To achieve the ambitious clean energy and climate change goals state governments have set across the country, action within the transportation sector is needed. Currently, according to the EPA, the transportation sector contributes to 27% of the total greenhouse gas emissions nationwide. In New York State, transportation represents approximately 33% of greenhouse gas emissions and is a priority for policymakers eager to achieve climate change goals.
In 2019, New York enacted the Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act (CLCPA) which mandates the reduction of greenhouse gases statewide by 40% below 1990 levels by 2030 and 85% by 2050. This law also requires renewable energy to account for 70% of electricity by 2030, and for electricity to be 100% zero emissions by 2040. The accelerated transition to an electrified fleet represents a vital component to achieving the CLCPA’s greenhouse gas reduction goals.
Recommendations for EV Deployment
According to the NY Department of Public Services’ Electric Vehicles Make-Ready Program Midpoint Review and Recommendations Whitepaper released on March 1, stakeholders have reported a number of key barriers to continued market development. These include high upfront costs for electric vehicles, consumer anxiety about access to charging stations, and an inability to accurately streamline the data collection process and track progression in a timely manner. To overcome these obstacles policymakers must continue to develop impactful legislation and modify existing state programs. Such programs include implementation of the NYPA EVolve NY Program, which allows consumers to charge their electric vehicles in under 30 minutes at a rate of $0.35/kwh plus tax. NYPA estimates that consumers save an average of $800 to $1000 a year on fueling costs. Additionally, increasing federal and state funding for EV incentive programs and boosting public outreach efforts will contribute significantly to the deployment of electric vehicles. Recently, Governor Hochul announced the implementation of new policies to target medium- and heavy-duty electric vehicle charging infrastructure and planning. Hochul stated that “it is critical that we invest in supportive infrastructure to get more electric vehicles on streets across New York and reduce harmful vehicle emissions.”
For businesses and non-profit organizations seeking to transition their fleets to EVs, and for retail electric suppliers and renewable energy firms eager to sell new products and services to these customers, there are a number of incentive programs that can be tapped.
Foundational Programs and Incentives
- The Drive Clean Rebate– Provides rebates of up to $2000 for the purchase or lease of new plug- in electric vehicles (PEV).
- The New York Truck Voucher Incentive Program– Provides discounts to fleets that buy or lease clean medium-and heavy-duty vehicles and require fleet operators to scrap a similar, older diesel vehicle.
- Clean Transportation Program– Helps businesses develop new “green” technology for transportation.
- Electric Charging Station Program– Credit of up to $5,000 that helps businesses install charging stations for electric vehicles.
- The Clean Pass Program– Designed to expand the use of energy-efficient vehicles, providing Long Island commuters with incentives to save money during their daily commute.
- NYPA EVolve NY Program– By the end of 2025, NYPA will have up to 400 fast chargers installed or in construction through this program at average intervals of 50 miles along key interstate corridors.
- EV Make Ready Program– Supports the development of electric infrastructure and equipment necessary to accommodate an increased deployment of EVs within New York State by reducing the upfront costs of building charging stations for EVs. Entities seeking to install or participate in the installation of Level 2 (“L2”) and/or Direct Current Fast Charging (“DCFC”) chargers can earn incentives that will offset a large portion of infrastructure costs associated with preparing a site for EV charger installation.
Current Key Proceedings to Overcome EV Barriers
- NYPSC Docket No. 22-E-0236– Investigation into developing a commercial tariff to facilitate faster charging for eligible light-duty, heavy-duty, and fleet electric vehicles.
- Program Opportunity Notification (PON) 4509– Prioritizes areas that lack access to EV fast charging.
- NYPSC Docket No. 18-E-0138– Proceeding on motion of the NYPSC regarding electric vehicle supply equipment and infrastructure.
- Senate Bill S7406C– Requires electric vehicle charging stations and electric vehicle capable parking spaces.
- Senate Bill S8518A– Enacts the electric vehicle rights act.
- Senate Bill S6300– Relates to creating a “feebate” program for medium and heavy-duty vehicles.
- Senate Bill S6089– Relates to the purchase of zero-emission buses and the procurement of electric-powered buses, vehicles, or other related equipment.
- Senate Bill S5705– Exempts new clean fuel vehicles and vehicles that meet the clean vehicle standards from first year registration fees.
- Senate Bill S5366– Relates to the purchase of zero-emission capable hybrid and zero-emission buses, and the procurement of electric-powered buses, vehicles, or other related equipment.
- Assembly Bill A3975– Relates to the issuance of special license plates and stickers for electric motor vehicles and provides certain benefits for the use of such vehicles.
- Assembly Bill A2651– Requires car registration forms to display the label “qualified hybrid vehicle” and the estimated MPG of such vehicle as calculated by the EPA.
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