Meet the Team for Drive Electric Week - Part II

As we continue to celebrate National Drive Electric Week, we spoke with a few members of NYPA’s eMobility team to get their thoughts on Electric Vehicles (EVs) and learn a few interesting facts as well. Let’s find out what they had to say!

Name: Zachary Nusbaum, PMP

Role: Project Engineer

What I love about my job: The EV and charging infrastructure industry is young, fast-paced and new solutions are consistently introduced. It is indeed a quickly EVolving space!

Most useful tip for EV owners: A small amount of planning before a road trip can go a long way! For new EV drivers, this can help relieve range anxiety as well. Between your car’s navigation system or smartphone applications, there is a multitude of options that offer intuitive trip planning with charging stops integrated into your route.

Something every potential EV owner should know: There are factors that influence both your driving range and fast charging speeds. Doing some research to understand these factors can help you save time and avoid surprises!

A fun fact about me is: I made a reservation this year for the upcoming release of the Rivian R2 in 2026!

Name: Neal Addison

Role: eMobility Operations Manager

What I love about my job: I get to be at the intersection of old and new. The storied over 90-year history of the New York Power Authority is combined with the new and fast-moving electric vehicle charging industry.

Most useful tip for EV owners: Make sure you download and setup the apps for any chargers you plan to use before leaving for a trip.

Something every potential EV owner should know: Weather matters. Cars charge slower in cold weather so factor that into any road trip plans you have.

A fun fact about me is: My first job was at an automaker’s parts distribution warehouse as a picker/packer, so I feel like I have come full circle to work in the automotive space once again.

Name: David Maya, PE, CEM, CEA ??????????????????????

Role: My team and I install charging stations throughout NYC and Westchester County, including the supporting the charging efforts for the NYCDOT and the Port Authority. We are implementing a robust charging infrastructure at all NYPA power generating facilities to fully electrify the NYPA fleet by 2030.

What I love about my job: I love the passion and energy that my team has when implementing an EV charging station project. We truly feel that we are supporting our state’s ‘EV family’ by providing chargers for all to use.

Most useful tip for EV owners: Plan ahead when traveling long distances.

Something every potential EV owner should know: EV’s are quick! You’ll be surprised the amount of torque these cars put out.

A fun fact about me is: I took several internal combustion engine design courses while in college and wrote a research paper on the hydrogen economy in grad school, with a focus on hydrogen powered vehicles.

Name: Matthew Carroll, PE, PMP

Role: ?Manager – Project Engineering

What I love about my job: I love being a part of modernizing the transportation infrastructure in NY and reducing our reliance on fossil fuels. I am excited about health and societal benefits of zero tailpipe emissions!

Most useful tip for EV owners: Check your local utility for incentives for charging at home during off-peak hours. Home charging is typically the most cost-effective way to charge. A discounted rate from the utility for charging overnight makes it even better!

Something every potential EV owner should know: The difference between Level 2 charging and fast charging. Level 2 is good for home and workplace charging, or other places you would spend multiple hours at. Fast charging is the most expensive, but great for road trips when you need to top up quickly.

A fun fact about me is: I am a hobby welder and make furniture and open fire cooking equipment

Name: Benjamin Watson ?

Role: Senior Business Development Manager?

What I love about my job: I get to support investments in communities around the state. EVolve NY stations can support zero emission transportation and bring travelers off the highway into NYC communities while boosting revenue at area businesses.?

Most useful tip for EV owners: Have the apps on your phone! Plugshare, Electrify America, EV connect and others with profiles set up can help make charging easier if you drive electric.?

Something every potential EV owner should know: Take a look at NYPA’s handy trip planning tool for long EV roadtrips?

A fun fact about me is: I like to travel! Including around New York! Bear Mountain is a gorgeous spot to see.

Name: Nicholas Peretta, P.E.

Role: Director of Engineering and Technology, eMobility

What I love about my job: Super exciting seeing the industry grow, newer, faster, more reliable chargers and so many new exciting EVs on the road

Most useful tip for EV owners:? If you’re going to public charge a lot, download all the possible charging apps beforehand and make sure you have payment loaded. Worst thing is trying to remember a password when you’re trying for a quick charge

Something every potential EV owner should know: Be patient with chargers! It’s gotten a lot better roadtripping in recent years, but it still can be a challenge

A fun fact about me is: I can ride a unicycle