Editor’s note: Policies and rebates that encourage wider use of electric vehicles is good news for the power industry, which has seen a low growth rate over the last few years. And, hopefully, the power to charge EVs in New York will come from nearby wind farms.
Governor Andrew M. Cuomo recently spoke at the International Auto Show and reminded New Yorkers of the new $70 million electric car rebate and outreach initiative. He encouraged clean and non-polluting electric car use to help reduce carbon emissions across the state.
Launched in March, the Drive Clean Rebate initiative is the latest action by Governor Cuomo to increase the use of electric cars in New York State. The Governor also announced a new electric vehicle campaign to install charging stations and offers incentives for employers to encourage employees to drive EVs.
“As we work to reduce our state’s carbon footprint and curb climate change, I encourage New Yorkers to consider electric vehicles and help take us a step closer to achieving our goal of reducing emissions 40% by 2030,” Governor Cuomo said.
All 30 electric vehicles available for purchase or lease in New York were showcased at the New York Auto Show.
“Many of the cars showcased at this year’s show support New York’s commitment to provide a healthier, safer state for all, and I thank the Greater New York Auto Dealers Association for supporting new technologies that allow this industry to continue to grow, while advancing our efforts to protect our environment for future generations,” Cuomo added.
In an effort to support a cleaner, greener state, the Drive Clean rebates are available to all New York residents who buy eligible cars through participating new car dealers. The Drive Clean Rebate program will help improve the transportation sector, which is the largest contributor to greenhouse gas emissions in the state.
The Drive Clean Initiative includes:
- $55 million for rebates of up to $2,000 for purchase of a new plug-in hybrid electric car, all-electric car or hydrogen fuel cell car.
- $15 million to improve the awareness of the benefits of electric cars, installing more charging stations across the state, and developing new electric car-enabling technologies.
Compared to gasoline-powered cars, electric cars are more energy efficient and cost about 50 to 70% less to operate per mile. Carbon emission savings from cars receiving rebates under this initiative is expected to be 115,000 metric tons per year, the equivalent of taking 24,000 cars off the road.
The Governor also announced a new EV campaign to install charging stations and offers incentives for employers to encourage employees to drive electric vehicles. Last fall, he announced $3 million for rebates through the Environmental Protection Fund for municipalities to purchase or lease zero-emission vehicles, such as battery electric and hydrogen vehicles, for their fleets, and over the summer, Sustainable Hudson Valley kicked off its Drive Electric Hudson Valley campaign to educate consumers about electric vehicles, which was supported by NYSERDA.
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