New York State Increases Funding for Electric Vehicle Buildout Programs

(ALBANY, NY – Nov. 16, 2023) The New York Public Service commission increased its electric vehicle charging infrastructure budget by over $500 million and more than doubled its medium- and heavy-duty pilot program budget to $58 million, a significant investment to support the state’s transition to zero-emission electric vehicles. In addition to its environmental benefits. this investment has the potential to pay for itself through increased revenue from additional charging stations, a mechanism that can benefit all ratepayers. The updated pilot program will also now enable greater support for truck and bus charging infrastructure in disadvantaged communities, for public charging hubs and for electric school buses.  

“We commend Gov. Hochul and the Public Service Commission for continuing to prioritize vehicle charging and significantly expanding accessibility of funds to disadvantaged communities. The expansion of funds for electric vehicle charging further solidifies New York as a national leader in supporting the transition to electric vehicles, a necessary step in reaching the state's ambitious climate goals. Environmental Defense Fund will continue to support the State through the necessary next steps in implementing and expanding medium- and heavy- duty vehicle charging infrastructure.” 

• Pamela MacDougall, Director, Grid Modernization Strategy    

New York has set ambitious climate and emissions reductions goals through the Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act, and is requiring all new passenger and electric vehicles to be zero-emission by 2040 and all new medium- and heavy-duty vehicles to be zero emission by 2045. To achieve these goals, New York is considering  further programs to support the electrification of both public and private fleets in the Public Service Commission’s proceeding on Barriers to Medium- and Heavy-Duty Electric Vehicle Charging Infrastructure. It is critical that this work supports all public and private fleets, particularly small fleets, an essential step analysis has shown can be beneficial to both fleets and ratepayers, and directs the implementation of proactive grid planning by the utilities to ensure their grids are ready to support this electrification. 

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