Rebate designed to accelerate adoption of electric vehicles throughout the state
The Center for Sustainable Energy has been selected by the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA) to administer the Charge NY Drive Clean Rebate initiative, which is aimed at increasing the adoption of electric vehicles by consumers and fleet managers in the state.
Governor 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 electric vehicles (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,” said CSE’s Executive Director Len Hering, RADM, USN (ret.). “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.”
Rebates latest action to increase EVs
New York already has more than 16,000 electric vehicles on the road. The state is working to install charging infrastructure to accommodate more than 30,000 plug-in electric vehicles by 2018 and 1 million by 2025.
John B. Rhodes, NYSERDA president and CEO, said, “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.”
The Drive Clean Rebate initiative is the latest action by Governor Cuomo to increase the number of electric cars in New York State. Earlier this month, the governor announced a new electric vehicle campaign that includes the installation of charging stations and incentives for employers to encourage employees to drive electric vehicles.
Last fall, Cuomo 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. 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.
How to get a rebate
To receive a Drive Clean Rebate, consumers simply go to a participating dealership and select an eligible vehicle of their choice. The rebate is applied at the point of sale, reducing the total cost of purchasing or leasing an eligible electric vehicle. Rebates are available to all New York state residents, businesses and government entities. A list of participating dealers is available on the Drive Clean Rebate website.
As the administrator, CSE will conduct extensive outreach and training for dealers and manufacturers to help facilitate sales. CSE also will process rebate applications and provide customer service to dealerships regarding the initiative. Auto dealers and manufacturers can learn more about the Charge NY Drive Clean Rebate by visiting a dealership page on the Drive Clean Rebate website.
CSE's role nationwide
For nearly a decade, CSE has managed statewide electric vehicle incentive programs in California, Massachusetts and Connecticut that have greatly increased consumer and fleet participation and advanced charging infrastructure projects. CSE administers the Massachusetts Offers Rebates for Electric Vehicles (MOR-EV) and the Connecticut Hydrogen and Electric Automobile Purchase Rebate (CHEAPR) programs, as well as the Clean Vehicle Rebate Project in California.
