This is the second of a multi-part series on the 2024 North American Total Solar Eclipse. Part 1 covered New England. Next up: New York.
On Monday, April 8, 2024, parts of North America will be able to observe a total solar eclipse. We’ll be sharing tips on making the trip in your electric vehicle and where to charge for the different states where you can see the eclipse!
We’ll be covering where to charge when driving an electric car to view the solar eclipse from the Empire State in this post.
In addition to downloading Chargely and planning your trip, don’t forget to:
Get eclipse glasses to look directly at the eclipse. Sunglasses aren’t enough protection for your eyes!
Budget extra travel time in case of traffic & crowding. Highways and freeways will be particularly crowded after totality. On the plus side, EVs are more efficient in stop-and go-traffic because of energy recovered from regenerative braking.
Check the weather as the date approaches! If it’s forecast to be cloudy, you may want to change your plans.
All that said, catch this one if you can! The next one observable from North America won’t be until over 20 years from now on Aug. 23, 2044. Who knows what the world will be like then 🤔
The path of the solar eclipse on April 8, 2024 over New York
To see totality in New York, you’ll need to drive upstate (the real upstate, not just past Westchester 😉)
While there are high speed chargers along the interstates, there are going to be a lot of travelers for the eclipse and we recommend charging up as much as possible before you go and bringing your car’s charging cable with you if you have one (just in case). You’ll also want to make sure your EV has adequate range to make the round trip with a buffer that meets your personal comfort level.
Driving an electric car to see the solar eclipse in New York
If you’re traveling from New York City, the closest major city where you can observe totality is Syracuse, but you’ll be able to see it for less than 2 minutes. If you travel further west to Rochester or Niagara Falls, you’ll be able to see close to 3 minutes and 45 seconds of the total solar eclipse.
Rochester
Rating: 4 out of 5 (non-Tesla) / 4 out of 5 (Tesla)
Where to charge
Rochester Area
Non-Tesla:
At the Rochester Genesee Transit Authority, there are 16 available 50 kW chargers. They’re normally used for their own buses, but their customer service confirmed that the chargers are open for public use as long as they’re not occupied. It’s a good option in a pinch: while you may need to maneuver around buses, there are two restaurants, Pan-Cart and Casa Campo within a 5-7 minute walk.
In East Rochester, there are 2 available 50 kW chargers outside of Wegmans. And what can’t you get at Wegmans?
In Victor, NY, about 15 miles from downtown Rochester, there are 2 superfast chargers (350 kW each) near Naan-Tastic as well as Five Guys, Jersey Mike’s, and Chipotle.
Tesla:
In Victor, NY, about 15 miles from downtown Rochester, there is a Supercharger with 8 chargers (150 kW each). The Supercharger is in the parking lot of the Eastview Mall which has a number of food options. The highest rated restaurant on Yelp in the mall is Adelita’s Mexican Cocina & Tequila.
Waterloo, NY (50 miles from Rochester)
Non-Tesla: There are a number of fast chargers at the Waterloo Premium Outlets with a number of shopping and food options. The highest rated restaurant is Big Greek.
Tesla: Supercharger with 8 chargers is by the del Lago Resort & Casino, which has a number of well-rated restaurants nearby, including The Sociale, Ciccino’s, and Portico by Fabian Viviani.
A map of fast chargers in the Rochester area in Chargely
Niagara Falls
Rating: 4 out of 5 (non-Tesla) / 4 out of 5 (Tesla)
As a common tourist destination even on days where the sun isn’t covered up by the moon, expect large crowds at Niagara Falls on April 8. If you're keen on getting a photo of the eclipse with the falls, you’ll want to be viewing it from the U.S. side and stake out a spot early, especially if you want to be at one of the popular viewing spots like Terrapin Point, Prospect Point, and Luna Island.
Where to charge
Niagra Falls, NY
Non-Tesla:
Macerich Fashion Outlets of Niagara Falls has 4x 350kW chargers with several food options at the mall, which has several food options including Pita Gourmet and La Rosa Pizzeria
There’s also 2x 350 kW chargers next to a Taco Bell, Fuji Grill, Subway, and Broadway NY Style Pizza
Tesla does not have Superchargers at Niagara Falls
Buffalo, NY Area (25 miles from Niagara Falls)
Non-Tesla: Fast charging station with 3x 350 kW chargers located at the Walmart in Cheektowga with a Subway and Wendy’s within walking distance.
Tesla:
Supercharger with 8x 250kW chargers is located in Cheektowga next to a Panera Bread and within walking distance to an Olive Garden and LongHorn Steakhouse
Supercharger with 8x 150kW chargers is located in Buffalo near Chrusciki Bakery, Sto Lat Bar, and Thin Man Brewery
A map of fast chargers in the Niagara falls area in Chargely