The New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA) has chosen the Center for Sustainable Energy (CSE) to administer the Charge NY Drive Clean Rebate initiative, which is aimed at increasing the adoption of electric vehicles (EVs) by consumers and fleet managers in the state.
As previously reported, Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo officially launched the program on March 21, providing rebates that will help address the state’s greenhouse-gas reduction goals through greater use of zero-emission vehicles.
The initiative provides $55 million for rebates up to $2,000 for purchase of a new plug-in hybrid electric car, all-electric car or hydrogen fuel cell car. An additional $15 million will support improving consumer awareness of EVs and their many benefits, installing more charging stations and other efforts to put more clean vehicles on New York’s roadways.
“We are honored to play a role in this important clean transportation effort in New York,” says CSE’s Executive Director Len Hering. “The EV programs we administer have helped nearly 200,000 drivers transition to clean vehicles in three states, providing improved air quality in local communities, generating savings for consumers and changing the way people envision automobile fueling.”
With more than 16,000 EVs already on the road, New York is working to install charging infrastructure to accommodate more than 30,000 plug-in EVs by 2018 and 1 million by 2025.
John B. Rhodes, NYSERDA president and CEO, says, “The Drive Clean Rebate initiative is one example of how New York is leading the nation in advancing initiatives to reduce greenhouse-gas emissions and fight climate change. By increasing the number of electric vehicles on our roads, the state, under Gov. Cuomo’s leadership, is ensuring all New Yorkers benefit from a cleaner environment and greener transportation options.”
As previously noted, the Drive Clean Rebate initiative is the latest action by Cuomo to increase the number of electric cars in the state. Earlier this month, Cuomo announced a new EV campaign that includes the installation of charging stations and incentives for employers to encourage employees to drive electric.