The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) announced on Friday the next round of the Municipal Zero-Emission Vehicle (ZEV) Infrastructure Grant program and the Municipal ZEV Rebate program are now open for applications. A total of $5 million for electric vehicle charging infrastructure and $585,000 for municipalities to purchase electric vehicles for fleet use are available. The funding advances New York’s climate efforts to reduce emissions through supporting electric vehicle adoption and expansion in municipalities across the State.
“Under Governor Kathy Hochul, New York is continuing to lead to reduce pollution from the transportation sector and improve the health and quality of life for residents,” said DEC Commissioner Amanda Lefton. “While the federal government continues to rollback funding, and support for climate action and federal tax credits for electric vehicle purchases expire at the end of September, New York’s ZEV programs continue to provide critical support to municipalities to make it more affordable to green their fleets, reduce fuel costs, decrease emissions, and save taxpayers money.”
ZEV Infrastructure Grant Program
A total of $5 million for municipalities is available on a first-come, first-served basis through the Municipal ZEV Infrastructure Grant program to support the installation of Level 2 and Level 3 electric vehicle chargers, in addition to hydrogen filling station components. DEC is accepting applications through 4 p.m. on February 27, 2026, available through the Consolidated Funding Application (CFA) under the name “2025 Municipal ZEV Infrastructure Grants.”
The local match requirement for funding varies based on the municipality’s median household income (MHI) and whether the ZEV infrastructure is located within a disadvantaged community (DAC). If located in a DAC, no match is required, regardless of the municipality’s MHI.
More information can be found in the request for applications (RFA) document posted on DEC’s website. Please note, the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA) Charge Ready Program and the DEC ZEV Infrastructure Grant program cannot be used together for the same installation.
Since the inception of the Municipal ZEV Infrastructure Grant program in 2016, DEC has awarded more than $19.8 million for 1,230 level 2 charging ports, 75 DCFC pedestals, and three hydrogen fuel filling nozzles.
ZEV Rebate Program
The Municipal ZEV Rebate program provides rebates to municipalities that purchase electric vehicles for fleet use. A total of $585,000 is available this round on a first-come, first-served basis and available to municipalities that purchase – or lease for a minimum of 36 months – an eligible electric vehicle placed into service between September 28, 2024, and February 27, 2026. All-electric, plug-in hybrid and hydrogen fuel cell vehicles are eligible for rebates.
Electric vehicle rebates are available on a tiered basis, ranging from $2,500 to $7,500, depending on the electric range of the vehicle. Medium-duty vehicles are eligible for a rebate of $7,500 regardless of electric range.
DEC is accepting applications on a rolling basis through 3 p.m. on February 27, 2026, or until funds are exhausted, whichever occurs first. For more information, see the RFA posted on DEC’s website. Applications are available through the NYS Statewide Financial System Grants Management System.
Since the inception of the Municipal ZEV Rebate program in 2016, DEC has awarded more than $1.8 million for 231 electric vehicles and 115 plug-in hybrids.
In Governor Hochul’s 2025-26 Executive Budget, New York State included a historic investment of $425 million in Environmental Protection Fund (EPF) funding. The EPF supports climate change mitigation and adaptation efforts, improves agricultural resources to promote sustainable agriculture, protects water sources, advances conservation efforts, and provides recreational opportunities for New Yorkers. In addition, the Governor has committed $1 billion as part of the Sustainable Future Fund to advance clean energy, cut emissions, and expand green infrastructure statewide.
Have all the Finger Lakes news from Finger Lakes News Radio delivered to your email every morning for FREE! Sign up by clicking here.
