NY State expands initiatives to encourage use of electric cars

New York State launched several initiatives to facilitate the use of electric vehicles.

One of the initiatives is to expand the state’s EVolve NY program, which calls for the installation of public fast-charging stations. The $250 million EVolve program calls for the deployment of up to 200 150 kilowatt (kW) direct current fast chargers, enabling drivers to charge in as little as 20 minutes. These stations will be placed at more than two dozen locations along major traffic corridors, John F. Kennedy International Airport and five major cities. The state has a goal of installing at least 10,000 charging stations by the end of 2021.

They will place four 150 kW chargers per location at average intervals of less than 75 miles along New York’s major corridors. Target locations include Plattsburgh, Watertown and North Hudson in the North Country; Rochester in the Finger Lakes region; Buffalo and Niagara in Western New York; Middletown in Mid-Hudson; Corning and Binghamton in the Southern Tier; and Islip and Freeport in Long Island. Construction is slated to begin in spring 2019.

Buffalo, Rochester, Syracuse, Albany, and Yonkers have also been identified as sites for urban hubs. They will also be installed at approximately 15 service areas along the New York State Thruway, while JFK Airport will get 10 150 kW fast chargers.

“Addressing infrastructure barriers is key if we want people to step into EV ownership with confidence, recognize that lower-emission electric vehicles are affordable, accessible and fun to drive, and understand they’ll be able to drive across the state without having to worry about recharging,” Gil Quiniones, president and CEO of the New York Power Authority, said.

Another initiative is the Drive Clean Rebate. Through this program, more than 11,000 rebates have been approved for New Yorkers to purchase electric cars. To date, more than $15 million in rebates have been approved for New Yorkers.

The Drive Clean Rebate gives state residents a rebate of up to $2,000 for the purchase or lease of a new electric car from participating dealers. Also, $5 million in rebates are available to apartment buildings, workplaces, malls, and other locations to install charging stations.

“New York continues to lead the way as we transition to a green economy and the installation of high-speed electric vehicle chargers across the state will significantly bolster this effort,” New York State Assembly Energy Chairman Michael Cusick said. “Less than two percent of cars sold in the United States last year were electric. It’s important for government to lay the foundation for future success in this sector in an effort to reduce pollution and spur investment.”

These initiatives are part of Gov. Andrew Cuomo’s goal of reducing carbon emissions in the state by 40 percent by 2030 from 1990 levels.