New York Tests Electric Equipment on Active Worksites
Pictured Above: Toro Ultra Buggy (left) and Bobcat Compact Loader T7X are electrics being tested by New York City,
Date Posted: October 6, 2026
Posted In: Environment/Sustainability, What we are thinking about,
New York City is testing electric construction equipment at three public worksites. The goal is to assess performance while reducing exhaust emissions and noise.
The city announced its first Clean Construction Innovation Pilot on Sept. 25. The six-month trial began this summer and runs through the end of 2026. The equipment pilot comes at no cost to the city.
Six Machines, Three Locations
The Parks Department is testing four machines at Rockaway Beach in Queens. They include electric skid steers and buggies.
Crews use the equipment to maintain beach and boardwalk areas. Tasks include clearing sand from accessible pathways.
The Department of Sanitation is testing two machines on Staten Island. An electric compact track loader and forklift handle compost materials. Testing takes place at the Staten Island Compost Site and Fresh Kills Landfill.
Testing Everyday Performance
The city will evaluate battery life, charging efficiency and operating performance. Workers will also assess how easy the machines are to use.
Other measures include noise reduction and environmental impact. Agencies will share operating data and cost information.
The results will help identify what city crews need to adopt electric equipment more widely.
Findings Will Guide Future Work
The pilot operates through the city’s Smart City Testbed Program. That program helps agencies evaluate emerging technologies under actual working conditions.
New York plans to incorporate the findings into its next climate plan. The tests will help guide a broader transition to cleaner, quieter equipment.