Electric Vehicles

Transportation is the second largest source of greenhouse gas emissions in New York State, so it is imperative that we electrify all vehicles rapidly and equitably. New Yorkers for Clean Power is committed to helping New York State achieve its commitment from the Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act (CLCPA, Climate Act) to reducing greenhouse gas emissions 40% percent by 2030 and more than 85% percent by 2050, plus putting 850,000 ZEVs on the road by the end of 2025. According to the Integration Analysis for the Climate Action Council’s Draft Scoping Plan, New York needs to replace 3 million gas vehicles with EVs by 2030 in order to meet our climate goals mandated by the CLCPA.
We advance this work by:

  • Advocating for legislation in support of scaling up Electric Vehicle adoption. As part of this, we must expand direct DV sales locations, which are currently limited to just five stores across all of New York. The EV Direct Sales Bill would let car makers sell electric cars directly to customers and would remove the limit on direct sales locations for EVs across the state. Learn more about the EV Direct Sales Bill.
  • Working with the ElectrifyNY coalition, a statewide coalition of advocates for environmental justice, public transportation, social justice, and good jobs fighting for a clean, equitable electric transportation future for New York. Our work aims to improve the environment and public health outcomes for the communities most affected by the negative impacts of the transportation sector’s dependency on fossil fuels.
  • Organizing promotional events, including the annual National Drive Electric Week, running this year from September 22 – October 1, 2023.
  • Building a buzz for EVs by featuring EV drivers and towns and businesses that have installed charging stations in local press and on social media is a great way to spread the word about the benefits of EVs! Read more here about 5 reasons to consider an electric car

NYCP and Friends at a National Drive Electric Week Event in Syracuse

Resources for EVs and EV Charging Infrastructure

Ribbon Cutting for the Installation of an EV charger at the Marbletown Community Center

Resources for Buying EVs

Resources for Charging Infrastructure

  • Find a Charging Station Near You: PlugShare is a community-based tool that guides users to available charging locations around the world. The PlugShare app is completely free to use and provides in-the-moment updates about the charging locations near you so that you to make an informed decision on where to charge.
  • Destination Electric: A program that shows you businesses that are located near public charging stations.
  • EV Make Ready Program: A program with make-ready incentives available through your utility to help install EV charging. You may be eligible for up to 100% of the electric infrastructure costs associated with new non-residential EV charging stations.
  • NYSERDA ChargeNY Program: A state-wide program including rebates, incentives, tax credits, charging stations, infrastructure installation options, and more. NYSERDA provides rebates of $4,000 per charging port for Level 2 charging stations installed at public, workplace, and multi-unit dwelling parking lots.
  • NYSERDA Charge Ready NY: Rebates of $4,000 per charging port or more if built in a disadvantaged community.
  • NYS DEC’s Zero-Emission Vehicle Infrastructure Grant: A grant that offers up to $500,000 to municipalities installing EV chargers, primarily for public use. The grant covers 80-100% of the cost of site prep, installation, EV charging equipment, and electricity.
  • NYPA EVolve NY: A program adding chargers in key places along major highways and at the airports, investing up to $250 million through 2025 to improve the infrastructure and raise awareness of the benefits of driving electric.
  • Alternative Fuel Vehicle Refueling Property Credit: A federal income tax credit of up to $1,000 (or $30,000 for business property, or 30% of the cost). Covers charger and installation.
  • Alternative fuels and electric vehicle recharging property credit: A New York State income tax credit of up to $5000 (or 50% of the cost). Covers charger and installation.

Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) & Bipartisan Infrastructure Law

Several changes to EV tax credits, infrastructure tax credits, and other EV policies were made by the 2022 IRA. This law also introduced a tax credit for used electric vehicles.

Health Benefits of Transitioning to EVs

Harvard School of Public Health: Decreased vehicle emissions linked with significant drop in deaths attributable to air pollution

Union of Concerned Scientists: Air Pollution from Cars, Trucks, and Buses in the US: Everyone is Exposed, But the Burdens are not Equally Shared

American Lung Association: Electric Vehicles 101: Understanding Health and Climate Benefits

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