Gothamist
A non-profit newsroom, powered by WNYC.
Gothamist
Listen Live
Food
Fleet Of 500 Eco-Friendly Food Carts Coming To NYC
By
Nell Casey
Published May 11, 2015
Modified May 11, 2015
Share
FacebookTwitterRedditEmail
Never miss a story
Email address
By submitting your information, you're agreeing to receive communications from New York Public Radio in accordance with our Terms .
By
Nell Casey
Published May 11, 2015
Modified May 11, 2015
Share
FacebookTwitterRedditEmail
We rely on your support to make local news available to all
Make your contribution now and help Gothamist thrive in 2026. Donate today
Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations
The vehicles dispensing dirty water dogs and charred street meat are getting an eco-friendly makeover thanks to a fleet of 500 new food carts set to debut in the coming months. This morning, the City Council announced a partnership with MOVE Systems, which will supply the new carts gratis to vendors throughout the city.
"As a strong supporter of our city's street vendors, I am pleased to join MOVE Systems today as they announce this innovative pilot program," said Speaker Melissa Mark-Viverito in a statement. "Small business owners like food cart vendors, are the backbone of New York City's economy and the fabric of our neighborhoods."
The new carts will be equipped with a heavy-duty fuel tank and low emission CNG, which are both responsible for safer cooking and a lower environmental impact than traditional propane tanks. Highly combustable propane has been responsible for multiple terrifying incidents when fires and explosions have injured workers trapped inside. The so-called MRV100 carts will also be equipped with a "restaurant-grade kitchen" complete with refrigeration and sinks, plus solar panels and alternative fuel that further reduce the cart's carbon footprint.
According to a report by Energy Vision, "each MRV100 reduces climate change gases by 60% and smog-causing NOx pollution by 95% thereby taking the pollution equivalent of nearly 200 cars off the road." While the emissions from the tailpipe will be greatly reduced, you'll still smell like a walking fire pit after passing the kebab carts.
Tagged
food carts
move systems
solar panels
original
Nell Casey
Read more
Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations
Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations
MORE food
North African restaurants are rare in NYC. These 10 are the best.
Egyptian, Moroccan, Algerian and Tunisian food is delicious but underrepresented in the city.
By
Robert Sietsema
Published Oct 10, 2026
10 dishes that demonstrate the delicious diversity of curry in New York City
The global dish is shapeshifting and ubiquitous.
By
Robert Sietsema
Food
10 dishes that demonstrate the delicious diversity of curry in New York City
The global dish is shapeshifting and ubiquitous.
By
Robert Sietsema
Frozen yogurt is back in New York City. So are the super long lines.
By
Sonia Rao
5 NYC banana puddings as good as Magnolia's
By
Hannah Frishberg
Where to eat in Greenpoint, Brooklyn right now, from Polish to Sichuan to Iberian
By
Robert Sietsema
Never miss a story
Catch up on the most important headlines with a roundup of essential NYC stories, delivered to your inbox daily.
Sign upEmail address
By submitting your information, you're agreeing to receive communications from New York Public Radio in accordance with our Terms .