Revel, the Brooklyn-based electric mobility pioneer, has activated SmartKit Demand Response technology at its new Supercharging Hub in Williamsburg, located at the historic Dime Building (275 South 5th Street, Williamsburg). This strategic integration positions the state-of-the-art facility as a critical asset for New York City’s clean energy transition, actively mitigating grid strain and reducing emissions. This marks Revel’s fourth consecutive year participating in grid services across its diverse operational footprint.

The Williamsburg Superhub represents a significant advancement in Revel’s ongoing collaboration with Logical Buildings, developers of the SmartKit virtual power plant (VPP) software. By intelligently orchestrating the timing of electric vehicle charging sessions, Revel effectively alleviates pressure on the grid during peak demand periods, when electricity generation is typically most carbon-intensive and costly. This grid-supportive action also generates revenue through utility-provided Demand Response incentives, demonstrating a viable economic model for grid-interactive EV infrastructure.

As New York City progresses towards its ambitious carbon-free grid targets, the role of intelligent EV charging infrastructure becomes increasingly vital. Smart charging, particularly during periods of extreme weather and high demand, directly contributes to reducing emissions from peaker plants. These facilities, often brought online during peak loads, can emit significantly higher levels of CO₂ and NOₓ compared to conventional power sources.

The efficacy of Revel’s grid-responsive operations was rigorously tested during New York City’s 2025 Demand Response season, which commenced with three consecutive curtailment events from June 23 to June 25. These events, some lasting over 10 hours, necessitated dynamic load scheduling across Revel’s infrastructure. This sustained effort proved instrumental in maintaining grid stability amidst unprecedented strain on the electric system, driven by triple-digit temperatures on June 24. The utility provider in New York and Westchester forecasted electricity usage to reach 100.71% of the system peak on June 24, a rare and urgent grid stressor, far exceeding typical Demand Response triggers at 92% of peak capacity. The New York Independent System Operator (NYISO) reported a peak electricity demand of 31,857 megawatts (MW) during this three-day heatwave, the highest recorded since 2016.

“Our Williamsburg Superhub proves that EV infrastructure can be a grid asset, not a strain, by dynamically responding to grid stress signals,” stated Paul Suhey, Revel COO & Co-Founder. “As electricity demand rises with electrification and continued extreme heat events, smart charging plays a crucial role in helping New York build a resilient, decarbonized future.”

At its Williamsburg Superhub, which features 15 public EV charging stalls capable of a full charge in 20 minutes or less, Revel successfully curtailed 250 kilowatts (kW) of load. This targeted reduction directly contributed to avoided emissions from fossil fuel peaker plants and is projected to yield tens of thousands of dollars in grid services revenue, delivering immediate and impactful resiliency for the local power grid.

David Klatt, President of Logical Buildings, commented, “Revel is showing how electric mobility companies can actively participate in electric load management. By using SmartKit, Revel is turning electric load into flexible, responsive capacity — a replicable model for cities looking to decarbonize while electrifying.” The Revel–SmartKit partnership, initiated in 2021 with Revel’s electric moped fleet, has now scaled to a robust model for full-scale EV infrastructure, actively shaping the future of grid flexibility and reliability in New York.