Bird, the winner of both New York City races in 2017, was the underdog for the Drivers' Championship and believed Vergne was under pressure, saying in his situation, he would be anxious of close racing due to car-to-car contact or a driver error causing him to crash, "The thought of him having a bad Saturday must almost keep him awake at night because if that happens and I have a good Saturday he has to deliver the following day." Vergne said Techeetah would not alter its approach and had maximum preparation, "No matter how this weekend goes, we have shown that a customer team can take on the manufacturers and be successful." The Brooklyn Street Circuit was modified for this round. The track was extended farther north and west to Summit Street and Hamilton Avenue. As opposed to the original right-hand hairpin at the end of the main straight on Bowne Street, a four-turn complex was added featuring a left-hander and three right-hand corners leading to the second straight that formed the previous track configuration. The changes increased the overall length of the circuit by , and were made to accommodate the more powerful second generation and more downforce efficient Formula E car.. Di Grassi opined the elongated track could increase overtaking on the back straight, and create more excitement during the races. Bird however stated the alterations would hinder his team as its car was less energy efficient than others, and the flowing corners would not help him. There was one change of driver for the weekend. Venturi driver Edoardo Mortara had a Deutsche Tourenwagen Masters commitment for Mercedes-Benz at the Circuit Zandvoort due to his championship position of second in that series. He was replaced by the team's test and reserve driver Tom Dillmann. This was the second time in the season Dillmann replaced Mortara with the first at the Berlin ePrix two months prior and had driven for Venturi seven times in the 2016–17 season. Venturi's request to switch competitors was granted by the stewards through bypassing a series regulation stating any changes of driver in the final three races of the season was forbidden except in unforeseen circumstances such as the suspension of an e-licence. Two practice sessions—both on Saturday morning—were held before the late afternoon race. The first session was scheduled to run for 45 minutes and the second lasted half an hour. An untimed half hour shakedown session was held late Friday afternoon to allow teams to check the reliability of their cars and electronic systems.