Expanding EV Travel Through the Adirondacks

As part of New York State’s EVolve NY initiative, PISO partnered with the New York Power Authority and Electrify America to design and construct a high-speed EV charging site at the Adirondack Gateway, helping close critical infrastructure gaps along one of the region’s most heavily traveled corridors.

The Challenge

Electric vehicle (EV) adoption continues to grow, but access to reliable fast charging in rural and remote areas remains a major barrier, especially for drivers traveling long distances.

The New York Power Authority identified a key gap along the Northway (I-87), a major route connecting Albany to Plattsburgh and Montreal. Located in the heart of the Adirondacks, this corridor lacked sufficient fast-charging infrastructure, making EV travel less practical for both residents and visitors.

The project site also presented unique environmental and construction challenges, including:

  • Proximity to a nearby creek requiring careful drainage planning
  • Risk of flooding impacting equipment safety
  • Harsh mountain weather conditions during construction

The Solution

PISO was selected as a trusted construction partner, one of a limited number of preferred vendors supporting large-scale EV infrastructure projects across New York State.

At the Adirondack Gateway site, PISO:

  • Installed eight DC fast chargers capable of delivering up to 350 kW
  • Enabled vehicles to charge up to 80% in as little as 20 minutes
  • Designed and constructed a gas station-style canopy over select chargers for weather protection
  • Collaborated closely with Electrify America and the New York Power Authority on site design and execution

To address environmental challenges, PISO also:

  • Engineered a custom drainage system to redirect water away from the site
  • Integrated plans for a flood sensor system to automatically shut down chargers in the event of rising water levels
  • Navigated complex construction conditions, completing key elements of the build during winter months

The Impact

  • Expanded access to high-speed EV charging in a previously underserved, rural region
  • Improved reliability and confidence for long-distance EV travel along the Northway
  • Supported New York State’s broader clean energy and electrification goals
  • Created a scalable infrastructure model for future rural EV charging deployments

Today, the site serves as a critical charging hub in the Adirondacks, helping make EV travel more accessible, practical, and convenient for a growing number of drivers.

Project Snapshot

  • Location: Adirondack Gateway, NY (Northway/I-87 corridor)
  • Project Type: Public EV Fast Charging Infrastructure
  • Chargers Installed: 8 DC Fast Chargers
  • Charging Capacity: Up to 350 kW
  • Key Partners: New York Power Authority, Electrify America

Special Features: Canopy structure, advanced drainage system, flood safety integration