Some New York members of Congress want to see a big funding increase for electric vehicle charging stations in the House's $1 trillion infrastructure bill.

Standing by his standard model red Tesla, Mark Goldstone said it is liberating to finally be able to drive long distances.

“It was a real joy,” he said. “First road trip I took with the car.”

A monitor in his car tells him when and where to charge the vehicle, and how long to charge.

“A half-hour, you’re good. You go,” Goldstone said. “Go to the Waffle House. Have some waffles. By the time I was done with that, we’re ready to rock and roll.”

Tesla has its own network of supercharger stations around the country.


What You Need To Know

  • Congress is close to passing a $1 trillion infrastructure bill that includes $7.5 billion for charging stations that support cars other than Teslas

  • Some congressional representatives who are requesting a much larger investment said the country needs another 500,000 charging stations before there is significant movement away from gas-powered cars

  • The House resumed debate on the infrastructure bill on Tuesday

The widespread ability to charge quickly and conveniently was key to the early success of Teslas. But not all electric cars can do that.

Electric vehicles (EVS) rely on third-party chargers, which are sparse and not always reliable. Congress and the White House are trying to fix that.

They are close to passing an infrastructure bill worth $1 trillion that includes $7.5 billion for more charging stations that can support cars other than Teslas.

Several New York representatives are pushing for more money.

They wrote to Senate and House leaders in Washington, asking for $85 billion for the charging stations.

Jonathan Schwartz, who was just wrapping up a road trip through the Catskills, said long trips in his Tesla are getting easier.

“You have to think a little bit about where to stop and park the car right now,” he said, “but there are a lot of charging stations around.”

Schwartz has been seeing more charging stations pop up at restaurants and hotels.

“I think it’s easier and it’s not that much of a challenge once you actually start to learn how to plan the trip a little,” Schwartz said. “It’s not as cumbersome as I originally thought."

The congressional representatives who are requesting the larger investment said the country needs another 500,000 charging stations compatible with all types of vehicles before there is significant movement away from gas-powered cars.

The House could vote on the infrastructure bill by Sept. 27.