NY State works with Con Edison to expands electric vehicle charging program

The New York State Public Service Commission expanded the types of electric vehicles eligible to participate in Consolidated Edison’s electric vehicle charging program, SmartCharge NY.

With the expansion, Con Edison will offer incentives to customers who charge medium- and heavy-duty electric vehicles during off-peak hours.

“Encouraging the purchase and use of electric vehicles is an important element to meet our clean transportation goals and reduce our carbon footprint,” Commission Chair John Rhodes said. “Electric cars are more energy efficient and cost significantly less to operate per mile than gasoline or diesel-powered cars. Charging electric vehicles at night will not only save electric vehicle owners money on their electric bill, it will help utilities better manage the grid.”

The expansion of the SmartCharge NY program is designed to reduce carbon emissions and help meet the state’s goal of reducing greenhouse gases by 40 percent by 2030. Transportation generates the largest share by sector of greenhouse gas emissions in New York with diesel accounting for a large share of automobile pollution.

The state’s Zero-Emissions Vehicle (ZEV) plan has a target of 30,000 to 40,000 in electric vehicle sales by the end of 2018. The state is also planning to have 10,000 charging stations by 2021. Overall, the plan is to create a state-wide electric vehicle infrastructure support the growing use of electric vehicles.