New York Laws and Incentives
Listed below are the summaries of all current New York laws, incentives, regulations, funding opportunities, and other initiatives related to alternative fuels and vehicles, advanced technologies, or air quality. You can go directly to summaries of:
State Incentives
New York's National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (NEVI) Planning
The U.S. Department of Transportation’s (DOT) NEVI Formula Program requires the New York State Department of Transportation (NYSDOT) to submit an annual EV Infrastructure Deployment Plan (Plan) to the DOT and U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) Joint Office of Energy and Transportation (Joint Office), describing how the state intends to distribute NEVI funds. The submitted plans must be established according to NEVI guidance.
For more information about New York’s NEVI planning process, see the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority NEVI website. To review New York’s NEVI plan, see the Joint Office State Plans for EV Charging website.
Electric Vehicle (EV) Rebate Program
The New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA) provides rebates of up to $2,000 for the purchase or lease of a new eligible EV. An eligible vehicle must:
- Be a four-wheeled motor vehicle manufactured for use on public streets, roads, and highways;
- Have a gross vehicle weight rating of not more than 8,500 pounds;
- Have a maximum speed of at least 55 miles per hour; and,
- Be propelled at least in part by an electric motor that draws electricity from a battery that has a capacity of at least four kilowatt-hours, and is capable of being charged by an external source of electricity.
Rebate amounts vary based on a vehicle’s all-electric range and manufacturer’s suggested retail price. For more information, including a list of eligible vehicles, see the NYSERDA Drive Clean Rebate website.
Electric Vehicle (EV) Charging Station Rebate
The New York State Energy Research and Development Authority’s (NYSERDA) Charge Ready NY program offers rebates for public and private entities toward the purchase and installation of Level 2 EV charging station at public parking facilities, workplaces, and multi-unit dwellings. Rebates are available for $4,000 per port. Disadvantaged communities may receive an additional rebate of $500 per Level 2 EV charging station. Additional terms and conditions apply. For more information, including application guidelines, see the NYSERDA Charge Ready NY website.
Heavy-Duty Alternative Fuel and Advanced Vehicle Purchase Vouchers
The New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA) provides incentives for all-electric and hydrogen fuel cell electric trucks and buses. Incentives are released on a staggered schedule and are distributed based on the following criteria:
Technology Type | Incentive Amount |
---|---|
Class 4-8 All-Electric and Hydrogen Fuel Cell Electric Trucks | 95% of the incremental cost, up to $185,000 per vehicle |
Class 4-8 All-Electric and Hydrogen Fuel Cell Electric Transit Buses | 100% of the incremental cost, up to $385,000 per vehicle |
Class 4-8 Paratransit Shuttle Buses | 100% of the incremental cost, up to $150,000 per vehicle |
Class 4-8 All-Electric School Buses | 100% of the incremental cost, up to $220,000 per vehicle |
All-Electric Non-Road Port Cargo Handling Equipment | 90% of the incremental cost, up to $170,000 per vehicle |
Repower All-Electric Non-Road Port Cargo Handling Equipment | 90% of the incremental cost, up to $140,000 |
Eligible vehicles must be in operation 80% of the time and for a minimum of five years. School buses may only receive the maximum funding amount if the vehicle is domiciled within half a mile of a disadvantaged community. Additional terms and conditions apply. For more information, including voucher availability and vehicle eligibility, see the NYSERDA New York Truck Voucher Incentive Program website.
Vehicle Emissions Reduction and Electric Vehicle (EV) Charging Station Project Funding
The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (NYSEDEC) provides funding for diesel vehicle replacement projects detailed in the Clean Transportation NY Beneficiary Mitigation Plan (Plan). The projects are funded by New York’s portion of the Volkswagen (VW) Environmental Mitigation Trust. The Plan provides funding for the replacement or repower of diesel medium- and heavy-duty vehicles, including Class 8 local freight or port drayage trucks, Class 4-8 school, shuttle, or transit buses, and Class 4-7 local freight trucks. The Plan also provides funding for the all-electric repower or replacement of airport ground support equipment, forklifts, and port cargo handling equipment, as well as light-duty EV charging stations. For more information, including the funding opportunity list and funding priorities, see the NYSDEC VW Funding for Diesel Replacement and EV Charging Station Projects website.
Clean Truck Replacement Program
The Port Authority of New York & New Jersey’s Truck Replacement Program (Program) provides funding for up to 50% of the cost to replace a heavily emitting truck or up to $25,000, whichever is less. Eligible recipients include independent owner operators and licensed motor carriers servicing the port with drayage trucks equipped with Model Year 1998 to 2006 engines. Funding is limited to two replacement trucks per eligible applicant. Additional rules and conditions apply. For more information, see the Program website.
Idle Reduction and Natural Gas Vehicle (NGV) Weight Exemption
Any motor vehicle equipped with qualified idle reduction technology may exceed the state's vehicle weight limits by up to 400 pounds (lbs.) to compensate for the additional weight of the idle reduction technology. The vehicle's operator must maintain written certification of the device's weight and proof that it is fully functional and must provide this proof to a law enforcement officer upon request. Any NGV may exceed the limits by up to 2,000 lbs. (Reference New York Vehicle and Traffic Law 385)
Alternative Fuel Vehicle Research and Development Funding
The New York State Energy Research and Development Authority’s (NYSERDA) Clean Transportation Program provides funding for projects that enhance mobility, improve efficiency, reduce congestion, and diversify transportation methods and fuels through research and development of advanced technologies. NYSERDA offers annual solicitations that support new product development and demonstration as well as research on new transportation policies and strategies. NYSERDA also supports projects that demonstrate the benefits of commercially available products that are underutilized in New York State. Once developed, NYSERDA provides incentives to accelerate the market introduction of emerging technologies through its ChargeNY program. For more information and funding opportunities, see the NYSERDA Clean Transportation Program website.
Zero Emission Vehicle (ZEV) Rebate and ZEV Fueling Infrastructure Grant for Municipalities
The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation’s (NYSDEC) Municipal ZEV Program offers rebates to cities, towns, villages, counties, and New York City boroughs for the purchase or lease of eligible ZEVs and grants for purchase and installation of public ZEV fueling infrastructure. Rebates of up to $7,500 are available for ZEVs and up to $500,000 for ZEV fueling infrastructure. ZEV rebate amounts vary based on a vehicle’s all-electric range and gross vehicle weight rating. Municipalities may apply for multiple ZEV rebates, worth up to $375,000, and multiple ZEV infrastructure grants, worth up to $500,000. Additional rules and conditions apply. For more information, including eligible projects and application periods, see the NYSDEC Grant Funding for Municipalities website.
Electric Vehicle Emissions Inspection Exemption
Vehicles powered exclusively by electricity are exempt from state motor vehicle emissions inspections. For more information, see the New York Vehicle Inspection Program website.
(Reference New York State Department of Environmental Conservation Regulations Chapter III, Part 217-6)
High Occupancy Vehicle (HOV) Lane Exemption
Through the Clean Pass Program, eligible electric-drive vehicles may use the Long Island Expressway (LIE) HOV lanes, regardless of the number of occupants in the vehicle. Vehicles must display the Clean Pass vehicle sticker, which is available from the New York State Department of Motor Vehicles. To apply for the Clean Pass vehicle sticker, visit the Clean Pass Stickers for HOV Lanes on the LIE website. This exemption expires September 30, 2025. For more information, including a list of eligible vehicles and Clean Pass sticker application instructions, see the Clean Pass Program website.
Zero Emission School Bus and Infrastructure Funding
The New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA) New York School Bus Incentive Program (NYSBIP) offers point-of-sale vouchers to school districts for the incremental cost to purchase or repower zero emission school buses to meet state acquisition requirements. Eligible zero emission school buses include all-electric or hydrogen fuel cell electric school buses. Associated charging or fueling infrastructure may also be eligible to receive funding. Rebate amounts vary based on school bus and project type. Applicants located in underserved communities are eligible for increased funding amounts. For more information, including eligibility and voucher amounts, see the NYSERDA NY School Bus Incentive Program Overview website.
(Reference New York Consolidated Laws Environmental Conservation Section, Article 58)
Utility / Private Incentives
Fleet Electrification Assessment – NYSEG
New York State Electric and Gas (NYSEG) offers advisory services to fleets to analyze fleet electrification opportunities. Eligible applicants must be NYSEG customers and include any commercial, private, or public fleet with light-, medium-, or heavy-duty vehicles. For more information, see the NYSEG Fleet Assessment Services website.
Fleet Electrification Assessment – Rochester Gas and Electric (RG&E)
RG&E offers advisory services to fleets to analyze fleet electrification opportunities. Eligible applicants must be RG&E customers and include any commercial, private, or public fleet with light-, medium-, or heavy-duty vehicles. For more information, see the RG&E Fleet Assessment Services website.
Fleet Electrification Assessment – National Grid
National Grid offers advisory services to fleets to analyze fleet electrification opportunities. Eligible applicants must be National Grid customers and include any commercial, private, or public fleet with light-, medium-, or heavy-duty vehicles. For more information, see the National Grid Fleet Advisory Services Program website.
Fleet Electrification Assessment – Orange & Rockland (O&R)
O&R offers advisory services to fleets to analyze fleet electrification opportunities. Eligible applicants must be O&R customers and include any commercial, private, or public fleet with light-, medium-, or heavy-duty vehicles. For more information, see the O&R Fleet Owners and Operators website.
Fleet Electrification Assessment – Central Hudson
Central Hudson offers advisory services to fleets to analyze fleet electrification opportunities. Eligible applicants must be Central Hudson customers and include any commercial, utility, private, or government entity with light-, medium-, or heavy-duty fleet vehicles. For more information, see the Central Hudson Fleet Assessment Services website.
Non-Residential Electric Vehicle (EV) Charging Station Program - Central Hudson
The Central Hudson EV Make Ready Program provides business and municipal customers with installation and funding support to install qualifying Level 2 or direct current fast charging (DCFC) stations. Additional funding is available for eligible projects located within underserved communities. Additional terms and conditions apply. For more information, including the participation guide and application, see the Central Hudson EV Infrastructure Make-Ready Program website.
Non-Residential Electric Vehicle (EV) Charging Station Program - ConEdison
The ConEdison PowerReady EV Charging Infrastructure Program provides business and municipal customers with installation and funding support for the installation of qualifying Level 2 or direct current fast charging (DCFC) stations. Additional funding is available for eligible projects located within underserved communities. Additional terms and conditions apply. For more information, including the participant guide and application, see the ConEdison PowerReady EV Charging Infrastructure Program website.
Non-Residential Electric Vehicle (EV) Charging Station Program - National Grid
The National Grid Electric Vehicle Charging Station Program provides non-residential Upstate New York customers with installation and funding support to install approved Level 2 or direct current fast charging (DCFC) stations at businesses, multifamily housing, and workplaces. Additional funding is available for eligible projects located within underserved communities. Additional terms and conditions apply. For more information, including incentive eligibility levels, see the EV Charging Station Programs website.
Non-Residential Electric Vehicle (EV) Charging Station Program - NYSEG
New York State Electric and Gas (NYSEG) Level 2 and Direct Current (DC) Fast Charger Make Ready Program provides business and municipal customers with installation and funding support to install approved Level 2 or direct current fast charging (DCFC) stations. Additional funding is available for eligible projects located within underserved communities. Additional terms and conditions apply. For more information, including the participant guide and application, see the NYSEG EV Charger Make-Ready Program website.
Non-Residential Electric Vehicle (EV) Charging Station Program - Orange & Rockland Utilities (O&R)
The O&R POWERREADY EV Program provides commercial customers with installation and funding support to install approved Level 2 or direct current fast charging (DCFC) stations. Additional funding is available for eligible projects located within underserved communities. Additional terms and conditions apply. For more information, including the participant guide and application, see the O&R POWERREADY EV Program website.
Non-Residential Electric Vehicle (EV) Charging Station Program - Rochester Gas and Electric (RG&E)
RG&E Level 2 and Direct Current Fast Charger (DCFC) Make Ready Program provides business and municipal customers with installation and funding support to install approved Level 2 or DCFC stations. Additional funding is available for eligible projects located within underserved communities. Additional terms and conditions apply. For more information, including the participant guide and application, see the RG&E EV Charger Make-Ready Program website.
Direct Current Fast Charging (DCFC) Station Incentive - Central Hudson
Commercial customers that own DCFC stations may receive an annual incentive per connector. To be eligible, owners of DCFC stations must:
- Ensure each qualifying port is capable of dispensing 50 kilowatts (kW) or more;
- Use a commonly accepted non-proprietary standard connector; and,
- Be publicly accessible, without restriction or fees for parking.
Incentives are available on a first-come, first-served basis. Additional terms and conditions apply. For more information, including annual incentive amounts, see the Central Hudson DCFC Incentive Program website.
Direct Current Fast Charging (DCFC) Station Incentive - ConEdison
Owners of DCFC stations that meet all of the following requirements are eligible for an annual per connector incentive:
- Minimum power capacity of 50 kilowatts (kW).
- A commonly accepted non-proprietary standard connector.
- Publicly accessible, without restriction or fees for parking.
- Stations that received a building permit and/or provided payment for utility service excess distribution facilities after March 1, 2019.
Incentives are available on a first-come, first-served basis. Additional terms and conditions apply.
For more information, including annual incentive amounts, see the Con Edison EV Fast Charging Per-Plug Incentive website.
Electric Vehicle Charging Station Incentive Program - PSEG Long Island
Public Service Enterprise Group (PSEG) Long Island offers customers an incentive to own and operate direct current fast charging (DCFC) stations. Award amounts are dependent on eligibility year, DCFC power rating, and the configuration of the charging equipment. Funds are awarded on a first-come, first-served basis. For more information, see the PSEG Long Island DCFC Charging website.
Electric Vehicle (EV) Time-Of-Use (TOU) Rate - Central Hudson
Central Hudson offers a TOU rate for residential customers that own or lease an eligible EV. Additional terms and conditions apply. For more information, including how to enroll, see the Central Hudson EV TOU Rate website.
Electric Vehicle (EV) Charging Rate Incentive for Businesses - Con Edison
Con Edison offers an electric rate reduction ranging from 34% to 39% for businesses in New York City and Westchester County that install a publicly accessible direct current fast charging (DCFC) station. Qualifying DCFC stations must have a power output of at least 100 kilowatts. Additional terms apply. The rate reduction is available through April 2025. For more information, including how to apply, see the Con Edison Business Incentive Rate website.
Smart Charging and Time-of-Use Incentives - Con Edison
Residential customers who own an electric vehicle customers can receive $150 by joining the SmartCharge New York Program. Participants may earn up to $800 in incentives annually by installing a connected car device provided by Con Edison that tracks driving and charging habits, and by charging during off-peak hours. For more information, including how to apply, see the SmartCharge New York website.
Residential Electric Vehicle (EV) Time of Use (TOU) Rate - ConEdison
ConEdison offers a TOU rate to residential customers that own or lease an eligible EV. For more information, including how to enroll, see the EV Rates website.
Electric Vehicle (EV) Time-Of-Use (TOU) Rate - National Grid
National Grid offers a TOU rate to residential customers that own or lease eligible EVs. For more information, see the National Grid Nighttime is the Right Time to Charge Your EV website.
Electric Vehicle (EV) Time-of-Use (TOU) Rate – Orange & Rockland Utilities (O&R)
O&R offers a TOU rate to residential customers that own or lease an eligible EV. For more information, see the O&R Rate Options for Charging at Home website.
Electric Vehicle (EV) Infrastructure Support
New York utilities joined the National Electric Highway Coalition (NEHC), committing to create a network of direct current fast charging (DCFC) charging stations connecting major highway systems from the Atlantic Coast to the Pacific of the United States. NEHC utility members agree to ensure efficient and effective fast charging deployment plans that enable long distance EV travel, avoiding duplication among coalition utilities, and complement existing corridor DCFC sites. For more information, including a list of participating utilities and states, see the NEHC website.
Laws and Regulations
Zero Emission School Bus Acquisition Requirements
Beginning July 1, 2027, school districts may only purchase or lease zero emission school buses when entering new purchase or lease contracts. School districts are exempt from this requirement if:
- The Commissioner of Social Services waives the requirements;
- Zero emission bus acquisition, recharging, or refueling equipment would result in unreasonable costs to the school district; or,
- Vehicles do not meet performance requirements.
Zero emission school buses may be powered by electricity or hydrogen. Before acquiring a zero emission bus, school districts must create a workforce development report that estimates the impact of zero emission buses on employment opportunities, identifies maintenance staff training needs, and estimates costs to train employees in how to operate zero emission buses and infrastructure.
(Reference New York Consolidated Laws Education Section 3638)
Medium- and Heavy-Duty Zero Emission Vehicle (ZEV) Requirement
New York has adopted the California Advanced Clean Trucks requirements specified in Title 13 of the California Code of Regulations, requiring manufacturers to meet California’s ZEV production and sales requirements. Beginning with model year 2025, manufacturers will be required to sell zero-emission trucks as an increasing percentage of their annual sales for Class 2b through Class 8 vehicles in New York. ZEVs include all-electric and fuel cell electric vehicles. For more information, see the New York Department of Environmental Conservation Controlling Air Pollution from Motor Vehicles website.
(Reference New York State Department of Environmental Conservation Regulations Title 6, Chapter III, Part 218)
Zero Emission Vehicle (ZEV) Requirements
All sales or leases of new light-duty passenger vehicles in New York must be ZEVs by 2035, and all sales or leases of new medium- and heavy-duty vehicles must be ZEVs by 2045. All new off-road vehicle and equipment purchases must be zero emission by 2035.
To support the ZEV sales requirement, the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA) must develop the following:
- Regulations and strategies to meet the 2035 and 2045 goals;
- A ZEV market development strategy by January 31, 2023, and update it triennially;
- Strategies to accelerate deployment of affordable ZEV infrastructure that serves low-income and disadvantaged communities; and,
- Near-term actions and investment strategies to improve ZEV infrastructure by July 15, 2023.
(Reference New York Consolidated Laws Environmental Conservation Section 19-0306-B)
Electric Vehicle (EV) and Charging Infrastructure Support
The New York Power Authority (NYPA) EVolve NY program has allocated up to $250 million to support EVs and address charging infrastructure gaps throughout the state. EVolve NY will implement this funding in phases. The initial phase directs $40 million to fund three initiatives through 2019, including programs for interstate direct current fast charging (DCFC) stations, airport charging hubs, and EV model communities. NYPA must post on their website a report by January 31 annually on the activities undertaken, including the total number of EV charging stations supported and the total costs allocated. For more information, see the NYPA EVolve NY website.
(Reference New York Consolidated Laws Public Authorities Section 1005(18), 1005(23), and 1005(24e))
Electric Vehicle (EV) and EV Charging Station Study
The New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA) prepared a report on the state’s EVs and EV charging stations. The report analyzes the potential environmental and policy benefits from expanding the state’s inventory of EV and EV charging stations, identifies current EV charging stations, evaluates geographic areas lacking access to public EV charging stations, evaluates EV incentives, and assesses the feasibility to electrify the state vehicle fleet.
(Reference Senate Bill 5820, 2019)
Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) Facility and Transportation Regulations
The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (NYSDEC) is responsible for LNG fueling facility siting, construction, and operation. Permit application fees range from $100 to $1,000 depending on the facility capacity. Trucks transporting LNG must meet state and federal hazardous material transportation requirements and use routes the New York State Department of Transportation has certified. These regulations do not affect New York City’s moratorium on new LNG facilities. For more information, including regulations, permit application, and supporting documentation, see the NYSDEC LNG regulation website.
(Reference New York State Department of Environmental Conservation Regulations Chapter V, Part 570)
Zero Emission Vehicle (ZEV) Deployment Support
New York joined California, Connecticut, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Jersey, Oregon, Rhode Island, and Vermont in signing a memorandum of understanding (MOU) to support the deployment of ZEVs through involvement in a ZEV Program Implementation Task Force (Task Force). In May 2014, the Task Force published a ZEV Action Plan (Plan) identifying 11 priority actions to accomplish the goals of the MOU, including deploying at least 3.3 million ZEVs and adequate fueling infrastructure within the signatory states by 2025. The Plan also includes a research agenda to inform future actions. On an annual basis, each state must report on the number of registered ZEVs, the number of public electric vehicle (EV) charging stations and hydrogen fueling stations, and available information regarding workplace fueling for ZEVs.
In June 2018, the Task Force published a new ZEV Action Plan for 2018-2021. Building on the 2014 Action Plan, the 2018 Action Plan makes recommendations for states and other key partners in five priority areas:
- Raising consumer awareness and interest in electric vehicle technology;
- Building out a reliable and convenient residential, workplace and public charging/fueling infrastructure network;
- Continuing and improving access to consumer purchase and non-financial incentives;
- Expanding public and private sector fleet adoption; and
- Supporting dealership efforts to increase ZEV sales.
For more information, see the Multi-State ZEV Task Force website.
Medium- and Heavy-Duty (MHD) Zero Emission Vehicle (ZEV) Deployment Support
California, Colorado, Connecticut, District of Columbia, Hawaii, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Nevada, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, Virginia, and Washington (signatory states) signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) to support the deployment of medium- and heavy-duty (MHD) ZEVs through involvement in a Multi-State ZEV Task Force (Task Force).
In July 2022, the Task Force published a multi-state action plan to support electrification of MHD vehicles. The action plan includes strategies and recommendations to accomplish the goals of the MOU, including limiting all new MHD vehicle sales in the signatory states to ZEVs by 2050, accelerating the deployment of MHD ZEVs, and ensuring MHD ZEV deployment also benefits disadvantaged communities.
For more information, see the MHD ZEVs: Action Plan Development Process website.
Electric Vehicle (EV) Charging Station Policies for Homeowners' Associations
Homeowner associations may not prohibit or restrict the installation or use of an EV charging station in a homeowner’s designated parking space. Associations may put reasonable restrictions on EV charging stations located on property owned by associations or in common spaces. The EV charging station owner is responsible for the cost of installation and maintenance. Residents are required to comply with all local, state, and federal laws and health and safety standards. Additional requirements apply.
(Reference New York Consolidated Laws Real Property Section 343)
Electric Vehicle (EV) Policies for Condominiums
Condominium associations may not prohibit or restrict the installation or use of EV charging stations in a homeowner’s designated parking space. Condominium associations may put reasonable restrictions on EV charging stations, but the policies may not significantly increase the cost of the EV charging stations or prohibit installation. Homeowners must comply with applicable health and safety codes and architectural standards, engage a licensed installation contractor, and provide a certificate of insurance. The homeowner is responsible for the cost of the installation, operation, maintenance, repair, removal, or replacement of the station in their parking space, as well as any resulting damage to the EV charging station or surrounding area. (Reference New York Consolidated Laws Real Property Section 339-LL)
Electric Vehicle (EV) Charging Signage and Parking Space Regulation
Individuals may not stop, stand, or park a motor vehicle within any parking space specifically designated for parking and charging EVs unless the motor vehicle is an EV. Any vehicle that is not actively charging may not park in designated EV charging parking spaces. An EV is presumed to not be charging if it is parked at a charging station and is not connected to the charger for longer than 30 minutes. Conspicuous and permanently installed signage is required to properly identify the EV station parking and charging restrictions.
(Reference New York Consolidated Laws Vehicles and Traffic Section 1202)
Utility Electric Vehicle (EV) Charging Station Programs Authorization
The New York State Public Service Commission (PSC) authorized the Make-Ready Program to provide incentives for the installation of light-duty Level 2 and direct current fast charging (DCFC) stations by electric utilities. Additionally, the PSC directs utilities to establish a medium-and heavy-duty make-ready pilot program and a fleet assessment service. The PSC also directs select utilities to establish a transit authority make-ready program. Lastly, the PSC directs the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority to establish an environmental justice community clean vehicles transformation prize, a clean personal mobility prize, and a clean medium-duty and heavy-duty innovation prize.
For more information, including program details, see the Order Establishing EV Infrastructure Make-Ready Program and Other Programs filing.
(Reference PSC Case 18-E-0138)
School Bus Idle Reduction Policy
School bus drivers or drivers of other vehicles that the school district owns, leases, or contracts must turn off the vehicle engine while boarding and deboarding passengers on school grounds or near a school. Exceptions include idling for mechanical work, to maintain a comfortable temperature in the vehicle, or in emergency evacuations where it is necessary to operate wheelchair lifts. Drivers should also instruct pupils on the necessity to load and unload promptly, park their vehicles diagonally to minimize exhaust from entering another bus or the school, and turn off their vehicle during sporting or other events. School districts must provide personnel with a notice outlining these provisions no later than five days after the start of the school year. For more information, see the New York State Education Department website.
(Reference New York Consolidated Laws Education Section 3637)
Clean Truck Port Requirements
Port drayage trucks must meet or exceed Model Year 2010 engine federal emissions standards to access the Port Authority of New York & New Jersey (PANYNJ) marine terminals. Drayage trucks operating on liquefied or compressed natural gas, electricity, or hybrid electric technology are exempt from these requirements. For purposes of this rule, drayage trucks are defined as on-road vehicles with a gross vehicle weight rating of 33,001 pounds or greater and intended to load, unload, or transport cargo from PANYNJ terminals. Additional rules apply. For more information, see the PANYNJ Truck Replacement Program and Drayage Truck Registration websites.
Fuel Exclusivity Contract Regulation
Motor fuel franchise dealers may obtain alternative fuels from a supplier other than a franchise distributor. Any franchise provision that prohibits or discourages a dealer from purchasing or selling E85, biodiesel blends of at least 2% (B2), hydrogen, or compressed natural gas from a firm or individual other than the distributor is null and void as it pertains to that particular alternative fuel if the distributor does not supply or offer to supply the dealer with the alternative fuel. Distributors who violate the law by entering into exclusivity contracts will be subject to a $1,000 fine. If the distributor does offer alternative fuels, they may require the station to use their brands.
(Reference New York Consolidated Laws General Business Section 199-j)
Public Utility Definition
According to the New York Public Service Commission (PSC), electric vehicle (EV) charging stations are not defined as electric plants and owners and operators of charging stations are not defined as electric corporations. The PSC does not have jurisdiction over publicly available EV charging stations, the owners and operators of the stations, or the transactions between the owners and operators of the stations, as long as the owners and operators do not fall within the definition of an electric corporation. (Reference New York State Department of Public Service Case 13-E-0199)
Electric Utility Commercial Tariff Requirements for Electric Vehicle (EV) Charging
The New York Public Service Commission (PSC) must establish a commercial tariff to facilitate faster EV charging. In establishing this tariff, the PSC must use alternatives to traditional demand-based rate structures, other operation cost relief mechanisms, or a combination of approaches. The PSC must include mechanisms that enable customers whose largest electricity demand is from EVs to opt into the commercial tariff without unreasonable delay.
(Reference New York Consolidated Laws Public Service Section 66-S)
Zero Emission Vehicle (ZEV) Sales Requirements and Low Emission Vehicle (LEV) Standards
Any new light-duty passenger car, light-duty truck, or medium-duty passenger vehicle sold, leased, imported, delivered, purchased, or acquired in New York State must be certified to the California motor vehicle emissions standards and compliance requirements specified in Title 13 of the California Code of Regulations. Manufacturers must meet the greenhouse gas emissions standard and the ZEV production and sales requirements.
In December 2022, New York adopted the California vehicle emissions standards and compliance requirements set forth in the California Air Resources Board Advanced Clean Cars II regulation. These new emissions standards and requirements will begin with model year 2026 and require that 100% of new passenger vehicles sold in New York must be ZEVs by 2035.
(Reference New York State Department of Environmental Conservation Regulations Chapter III, Part 218)
Aftermarket Alternative Fuel Vehicle (AFV) Conversion Requirements
Conventional original equipment manufacturer vehicles altered to operate on propane, natural gas, methane, ethanol, or electricity are classified as aftermarket AFV conversions. All vehicle conversions must meet current applicable California Air Resources Board standards for aftermarket conversions.
(Reference New York State Department of Environmental Conservation Regulations Chapter III, Subpart 218)
Alternative Fuel Vehicle (AFV) Access to Tunnels
An AFV powered by propane or natural gas may only use Port Authority of New York and New Jersey (PANYNJ) tunnels and the lower level of the George Washington Bridge if the vehicle conforms to applicable federal regulations and industry standards, displays required markings to identify its alternative fuel system, and has a fuel capacity that does not exceed 150 pounds. For more information, see the PANYNJ Truckers' Resources website.
Low-Speed Vehicle Definition
A low-speed vehicle is defined as a limited use automobile or truck that has a maximum speed greater than 20 miles per hour (mph) but not more than 25 mph and has a gross vehicle weight rating less than 3,000 pounds. All low-speed vehicles must comply with the safety standards established in Title 49 of the U.S. Code of Federal Regulations, section 571.500.
(Reference New York Consolidated Laws Vehicle and Traffic Section 121-f)
Heavy-Duty Idle Reduction Requirement
Heavy-duty vehicles with a gross vehicle weight rating greater than 8,500 pounds may not idle for more than five consecutive minutes when the vehicle is not in motion. Exceptions apply, including when idling is necessary due to traffic conditions; to maintain temperatures (under regulation) for passenger comfort; to provide auxiliary power or for maintenance purposes; to recharge batteries in hybrid electric vehicles; for electric vehicles; and for emergency service vehicles.
(Reference New York State Department of Environmental Conservation Regulations Chapter III, Subpart 217-3)
Alternative Fuel Quality Standards
The Commissioner of Agriculture and Markets may adopt rules and regulations and set standards related to alternative fuel quality, specifications, and sampling and testing methods. Alternative fuels include ethanol, methanol, butanol, and other non-petroleum liquid or gaseous fuels derived from biological materials for use in motor vehicles.
(Reference New York Consolidated Laws Agriculture and Markets Section 3-179)
Zero Emission Vehicle (ZEV) and Alternative Fueling Infrastructure Procurement Requirements
The New York Office of General Services (OGS) must develop production and assembly requirements for the purchase or retrofit of ZEVs and related infrastructure for the state fleet. Requirements for fleet vehicle procurement must include the following:
- ZEVs and related infrastructure components and parts must be produced or made in the United States; and
- Final assembly of ZEVs and related infrastructure must occur in the United States.
State agencies must create and implement a workforce development report prior to each procurement.
Exceptions and additional terms and conditions may apply. For more information, see the OGS GreenNY website.
(Reference Senate Bill 1343, 2023 and New York Consolidated Laws Executive Section 201-a)
State Zero Emission Vehicle (ZEV) Acquisition Plan Requirements
State agencies must prepare fleet decarbonization plans for state fleet vehicles. A light-duty vehicle (LDV) decarbonization plan must be complete by December 31, 2023, and a medium- and heavy-duty vehicle (MHDV) decarbonization plan must be complete by December 31, 2025. Fleet decarbonization plans must meet the following schedule:
- All state LDVs must be ZEVs by December 31, 2035
- All state MHD vehicles must be ZEVs by December 31, 2040
To support state fleet vehicle acquisition goals, state agencies must file their LDV fleet decarbonization plans with the GreenNY Council (GreenNY). Emergency vehicles are exempt from these requirements, but agencies must evaluate emergency ZEV technologies for adoption on an annual basis. Decarbonization plans must include interim targets to achieve decarbonization goals. State agencies must update their fleet decarbonization plans every three years. Additional conditions apply. For more information, see the New York Office of General Services GreenNY website.
(Reference Executive Order 22, 2022, Senate Bill 1346, 2023, and New York Consolidated Laws State and Finance Section 163-D)
Electric Vehicle (EV) Charging Station Make-Ready Requirements
Beginning December 28, 2023, new construction of parking facilities that can accommodate between 50 and 200 parking spaces must designate at least 10% of parking spaces as EV make-ready parking spaces. New construction of parking facilities that can accommodate over 200 parking spaces must designate at least 20% of parking as EV make-ready parking spaces. EV make-ready parking spaces must be equipped with a minimum of 40 amps and 208 volts of electrical capacity. Requirements only apply to publicly funded construction projects and non-residential parking facilities. Additional requirements and exemptions may apply.
(Reference Assembly Bill 622, 2023 and New York Consolidated Laws State and Finance Section 19-A)
Utility Commercial Electric Vehicle (EV) Charging Station Program Requirements
The New York State Public Service Commission (PSC) authorizes the Demand Charge Rebate program to provide operating cost relief for commercial EV charging customers. Investor-owned utilities must file plans with the PSC to implement a series of programs provide demand charge relief for EV charging station operators, terminate per-plug incentive programs, and implement a commercial managed charging program. For more information, including program details, see the PSC Order Implementing Immediate Solutions Programs.
(Reference PSC Case 22-E-0236)