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Driving electric vehicle adoption

Drive Clean Rebate Program Adds $30M to Lease or Purchase an EV in New York

In a major move to accelerate clean transportation, the heroic Governor Kathy Hochul announced on April 18, 2025, a $30 million expansion of New York State’s Drive Clean Rebate program, aimed at making electric vehicles (EVs) more affordable and accessible across the state. The announcement, made at the opening of the 2025 New York International Auto Show, highlights New York’s growing commitment to a zero-emissions future.

Administered by the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA), the Drive Clean Rebate offers point-of-sale rebates of up to $2,000 for the lease or purchase of over 60 new EV models at participating dealerships. The rebates are available in all 62 counties, with higher incentives for long-range, all-electric vehicles.

But the incentives don’t stop at vehicles. Updates to the Charge Ready NY 2.0 program aim to increase the availability of EV chargers in key locations such as multifamily buildings, workplaces, and hotels. The state is now offering $3,000 per port, up from $2,000, to cover installation costs of Level 2 chargers. For disadvantaged communities, the incentive rises to $4,000 per port, helping ensure equitable access to clean transportation infrastructure.

Additionally, $3 million is being dedicated to community education and outreach. This includes funding for “ride and drive” events, free public charging, and support for organizations that purchase or lease EVs. The program also accepts new equipment and network eligibility applications from EV charger vendors.

“New York’s leadership in driving the adoption of electric vehicles is helping consumers stay within their budget when purchasing or leasing a new electric car,” Governor Hochul said. “Along with increased savings, we are building out the infrastructure needed to provide hard-working New Yorkers convenient access to charging, helping to reduce range anxiety and make it easier to drive electric. These investments are key to building a cleaner future, lowering emissions and creating good-paying jobs.”

(Image: NYSERDA)

New York State Energy Research and Development Authority President and CEO Doreen M. Harris said, “Converting to EVs reduces the total cost of vehicle ownership through lower fuel and vehicle maintenance costs and NYSERDA is proud to help provide New Yorkers with more purchasing power through these rebates. And by supporting organizations seeking to install charging stations at their place of business, the State is ensuring that more new and existing drivers have a variety of options to power up their vehicle at easy-to-access locations for longer periods of time.”

Powering Up New York’s Charging Network

New York continues to build out one of the nation’s most robust EV charging networks:

  • Over 17,000 public chargers statewide, second only to California.

  • More than 1,000 Level 2 chargers installed in the past year through Charge Ready NY 2.0.

  • Over 4,000 chargers at workplaces and multifamily buildings, boosting accessibility for apartment dwellers and employees.

  • NYPA’s EVolve NY Fast Charging Network has now installed 240 fast chargers at 56 locations, with a goal of 400 by 2026. These chargers are located along major corridors including I-87, I-90, I-88, and more.

New York Department of Public Service CEO Rory M. Christian said, “Promoting electric car ownership and use is a win for consumers and a win for the environment. Congratulations to Governor Hochul for supporting the installation of charging stations and helping to ensure drivers have increased options to charge their vehicles.”

Construction is also starting on a massive new EVolve NY fast charging station at LaGuardia Airport, featuring 12 high-speed chargers. This public site, located between terminals A and B, is expected to be completed by August 2025.

Meanwhile, federal NEVI funds are supporting additional EVolve NY fast charging sites across the state, with 11 completed, two more opening this month, and nine more on the way.

In New York City, new charging hubs are also being planned with the NYC Department of Transportation. Five sites are slated for construction in 2025, and six more in 2026, totaling 70 fast chargers and infrastructure for 280 future Level 2 chargers. Two fast charging hubs are already underway in the Bronx and Brooklyn under the PlugNYC program.

New York Power Authority President and CEO Justin E. Driscoll said, “New York State has made significant progress in developing the infrastructure to enable the electric vehicle transition, promoting cleaner transportation and reducing emissions statewide. Under Governor Hochul’s leadership, this effort is being done with a focus on affordability and reliability. The Power Authority supports this work by aiding in fleet vehicle transitions and expanding the EVolve NY fast charging network, which currently offers 240 charging stations with more to come later this year.”

Building a Clean Transportation Future

The state is also greening its own fleet. In partnership with the Office of General Services (OGS) and the GreenNY Council, New York is rolling out nearly 600 EV charging ports on state-owned property, with another 600 on the way.

These efforts are part of New York’s broader commitment to electrify its transportation sector. Nearly $3 billion is being invested across multiple programs, including:

The Drive Clean Rebate and Charge Ready NY 2.0 are funded through the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative (RGGI) and the State’s Clean Energy Fund, both of which support Governor Hochul’s goal of a zero-emissions economy by 2050.

New York’s climate strategy emphasizes equity, with at least 35% of program benefits directed to disadvantaged communities, ensuring that the clean energy transition uplifts all New Yorkers.

Learn More at the 2025 New York International Auto Show

Visitors to the 2025 New York International Auto Show can stop by the NYSERDA and NYPA booth at the Javits Center (Level 1) from April 18–27 to learn more about EV incentives, charger programs, and how to go electric.

EVinfo.net Endorses Kathy Hochul

As Governor, Kathy Hochul has taken bold, decisive action to support working and middle-class families, small businesses, and communities across New York—delivering pandemic relief, advancing economic recovery, defending reproductive rights, and combating climate change. A lifelong New Yorker from a blue-collar family in Buffalo, she brings a deep passion for public service shaped by her early experiences and career as a student activist, attorney, and public servant.

From serving on the Hamburg Town Board to Congress and then as Lieutenant Governor, Kathy has consistently fought for equity, opportunity, and justice—visiting all 62 counties annually to ensure every voice is heard. Now, as New York’s first female Governor, she is making history not for its own sake, but to build a stronger, more inclusive future for every New Yorker. EVinfo.net urges you to support Governor Hochul and other Democrats, the most passionate defenders of EVs and clean energy.