New York is testing battery-powered street food carts that replace noisy gasoline generators with swappable batteries, offering a cleaner, quieter model that could reshape street vending in cities worldwide.
Electric food carts could reshape street vending across major cities
The energy transition is reaching places many people would never expect, including New York City’s iconic hot dog carts. Thousands of mobile food vendors line the city’s sidewalks and street corners, becoming part of its identity. So has the unmistakable roar of the gasoline generators that power them.
If New York has a reputation for setting urban trends, its move toward electric food carts could inspire cities around the world. The initiative is part of the city’s Clean-Powered Carts Challenge, launched by the Mayor’s Office of Climate & Environmental Justice.
What the electric food cart pilot includes
About a dozen street vendors have joined the six-month pilot program, which aims to reduce both air pollution and noise by replacing gasoline-powered generators with rechargeable battery systems.
New York licenses more than 20,000 mobile food vendors, many of which rely on small gasoline generators to power lighting, refrigeration, fans and other essential equipment. According to the New York City Council, converting the entire fleet to electric power could reduce greenhouse gas emissions by more than 120,000 metric tons of CO₂, roughly equivalent to removing 30,000 cars from the road each year.
“The rechargeable battery systems we’re testing will be quieter and safer for our environment. Every New Yorker and every business in every neighborhood has a role to play in our green transition, and we’re excited that Flushing Meadows Park is leading the way,” said Deputy Mayor Julia Kerson.
Battery swapping replaces gasoline generators
The pilot, which began in July, uses the same swappable battery technology found in many electric bicycles. The batteries are supplied by New York startup PopWheels, which also recharges them in fire-resistant battery lockers located throughout the city.
Each cart is equipped with a module capable of holding up to six batteries, each about 30 centimeters long. Together they provide enough electricity for roughly five hours before requiring a battery swap.
Vendors operating within the pilot area can exchange depleted batteries for fully charged ones at the beginning or end of their shifts. Those located farther from the designated testing zone receive replacement batteries directly at their carts, minimizing interruptions to their business.
How much electricity do food carts actually need?
Most street food carts cook with propane rather than electricity. However, they still require power for refrigeration, lighting and ventilation, needs that are typically met by noisy gasoline generators costing vendors around $10 per day in fuel.
The generators also expose workers to exhaust fumes throughout their shifts.
According to the pilot, four PopWheels batteries, providing a combined capacity of roughly 5 kWh, are sufficient to cover the daily electrical needs of a typical food cart. If additional energy is required, a midday battery swap can extend operating time without relying on fossil fuels.
A subscription model for cleaner street vending
The system is built around a subscription service in which vendors pay a recurring fee for access to batteries and charging infrastructure.
“We believe the model will be cost-competitive, either lower than what vendors currently spend or roughly equivalent to their gasoline costs,” said Isabela Brown, senior policy advisor at the Mayor’s Office of Climate & Environmental Justice.
The primary upfront expense for vendors is installing an inverter compatible with the battery system. City officials are evaluating financing options, including loans and incentive programs, to help reduce that initial investment.
“Street food entrepreneurs help define New York City’s unique culture by providing affordable, diverse food options for working New Yorkers and visitors alike,” said Carina Kaufman-Gutierrez, executive director of the Street Vendor Services Office within the New York City Department of Small Business Services.
A model other cities could easily adopt
The concept is remarkably transferable. Nearly every major city has street vendors who rely on small generators to power their businesses. Replacing those generators with standardized battery-swapping systems could significantly reduce urban noise, improve local air quality and lower greenhouse gas emissions.
If the New York pilot proves successful, it may offer a practical blueprint for cities across the United States and beyond, demonstrating that even the most familiar features of urban life can become cleaner without sacrificing convenience or reliability.
