Amid the push for cleaner and greener vehicles across the globe, especially given the rising oil prices, the state of New York has taken a significant step towards its 2035 and 2040 zero-emissions goals.
The New York State Office of General Services and New York Power Authority deployed over 1,850 zero-emission vehicles (ZEVs) and installed over 1,300 EV charging ports on state-owned properties.
To clarify, ZEVs are mostly electric vehicles that don’t release gases through exhaust pipes since they run on electric power. One may argue that the source through which electricity is generated to charge these vehicles determines whether they are truly ZEVs or not.
While that point holds merit, the inclusion of ZEVs in the fleet of the state’s vehicles could be viewed as a stepping stone toward achieving its broader emissions goals.
Electrification Is the Future in New York
According to a report by EV Infrastructure News, ZEVs now account for over 10% of the state’s light-duty, non-emergency fleet. This is in line with Governor Kathy Hochul’s Executive Order 22, which requires all of New York’s light-duty, non-emergency vehicles to transition to ZEVs by 2035.
By 2040, the objective is to have all medium- and heavy-duty vehicles transition into ZEVs. The report adds that the state not only intends to decarbonize its vehicle fleet but also aims to reduce operating costs arising from fuel consumption and vehicle maintenance.
To support the expansion of ZEVs, the state has expanded charging infrastructure. An additional 550 charging ports are currently in the design and construction phase.
Notably, the charging infrastructure includes DC fast chargers, Level 2 chargers, and off-grid solar-powered charging systems paired with battery storage.
New York Power Authority (NYPA) President and CEO Justin E. Driscoll said in a statement that the state was increasing the use of its electric-powered equipment. He said:
“Electrification of the transportation industry reduces emissions, resulting in cleaner air in New York neighbourhoods. To advance Governor Hochul’s directive to transition state fleets to electric vehicles, this annual EV fleet event brings together state partners, vendors, and experts to foster collaboration.
“NYPA is supporting state agencies and local government partners with building statewide EV charging infrastructure. Half of NYPA’s fleet vehicles are now electric, and we’re increasing our use of other electric-powered equipment for operation and maintenance of our plants and transmission system.”
New York Announced a $30 Million Incentive to Encourage EV Adoption
The push for electrification of state vehicles comes amid an additional $30 million incentive that the state announced last month to push motorists toward EV adoption.
The programme offers point-of-sale rebates worth between $500 and $2,000 for those who purchase or lease battery-electric and plug-in hybrid vehicles. Higher incentives can be expected for vehicle models that offer a higher range.
According to another report by EV Infrastructure News, Hochul stated that the incentives will be distributed through the Drive Clean Rebate programme administered by the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA).
Considering the ongoing war against Iran and the rising fuel prices as a result, Governor Hochul believes the incentives will encourage drivers to switch to EVs. She said in a statement last month:
“As the federal administration continues to roll back support for clean air and electric vehicles, New York State is leaning in to prioritize benefits that reduce consumer out-of-pocket costs while reducing harmful emissions.
“At a time when gas prices at the pump have soared in the wake of the war with Iran, electric vehicles will help make driving more affordable for New Yorkers.”
Launched in 2017, the Drive Clean Rebate programme has issued more than 228,000 rebates, resulting in the rising number of EVs on the streets of New York, totaling approximately 324,000 vehicles.