Search Federal and State Laws and Incentives

An income tax credit is available for 50% of the cost of alternative fueling infrastructure, up to $5,000. Qualifying infrastructure includes electric vehicle supply equipment and equipment to dispense fuel that is 85% or more natural gas, propane, or hydrogen. Unused credits may be carried over into future tax years. The credit expires December 31, 2017. For additional information, including information on how to claim the credit, please see the New York State Department of Taxation and Finance page. (Reference New York Tax Law 187-b)

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 diversity 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 Alternative Fuel Vehicle Program. For more information and funding opportunities, see the NYSERDA Clean Transportation Program website.

New York joined California, Connecticut, Maryland, Massachusetts, 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 supply equipment (EVSE) and hydrogen fueling stations, and available information regarding workplace fueling for ZEVs. Each state also committed to:

• Support ZEV commercialization through consistent statewide building codes and standards for installing EVSE, streamlined metering options for homes equipped with EVSE, opportunities to reduce vehicle operating costs, increased electric system efficiency through time-of-use electricity rates and net metering for electric vehicles, and integrating ZEVs with renewable energy initiatives;
• Establish ZEV purchase targets for governmental agency fleets, explore opportunities for coordinated vehicle and fueling station equipment procurement, work to provide public access to government fleet fueling stations, and include commitments to use ZEVs in state contracts with auto dealers and car rental companies where appropriate;
• Evaluate the need for, and effectiveness of, monetary incentives to reduce the upfront purchase price of ZEVs as well as non-monetary incentives, such as high occupancy vehicle lane access, reduced tolls, and preferential parking, and pursue these incentives as appropriate;
• Work to develop uniform standards to promote ZEV consumer acceptance and awareness, industry compliance, and economies of scale, including adopting universal signage, common methods of payment and interoperability of EVSE networks, and reciprocity among states for non-monetary ZEV incentives;
• Cooperate with vehicle manufacturers, electricity and hydrogen providers, the fueling infrastructure industry, corporate fleet owners, financial institutions, and others to encourage ZEV market growth;
• Share research and develop a coordinated education and outreach campaign to highlight the benefits of ZEVs, including collaboration with related national and regional initiatives; and
• Assess and develop potential deployment strategies and infrastructure requirements for the commercialization of hydrogen fuel cell vehicles.

For more information, see the Multi-State ZEV Task Force website.

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 General Business Law 199-j)

The New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA), will develop and administer a program to provide rebates of up to $2,000 for the purchase or lease of a new eligible vehicle, including electric vehicles, plug-in hybrid electric vehicles, or fuel cell electric vehicles. 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 mph, and
• Be propelled at least in part by an electric motor and associated power electronics that draws electricity from a hydrogen fuel cell or from a battery that has a battery capacity of at least four kilowatt-hours, and is capable of being charged from an external source of electricity.

Rebates are not currently available (verified November 2016); NYSERDA will develop the program no later than April 2017. (Reference Senate Bill 6408, 2016)