New York Governor Kathy Hochul announced on Thursday that there would be “no more excuses” not to buy an electric vehicle after ordering the state Department of Environmental Conservation to take significant steps to accelerate the state’s transition to clean transportation to protect the environment.
In White Plains, New York, Governor Hochul introduced the state’s ambitious new clean energy and climate goals. The most important takeaway is that all new vehicles sold in New York State will now be required to be zero emissions by 2035, the same requirement that was set in California by the new Advanced Clean Cars II regulations of the state.
The California Air Resources Board (CARB) projects that the new California regulations will reduce emissions by 50% between 2026 and 2040. Since its adoption, 18 other states have followed in California’s footsteps, adopting the low-emission vehicle (LEV) and zero-emission vehicle (ZEV) mandates, New York being the most recent.
When the governor first visited White Plains in 2015, she says, she was greeted with visions of abundant electric vehicle charging and zero-emission vehicles, which will soon become a reality.
NY is introducing several new initiatives to fight climate change and protect the environment, as Governor Hochul points out, “electric vehicles are the key to getting there.”
The governor says electric vehicles have been part of New York’s history for more than 100 years, starting with Buffalo. The Buffalo Electric Carriage Company, established in 1900 and later known as the Buffalo Electric Vehicle Company, did not last long. It ceased operations in 1916 when the oil giants and their moneybags took over the United States.
This time, electric vehicles are here to stay as New York reveals specific goals and initiatives to make it happen.
New York outlines electric vehicle requirements and initiatives
By 2035, all new passenger cars, pickup trucks and SUVs sold in New York will be required to be zero-emissions. To make sure they get there, the governor has set specific landmarks along the way.
The percentage of new vehicle sales that must be zero emissions will increase as the plan progresses, with 35% required by 2026, 68% by 2030 and 100% by 2035.
New York Governor Hochul says:
Through sustained state and federal investments, our actions inspire New Yorkers, local governments and businesses to make the transition to electric vehicles. We are advancing New York’s transition to clean transportation, and today’s announcement will benefit our climate and the health of our communities for generations to come.
New York has set a goal to reduce greenhouse gases by 85% by 2050, and new state regulations aimed at accelerating its transition to electric vehicles will help it get there.
To help buyers who are hesitant to buy an electric vehicle, New York is launching several initiatives to reduce costs and provide accessible charging options.
- Subsidies for zero-emission vehicles – New York is providing $5.75 million to municipalities to buy or lease zero-emission vehicles for their fleets and to install public electric vehicle charging stations.
- NYSERDA Drive Clean Rebate – $10 million is being added to New York’s Drive Clean rebate to help shoppers purchase an electric vehicle with a rebate of up to $2,000 available in all 62 counties to be used with the planned federal tax credit by the Inflation Reduction Act.
- NYPA EVolve NY – The New York Power Authority (NYPA) has just installed its 100th fast charger as part of the $250 million EVolve NY funding to build a statewide fast-charging network to accelerate the adoption of electric vehicles.
- National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Program – New York is receiving $175 million over the next five years from the federal NEVI program to establish an interconnected electric vehicle charging network.
New York has some of the nation’s most aggressive climate and clean energy initiatives to reduce harmful emissions by promoting the adoption of electric vehicles and protecting the environment with strict mandates. Through these programs, the state is on track to achieve economy-wide carbon neutrality and meet its carbon reduction goals.
Electrek’s Grasp
The New York announcement provides a roadmap for how states can achieve meaningful reductions in greenhouse gas emissions while protecting the environment and the safety of those who live there.
California established the regulations, which made it easier for other states to follow suit. New York doesn’t stop at passenger vehicles either. The state is investing in electric school buses to keep children safe, electric transport buses to keep communities safe, and in industries you wouldn’t expect, like street sweepers!
New York City just surpassed 4,050 city-owned electric vehicles, reaching its goal three years ahead of schedule, showing the city is making significant progress.
The transition to clean energy and electric vehicles will not only promote a cleaner community, but will also stimulate the economy by creating well-paying jobs. The state estimates that its more than $35 billion in clean energy investments will support approximately 158,000 jobs while reducing energy costs for residents and creating a clean, reliable grid.
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