Electric vehicles (EVs) are rapidly gaining popularity in New York, thanks to robust incentive programs supporting vehicle purchase and charging infrastructure. From point‑of‑sale rebates to tax credits and utility make‑ready funds, New York offers a suite of programs for homeowners, businesses, and municipalities. Here’s a breakdown of the most important incentives today.
Drive Clean Rebate – Up to $2,000
NYSERDA’s Drive Clean Rebate provides upfront discounts of $500–$2,000 for new EVs, applied at the dealership. Vehicles with over 200 miles of all‑electric range qualify for the full $2,000, while those with 40–199 miles receive $1,000 (and $500 for shorter ranges). These rebates stack with the federal tax credit of up to $7,500 for eligible EV purchases.
Charge Ready NY 2.0 – $2,000–$4,000 per Port
For installation of Level 2 EV chargers (commercial/residential multi‑unit/workplace), the Charge Ready NY 2.0 program (via NYSERDA) offers:
- $2,000 per port in standard locations
- $3,000 per port for workplace or multi-unit buildings
- $4,000 per port in disadvantaged communities (DACs)
This first-come, first-served program runs until December 31, 2025, or until funds are exhausted.
State Tax Credit (Alternative Fuel Infrastructure) – Up to $5,000
New York State offers a tax credit covering 50% of the cost—or up to $5,000—of EV charging station purchase and installation for public or workplace infrastructure. This credit supports both equipment and installation costs.
Utility Make‑Ready Programs – 50–100% Coverage
New York’s major utilities offer “make-ready” incentives covering installation-related costs for charging infrastructure:
- Con Edison, National Grid, Central Hudson, NYSEG/RG&E, Orange & Rockland, PSEG Long Island: Cover 50–100% of infrastructure costs depending on location and public access status.
- For DACs, coverage usually reaches 100%; standard public and workplace chargers typically receive 50–90% support.
- Central Hudson offers up to $7,200 per Level 2 port; DC fast chargers qualify based on $/kW.
- PSEG Long Island covers 100% of eligible costs for Level 2 and DC fast charging at commercial sites.
Federal 30C Tax Credit – Up to $100,000 per Port
Under the federal Alternative Fuel Infrastructure Tax Credit (Section 30C), businesses and nonprofits can claim up to $100,000 per charging port—typically 6% of qualified costs, or 30% if prevailing wage and apprenticeship standards are met.
This credit applies per port, with a cap at $100,000 each, and can be combined with state and utility incentives.
NEVI, PIDP & School Bus Incentives
- NEVI (National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure) Program: Supports DC fast charging along highways; New York has begun deploying EVolve NY fast charging sites, e.g., LaGuardia International Airport.
- PIDP (Port Infrastructure Development Program): Offers up to 80% support for EV charger projects at port facilities; application window runs through September 2025.
- School Bus Electrification (NYSBIP): Provides vouchers between $25,000–$65,000 per charger for electric school bus fleets.
Residential Charger Rebates – Up to $300
For homeowners in Long Island, PSEG Long Island offers rebates of $200 for standard homes and $300 for households in DAC areas installing residential Level 2 chargers.
Whether you’re a homeowner or a business owner looking to install an EV charger, these local rebates can make the process more budget-friendly.
Why It Matters
New York’s aggressive EV targets—2–3 million vehicles by 2030 and 10 million by 2050—drive this incentive ecosystem. The state has already installed over 1,000 Level 2 public chargers through its Charge Ready programs. For homeowners, small businesses, and multi-unit dwellings, the combination of state rebates, federal tax support, and utility-funded make‑ready programs dramatically reduces upfront costs.
Stack Benefits for Maximum Savings
These programs are designed to be combined. For example:
- Use Charge Ready NY 2.0 to claim $2,000–$4,000 per port
- Add a 50% cost tax credit (up to $5,000) on purchase + installation
- Apply utility make‑ready incentives (50–100% infrastructure coverage)
- For businesses, claim up to $100,000 per port with federal 30C tax credit
Homeowners can also use residential rebates (e.g., PSEG’s $300) and the federal 30C credit, on top of the state tax credit, amplifying their return.
New York offers one of the most supportive environments for EV charging infrastructure in the U.S.—with layered incentives for homes, offices, fleets, and public sites. Whether you’re a homeowner wanting to install an EV charger, a landlord planning multi-unit installation, or a business electrifying its fleet, these programs significantly lower the costs.
To take full advantage:
- Check eligibility for Drive Clean, Charge Ready NY 2.0, and the tax credit
- Coordinate with your utility on make‑ready incentives
- For commercial projects, consider the federal 30C tax benefit and NEVI/PIDP support
With these overlapping incentives, New York residents and businesses can expand EV charging access, accelerate clean transportation, and save thousands—while advancing state decarbonization goals.