Governor Andrew M. Cuomo recently announced that New York has seen a 74% increase in electric car sales over the same time period last year, resulting from the Drive Clean Rebate initiative launched on March 21, 2017. The Drive Clean Rebate provides New York residents with a rebate of up to $2,000 for the purchase of a new electric car from participating dealers.
The initiative supports Governor Cuomo’s aggressive goal to reduce greenhouse gas emissions 40% by 2030 by encouraging the growth of clean and non-polluting electric car use in New York.
“The Drive Clean Rebate helps more and more New Yorkers join our fight against climate change by purchasing clean vehicles and reducing greenhouse gas emissions,” Governor Cuomo said. “As more affordable and accessible electric vehicles hit the markets, I encourage more New Yorkers to join our nation-leading efforts to build a cleaner, greener and more sustainable New York for all.”
For the first three full months following the implementation of the Drive Clean Rebate (April to June), New York State saw a significant increase in the total number of electric cars sold.
The New York State Energy Research and Development Authority, which administers the rebate program, approved more than 2,300 rebate applications in the first five full months rebates have been available (March to August). In total, more than $3 million in rebates were provided to New Yorkers for the purchase or lease of 26 different types of cars.
Leading car models sold include the Toyota Prius Prime, which accounted for more than 40% of the rebates, the Chevrolet Bolt EV (12%), Chevrolet Volt (10%), and the Ford Fusion Energi (10%). Overall, most people received rebates of $1,100 or more for their new electric cars.
“Every year, the auto industry is developing more and more innovative models of electric vehicles that can travel further and further on one charge,” said Richard Kauffman, Chairman of Energy and Finance, New York State. “With the support of Governor Cuomo’s Drive Clean Rebate as part of New York’s nation-leading climate initiatives, I’m thrilled more and more New Yorkers and making the choice to purchase these low-emission vehicles that support a cleaner environment.”
Of the 2,332 Drive Clean Rebate applications submitted through August 31, 2017, approximately 33% were submitted by Long Island consumers (779 applications), followed by consumers in the Mid-Hudson region (404 applications or 17.3%), Capital District (276 applications or 12%), and Finger Lakes (251 applications or 11%).
“The Drive Clean Rebate is providing car lovers with affordable options to lower their carbon footprint,” saidAlicia Barton, President and CEO, New York State Energy Research & Development Authority (NYSERDA). The remarkable participation numbers clearly show that people support Governor Cuomo’s nation-leading clean energy efforts and that clean energy progress is being drive by smart, environmentally-conscious consumers who are demanding clean technologies like electric vehicles.”
The transportation sector is the largest contributor to greenhouse gas emissions in New York State. 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.
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Filed Under: Energy storage, News, Policy
