NYC congestion pricing is coming. Here’s how to get out of it
New York City is on the brink of implementing congestion pricing, a bold move aimed at reducing traffic in Manhattan’s most congested areas. While this initiative promises to alleviate gridlock and generate funds for public transportation, it also means drivers will face additional costs to navigate through certain parts of the city. But what if I told you there’s a way to avoid these fees entirely?
Starting on June 30, 2024, vehicles entering the Congestion Relief Zone in Manhattan, which includes local streets and avenues below 60 Street, will be charged a new entry toll.
According to the Metropolitan Transit Authority (MTA), the move is designed to help with NYC’s infamous congestion considerably. “The toll will result in 100,000 fewer vehicles entering the zone every day, relieving crowding in what is today the most congested district in the United States.”
Daily tolls to enter Manhattan will vary based on the vehicle and time of day, but most passenger cars will be charged $15 to enter during the day, and motorcycles will be charged $7.50.
But there’s an easy way to enter Manhattan and avoid paying the toll: just ride a bike. Or better yet, an electric bike. Using bike lanes across the bridges or taking a bike on the subway are both easy ways to get into Manhattan without paying congestion pricing, and still ensuring you’ve got your own wheels to navigate the city.
Bikes are a great way to get around NYC. According to the MTA, the average speed of cars in Manhattan is around 7 mph (12 km/h). But bicycle riders can easily surpass that speed and slice past traffic by using the bike lanes. To go even faster with less sweat, electric bikes make the ride even more efficient.
Why e-bikes are the perfect solution
There’s no getting around the congestion pricing if you’re in a car. Your options to avoid paying congestion pricing are either start driving an ambulance or get a bike. And these days, getting a bike quite often means getting an e-bike, since e-bike sales are through the roof. Pedal bikes are still an amazing option, but e-bikes make it easier to go longer distances without the same exhaustion, especially for riders who haven’t been on a bike in years. Electric bikes are not just a trend; they are a revolution in urban transportation. Here’s why they are the best way to bypass congestion pricing in NYC:
1. No congestion fees
This one is obvious. E-bikes, like traditional bicycles, are exempt from congestion pricing. This means you can zip through Manhattan’s busiest streets without worrying about paying extra fees. As the city gears up for congestion pricing, this exemption becomes a significant financial advantage for daily commuters.
2. Speed and efficiency
NYC traffic can be notoriously slow, with cars often moving at a crawl, if moving at all. E-bikes offer a swift and efficient alternative, especially with their ability to navigate through traffic with ease. Most e-bikes can reach speeds of up to 20 mph on throttle only (meaning no pedaling necessary), and others can reach 28 mph with pedaling, making them a viable option for quick commutes across the city.
3. Eco-friendly
Reducing your carbon footprint has never been more critical. We’re in a race against the clock here. If we’re to hope that we can still save our planet and maintain a habitable climate into the future, we’ve all got to play a part. E-bikes are one of the greenest modes of transportation, producing zero emissions during use. By opting for an e-bike, you contribute to a cleaner environment, supporting NYC’s goal of becoming a more sustainable city.
And yes, without going down the rabbit hole on this subject too deeply, you’re correct that there is a carbon price tag associated with manufacturing an e-bike. But the average amount of emissions offset by e-bikes is so much larger than the emissions generated from their production and use that it’s not even worth giving more than a paragraph to that flawed argument.
4. Health benefits
Riding an e-bike is not only good for the environment but also for your health. Even with the motor assist, you can still get a decent workout, which can improve cardiovascular health and reduce stress levels. Plus, there’s nothing quite like the feeling of wind in your hair as you cruise through the city.
5. Cost-effective
Beyond avoiding congestion fees, e-bikes are cost-effective in other ways. They require less maintenance than cars, and you won’t have to worry about parking fees or fuel costs. Over time, the savings can be substantial, making e-bikes a smart financial choice. Some riders have found that switching to an e-bike from a car has saved tens of thousands of dollars over the years.
Making the Switch
If you’re convinced that an e-bike is the way to go, here are a few tips to get you started:
Choosing the Right E-Bike
- Consider your commute: Think about the distance and terrain of your daily commute. Different e-bikes offer various ranges and power levels, so choose one that fits your needs. That’s an issue my wife recently grappled with when she switched to e-bike commuting each day.
- Test ride: Before making a purchase, test ride a few models to find one that feels comfortable and suits your riding style.
- Check local regulations: Familiarize yourself with NYC’s e-bike regulations to ensure your new ride is compliant. For example, UL-compliant batteries are required to sell an e-bike in NYC.
Safety First
- Wear a helmet: There is a hot debate about helmet usage, but especially for new riders in a city where pedestrian and cycling injuries and deaths are on the rise due to heavier cars and distracted drivers, a helmet is an important piece of safety gear. Safety should always come first. A good-quality helmet can protect you in case of accidents.
- Follow traffic rules: E-bikes are subject to the same traffic laws as traditional bicycles, and these rules are even often the same as cars. Obeying traffic signals and signs is crucial for your safety and the safety of others.
- Be visible: Equip your e-bike with lights and reflective gear, especially if you plan to ride at night.
Maintenance
- Regular check-ups: Keep your e-bike in top condition with regular check-ups. Simple maintenance tasks, like keeping the tires inflated and the brakes checked, can ensure a smooth ride.
- Professional servicing: For more complex issues, don’t hesitate to take your e-bike to a professional. Regular servicing can extend the lifespan of your e-bike and avoid small issues turning into larger issues. For folks that commute daily on their bikes, this is even more important. E-bikes require significantly less maintenance than cars, but it is still important to do routine checks.
As NYC prepares to roll out congestion pricing, now is the perfect time to rethink your daily commute. E-bikes offer a practical, cost-effective, and eco-friendly alternative to driving, allowing you to navigate the city with ease and avoid extra fees. Embrace the future of urban transportation and join the e-bike revolution today.
By making the switch, you’ll not only save money but also contribute to a healthier, more sustainable city. So, what are you waiting for? Hop on an e-bike and ride your way out of congestion pricing as you blow past all of those suckers on the bridges!
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Electric vehicles’ share of the market continues to climb in America’s second city, with BEV registrations up more than 50% in the first quarter of 2025 compared with the same period last year. Great news, but charging hasn’t up – but a new plan from Chicago Department of Transportation aims to build up enough infrastructure for the city to keep up.
In a bid to keep up with the rapid growth of EVs, Chicago Department of Transportation (CDOT is currently seeking public feedback on a plan called “Chicago Moves Electric Framework.” The city’s first such plan, it outlines initiatives that include a curbside charging pilot through the city’s utility, ComEd, and expanded charging access in key areas throughout the city.
Unlike other such plans, however, the new plan aims to focus on bringing electric vehicle charging to EIEC and low income communities, too.
“Through this framework, we are setting clear goals and identifying solutions that reflect the voices of our residents, communities, and regional partners,” said CDOT Commissioner Tom Carney. “By prioritizing equity and public input, we’re creating a roadmap for electric transportation that serves every neighborhood and helps drive down emissions across Chicago.”
Neighborhoods on the south and west sides of Chicago experience a disproportionate amount of air pollution and diesel emissions, largely due to vehicle emissions according to CDOT. Despite that, most of Chicago’s public charging stations are clustered in higher-income areas while just 7.8% are in environmental justice neighborhoods that face higher environmental burdens.
“Too often, communities facing the greatest economic and transportation barriers also experience the most air pollution,” explains Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson. “By prioritizing investments in historically underserved areas and making clean transportation options more affordable and accessible, we can improve both mobility and public health.”
The Framework identifies other near-term policy objectives, as well – such as streamlining the EV charger installation process for businesses and residents and implementing “Low-Emission Zones” in areas disproportionately impacted by air pollution by limiting, or even restricting, access to conventional medium- and heavy-duty vehicles during peak hours.
The Chicago Moves Electric Framework includes the installation of Level 2 and DC fast charging stations in public locations such as libraries and Chicago’s Midway Airport, “supporting not only personal EVs but also electric taxis, ride-hail and commercial fleets.”
Chicago has a goal of installing 2,500 public passenger EV charging stations and electrifying the city’s entire municipal vehicle fleet by 2035.
Electrek’s Take
I hate to sound like a bed-wetting liberal here, guys, but Chicago is getting EVs absolutely right with big utility incentives on both vehicles and infrastructure, a governor willing to stand behind smart environmental policy, and a solid push for more and better infrastructure in the areas where they’ll do the most good. They’re even thinking of the children.
Here’s hoping more cities follow suit.
SOURCE: ComEd, via Smart Cities Dive; featured image by EVgo.
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With a fully-enclosed, G-Wagen-inspired body and an 80 mile electric range, the Bodo G-Wagon golf cart is the NEV you need when you decide it’s time to get serous one-upping the rest of the Palm Beach country clubbers.
If you love the look of the $230,000 Mercedes-Benz G580 off-roader, but think the 579 hp, 6,800 lb. electric 4×4 is probably overkill for occasional trips to the golf course and country club, this G-Wagen-inspired golf cart might be just what you’re looking for.
The shiny black 2024 Bodo G-Wagon sold at Mecum Auctions last month for $31,900, which seems like it might not be a lot of money to the sort of person who decides to take a flyer on a goofy, limited-use EV that ships with real, metal doors, power windows, heating and air conditioning, fully digital instrument cluster and infotainment, and a “posh,” caramel leather interior.
It even has windshield wipers, power steering, and a rear-seat entertainment system that’s built into the front headrests!
It’s really nice in there
Under the hood, the Bodo packs a 15 kW (20 hp) electric motor drawing power from a 10 kWh li-ion battery that won’t deliver a scorching 0-60 mph time (it only goes 35), but will deliver you and your buddies from one end of any golf course in North America and back several times over, thanks to the G-Wagon’s 80 mile range.
The official Mecum Auctions listing goes into a bit more detail, and I’ve included it here, in case it gets deleted after a while and you’re just finding this for the first time in 2027:
Be the envy of any country club or golf community showing up with this 2024 Bodo G-Wagon Golf Cart. Perhaps more appropriately known as an E-Wagon, this baby G-Wagon is powered by a 15kW motor with a 10kWh lithium battery. Boasting an 80-mile range and a 35 MPH top speed, the Bodo is an enclosed, luxury golf cart that pampers occupants with heating and air conditioning, rear-seat entertainment, power windows, power locks and a posh, caramel-colored interior. With the Bodo fitted with power steering and 4-wheel power disc brakes with brake boost, drivers will think they’re in a full-size G-Wagon, thanks to the multiscreen entertainment cluster, the rearview camera, windshield wipers, turn signals, running lights and so much more.
Finished in black with the right amount of brightwork, the overall vibe is one of jaw-dropping, smile-inducing fun. While the Bodo would be an excellent choice for any golf community, it should also prove to be hugely popular around a race track or car condo community as well, or maybe even a neighborhood with its own airplane runways. Over the past decade in particular, the demand for unique, luxury golf carts has been on the rise, and understandably so. The number of luxury communities with specific interests in sports, aero and auto has also been on the rise, with people buying homes in these exclusive locations to better engage with like-minded people. All too often a golf cart is the perfect way to get around these gated neighborhoods, and this one is enclosed, comes with the amenities of a full-size car and is infinitely more stylish.
You can check out a few more photos of the 2024 Bodo G-Wagon golf cart that sold at Mecum, below – and if you want one for yourself, you’re in luck! I found this brand-new 2025 “G600 E-Wagon” (in white) for $23,900 at Gulf Carts in Santa Rosa Beach, Florida. Head on down to the comments and let us know if you buy it.
G-Wagon golf cart gallery
SOURCE | LOTS MORE PHOTOS: Mecum Auctions.
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The Hyundai IONIQ 5 got a raft of upgrades and sporty, rally-focused XRT trim level for 2025 – but the biggest upgrade for the Made in America Hyundai might be this: the 5 has regained eligibility for the full $7,500 federal EV tax credit!
Despite being assembled at Hyundai’s Georgia meta plant for the last four month, the 2025 Hyundai IONIQ 5 was nowhere to be found on the EPA’s list of rebate-eligible vehicles. But that was then – with a fresh updated to the list coming online May 1st, Hyundai’s new-age electric hot hatch is back in the rebate game.
It’s worth noting that lease customers had been able to access the incentive under some circumstances, but this latest update to the EPA list makes it possible for cash and payment buyers to take advantage of the full Federal incentive, too – as long as they earn less than $300,000 as a married couple filing jointly, less than $225,000 as a head of household, or less than $150,000 as an individual.
With the $7,500 federal tax credit in the equation, you can get a new 2025 IONIQ 5 for somewhere in between $36,575 and $49,475, well under the $80,000 Federal MSRP cap.
Victory lap
As if to celebrate, Hyundai announced that it was taking on the celebrate One Lap of America road rayy and race event in a factory collaboration with the track-focused enthusiasts at Grassroots Motorsports this week with One Lap veterans Andy Hollis and Tom Suddard campaigning a stock, 601 hp 2025 Hyundai IONIQ 5 N in the Alternative Fuels class.
“After winning our class in a gutted, caged race car last year, we wanted to compete in the best-of-all worlds this year: A vehicle that’s incredibly fast, incredibly comfortable on a road trip, and incredibly capable on a racetrack,” explains Suddard. “Electrification means it’s finally possible to have huge power without huge compromises in a street car, and the IONIQ 5 N promises to pair that huge power with the durability and capability to survive a week of racing.”
One Lap is widely regarded as one of the toughest street-legal motorsports events in the world, pitting amateur and professional drivers alike compete in stock and heavily modified vehicles of every description, battling it out in a series of scored challenges, including timed events at road courses, drag strips, skid pads, and autocross courses.
In between tracks, competitors safely travel thousands of miles around the country, proving the mettle and durability of the vehicles and the teams that drive them. This year, 86 teams from all over the country will compete in 17 scored events over the course of eight days at tracks like Virginia International Raceway and NCM Motorsports Park.
The Tire Rack One Lap of America is currently underway – you can track the Hyundai’s progress here, then let us know what you think of this new tax development in the comments.
SOURCES | IMAGES: Hyundai, One Lap of America; FuelEconomy.gov.
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