State launches $70 million electric car rebate and outreach program
Photo from Governor's Office: New York Lieutenant Governor Kathy Hochul speaks at the Albany Convention Center on Tuesday, promoting a new incentive for New Yorkers to invest in electric cars and other clean energy resources.
Press Release, Gov. Cuomo’s Office
Governor Andrew M. Cuomo on Tuesday launched a $70 million electric car rebate and outreach initiative to encourage the growth of clean and non-polluting electric car use in New York and promote the reduction of carbon emissions in the transportation sector. The Drive Clean rebates are now available to all New York residents who buy eligible cars through participating new car dealers.
“Reducing vehicle emissions is a critical part of this administration’s efforts to fight climate change and reduce New York’s carbon footprint,” Governor Cuomo said. “These highly-anticipated rebates will make electric vehicles more affordable and accessible and support this state’s nation-leading efforts to build a cleaner, greener New York for generations to come.”
The Drive Clean Initiative has $55 million dedicated to rebates of up to $2,000 for purchase of a new plug-in hybrid electric car, all-electric car or hydrogen fuel cell car. In addition to the $55 million in rebates, $15 million will support improving consumer awareness of electric cars and their many benefits, installing more charging stations across the state, developing and demonstrating new electric car-enabling technologies, and other efforts to put more electric cars on New York’s roadways.
The initiative will be managed by the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority and will help the state achieve its goal to reduce greenhouse gas emissions 40 percent by 2030.
More than 30 different types of electric cars are available under the Drive Clean Rebate initiative. For information on the benefits of electric vehicles, types of cars and models eligible for rebates and rebate levels, locations or participating dealers, a map of New York State charging stations, and directions on home charging options, visit NYSERDA’s Drive Clean Rebate website (click here)
“The transportation sector is the largest contributor to greenhouse gas emissions and electric cars are helping to reverse this trend,” said Lieutenant Governor Kathy Hochul, who attended the announcement at Albany Convention Center. “Governor Cuomo’s Drive Clean Rebate will provide consumers with vehicle options that are both economically and environmentally conscious. The increased use of electric cars will play a critical role in helping New York achieve Governor Cuomo’s goal to reduce greenhouse gas emissions 40 percent by 2030.”
Compared to gasoline-powered cars, electric cars are more energy efficient and cost about 50 to 70 percent 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.
