New York City-based startup Revel is further solidifying its position as a leading electric vehicle (EV) charging provider with the announcement of 24 new fast chargers at John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK). This installation, expected to be completed in 2025, will double the airport's existing EV charging capacity and marks the second partnership between Revel and the New York Port Authority.

The new chargers, compatible with both CCS and NACS plugs, will be located at JFK's west cell phone lot, a strategic location that will cater to ride-hail drivers, including Revel's own drivers, as they wait for passengers to arrive. The fast chargers promise to bring an EV from 20% to 80% in just 15 to 20 minutes, making them an attractive option for drivers seeking a quick recharge.

This development is part of Revel's broader strategy to electrify ride-hail services in NYC and beyond. The startup, which began as an e-moped sharing service before launching an all-electric ride-hail platform, has already established four public 24/7 fast charging stations with a combined 64 ports across Brooklyn, Manhattan, and Queens. Revel plans to add five more stations across the city, including the two at JFK and LaGuardia Airport (LGA), further expanding its charging network.

Revel's approach has been to roll out ride-hail services alongside charging stations, ensuring maximum utility for its chargers. Currently, the startup's stations are used roughly 50-50 by Revel's ride-hail drivers and other EV owners, with the majority of those EV owners being ride-hail drivers for competing platforms. Revel has also formed partnerships with companies like Uber, offering a 25% discount to Uber drivers at its sites, and Toyota, providing free access to Revel's charging stations for Toyota and Lexus EV owners.

"It's impossible to electrify rideshare without an abundance of charging near airports," said Frank Reig, co-founder and CEO of Revel, in a statement. "Revel's JFK site will be one of the most used fast charging stations in the country, and with the Port Authority's support, we're on track to open it in a matter of months."

Revel has raised approximately $275 million to date from investors including BlackRock, Toyota Ventures, and Maniv, and is currently raising funds to support its expansion plans. The startup is also making strides outside of NYC, having recently broken ground on a charging station in downtown San Francisco, set to launch in the first quarter of 2025, and planning to launch another site in Los Angeles in 2026. Revel has eight active leases for sites across the Bay Area and is actively acquiring other sites, with plans to launch over 100 charge ports in the region in the coming years.

As the transportation sector continues to shift towards electrification, Revel's aggressive expansion of its charging network is poised to play a significant role in supporting the growth of EV adoption. With its focus on providing convenient, fast charging options near high-traffic areas like airports, Revel is well-positioned to become a leading player in the EV charging space.