The New York State Public Service Commission made major changes on Thursday to New York’s electric vehicle “make-ready” program to speed up the transition to zero-emissions electric vehicles. The changes are designed to accelerate the development of EV charging infrastructure to combat range anxiety and ensure New Yorkers have access to convenient and reliable EV charging. Combined, the programs announced Thursday are expected to stimulate $4 billion in total investment in electric vehicle charging infrastructure. According to the Governor’s Office, more and more New Yorkers are going electric every day, with 175,000 electric or plug-in hybrid EVs on the road today, and approximately 3 million anticipated by 2030.
The changes approved by the Public Service Commission (PSC) include increasing the overall ratepayer-funded EV Make-Ready Program from $701 million to $1.24 billion, with $372 million in funding to support programs in disadvantaged communities, a sharp increase from the previous budget of $206 million. The budget increase included expanding the direct current fast charging program target from 1,500 to 6,302 charging stations, along with higher incentive levels to accelerate the build-out of EV charging infrastructure across New York.
Investments in disadvantaged communities increased by 81 percent to $372 million across several programs, ensuring all New Yorkers benefit from the investments in clean transportation. The decision introduced a new, innovative micro-mobility make-ready program, supporting charging infrastructure for e-bike, e-scooters and other forms of electric mobility in disadvantaged communities through New York.
Also, the medium- and heavy-duty make-ready pilot budget designed for commercial customers more than doubled to $58 million, paired with increased flexibility for applicants regarding eligible costs and vehicles, targeting emission reductions in disadvantaged communities. The PSC expects the modifications to the medium- and heavy-duty make-ready pilot will unlock investment in this important sector, and generate critical experience for fleet owners and utilities, as the Commission considers broader programmatic needs in a separate proceeding.
Finally, the PSC approved new beneficial rates and programs for commercial EV-charging customers in a separate order. Under the new programs, commercial EV-charging will be eligible for rebates or subsidies of up to 50 percent of the demand charge costs on their delivery bills. Commercial EV-charging customers in downstate New York will also be eligible to participate in new managed charging programs to unlock even more savings that are also beneficial to the grid. Commercial-managed charging programs are still under development in upstate New York and are expected to be available in 2024.
“To reach our nation-leading climate goals, New York is energizing our transition to a clean transportation future,” Governor Kathy Hochul said. “More New Yorkers are making the switch to electric vehicles, and we’re working hard to build accessible charging infrastructure across the state. The program improvements announced today will encourage more people to own EVs, helping to build a clean and sustainable future.”
