demonstrate how existing parking infrastructure can be successfully adapted for long-term EV deployment
This project highlights PISO’s ability to execute technically advanced EV infrastructure projects within active, high-demand facilities while planning for long-term scalability and operational growth.
Project Snapshot
Location: Empire State Plaza P2 North Parking Garage – Albany, NY
Project Type: Fleet EV Charging Infrastructure
Chargers Installed: 15 Single-Port Level 2 Chargers
Future Expansion: Infrastructure for 15 Additional Charging Ports
Power Integration: Existing Garage Substation Connection
Key Features: Custom Lincoln enclosure, transformer step-down system, scalable electrical infrastructure, elevated conduit installation
Primary End Users: New York State Fleet Vehicles
