New York State has added $30 million in funding to its 2025 Drive Clean Rebate program, offering consumers up to $2,000 off the purchase or lease of new electric vehicles (EVs). The expanded initiative, announced by Governor Kathy Hochul, aims to make EV ownership more affordable while boosting access to fast and convenient charging statewide.
Drive Clean Rebate: Save Up to $2,000 on a New EV
The New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA) administers the Drive Clean Rebate, which offers point-of-sale discounts on more than 60 electric vehicles. Buyers can access the rebate at participating dealerships in all 62 counties. Long-range, all-electric models qualify for higher rebate amounts.
Since 2017, NYSERDA has issued over 190,000 rebates. These incentives have helped boost New York’s electric vehicle total to more than 280,000.
New Charger Incentives for Apartments, Workplaces, and Hotels
NYSERDA also expanded the Charge Ready NY 2.0 program to increase charging options at apartments, businesses, and hotels. The updated incentives now provide:
- $3,000 per port for standard sites
- $4,000 per port in disadvantaged communities
Property owners can use these rebates to offset equipment and installation costs. Over the past year, Charge Ready NY 2.0 supported the installation of more than 1,000 Level 2 chargers.
Fast-Charging Network Adds New Sites
The New York Power Authority (NYPA) continues to grow the EVolve NY fast-charging network. Current highlights include:
- 240 fast chargers active at 56 locations statewide
- 12 high-speed chargers opening at LaGuardia Airport by August 2025
- 70 fast chargers and 280 Level 2-ready ports planned for NYC by 2026
- New NEVI-funded sites coming to major highways and travel corridors
EV drivers can recharge in as little as 20 minutes at EVolve NY stations, enabling longer road trips and reducing range anxiety.
Community Events and Equipment Grants
NYSERDA has allocated $3 million for community “ride and drive” events, free public charging initiatives, and EV purchases by local organizations. The agency also opened new application windows for EV charger equipment and vendor eligibility.
Statewide Shift to Electric Vehicles
New York plans to invest nearly $3 billion to transform its transportation sector. Key initiatives include:
- Requiring 100% zero-emission passenger vehicles and school buses
- Electrifying the state vehicle fleet under a legal mandate
- Installing 600 new EV chargers on public property, doubling the current total
These efforts support the state’s goal to reach net-zero emissions by 2050 and direct investments into communities that have been historically underserved.ieve net-zero emissions by 2050 and direct investment toward disadvantaged communities.
Where to Learn More
Consumers can find eligible vehicles and apply for the Drive Clean Rebate at NYSERDA’s official site. Businesses and property managers can explore charger incentives through the Charge Ready NY 2.0 program.
For fast charging site maps, visit EVolve NY.
FingerLakes1.com is the region’s leading all-digital news publication. The company was founded in 1998 and has been keeping residents informed for more than two decades. Have a lead? Send it to [email protected].