From the concrete jungle of NYC to the lush greenery of upstate, residents of New York certainly have a lot of area to cover.
So it’s great that environmental programs, governmental bodies, and even utility companies offer cash back, discounted rates, tax credits, and other benefits — who’s up for HOV passes and skipping emissions inspections?! — for electric vehicle (EV) owners.
If you’re ready to save on the cost of purchasing an EV and charging at home in New York State, this guide will show you how to make it happen.
Wondering what other states have to offer? We’re working on covering electric vehicle rebates by state here on the Kopperfield blog.
Upstate and down — here’s how to save on your EV, charging equipment, and electricity across New York.
What incentives are available for EV owners in New York state?
These rebates, tax credits, and other incentives from environmental groups and governing bodies are available to most New Yorkers when they purchase an EV or plug-in hybrid.
Alternative fuels and electric vehicle recharging property credit
The Alternative fuels and electric vehicle recharging property credit entitles businesses and individuals to a tax credit for purchasing EV chargers.
The credit can be worth up to 50% of the cost to purchase or $5,000 — whichever is reached first. Eligibility may hinge on whether the charger is used in a line of business in New York and doesn’t apply to property that’s already benefited from grants awarded before 2015.
If you think you may qualify, learn more about the requirements and instructions on redeeming your credit here.
Drive Clean Rebate for Electric Cars
As this program’s website puts it: “It’s a great time to get an electric car in New York State.”
With the Drive Clean Rebate for Electric Cars, the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA) is offering a rebate of up to $2,000 to owners who lease or purchase a new electric vehicle or plug-in hybrid.
Qualifications seem pretty simple for this great incentive. Want to take advantage? The rebate website has everything you need to know.
Clean Pass Vehicle Program
Drivers who sign up for the Clean Pass Vehicle (CPV) program from the NY State Department of Transportation (DOT), the NY State Department of Environmental Conservation, and the NY State Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) with an EV or plug-in hybrid can get a Clean Pass vehicle sticker.
These stickers enable single-occupant HOV lane access around the clock on the Long Island Expressway in Nassau and Suffolk counties. Apply for your Clean Pass sticker through the NY DMV here.
State motor vehicle emissions inspection exemption
Another time saver for New York drivers comes in the form of an exemption from state motor vehicle emissions inspections. A few other vehicle types are also exempt. Learn everything you need to know about the New York Vehicle Inspection Program here.
What rebates and incentives do New York utility companies offer?
On top of state-wide incentives, some utility companies across New York add to the savings with discounts on rates and cash rewards for electric vehicle drivers.
SmartCharge New York from Orange & Rockland Utilities
Orange & Rockland Utilities (O&R) is part of the SmartCharge New York program, which offers different incentives depending on your utility provider.
O&R customers who enrol can earn:
- A $25 enrollment incentive after 3 months of charging in the service territory
- $35 per month when charging during off-peak hours in the summer
- A discount of $0.07 per kWh when charging during off-peak hours, all year
Interested? Enroll now.
National Grid’s EV time-of-use rate
To help support New York's goal to have 850,000 EVs driving its roads by 2025,
National Grid offers a voluntary time-of-use rate discount for its upstate New York EV drivers who charge during off-peak hours: 11p.m. to 7a.m.
Interested in enrolling? Find an application here.
They also have an EV Charge Smart Plan that offers EV charging subscription packages to save you money and automate charging via their app.
SmartCharge & residential EV time-of-use rate with Con Edison
Con Edison also has a version of the SmartCharge New York program that offers participants an enrollment bonus, incentives for avoiding charging during peak summer hours, and a discount per kWh all year for charging during off-peak times.
In addition, EV owners can save on electricity by signing up for the utility’s time-of-use rate package.
Central Hudson’s Electric Vehicle Time-of-Use Rate plan & SmartCharge
With Central Hudson’s Electric Vehicle Time-of-Use Rate plan, EV drivers can save when they charge at home before 2 p.m and after 7 p.m. For an application and to see what kind of discount you can expect, visit Central Hudson’s website.
Central Hudson also participates in ChargeSmart. Find out what they offer and get on the waitlist here.
Rebates for electric vehicles & chargers at a federal level
In addition to the New York-specific incentives above, the Inflation Reduction Act of 2022 operates on a federal level. This act offers taxpayers a tax credit of up to $7,500 for the purchase of an electric vehicle, or plug-in hybrid. New vehicles may be eligible for the full $7,500 and used up to $4,000.
On top of that, the act calls for a tax credit of up to 30% of the cost (up to $1,000) of the purchase and installation of a home EV charger for those in rural or low-income communities.
Find out if you can cash in on this credit on the IRS website:
- Credits for New Clean Vehicles Purchased in 2023 or After
- Credits for New Electric Vehicles Purchased in 2022 or Before
- Used Clean Vehicle Credit
The great news about these tax breaks is that they may become more accessible, for more people, in 2024! A proposal from the U.S. Department of the Treasury wants to format tax credits for new and used EVs as discounts available at the time of purchase. We’ll be following along with this news here on the blog.
Permitting your EV charger installation in New York
Simply put, electrical permits are required for most work in businesses and homes across New York state.
NYSERDA is pushing to simplify the permitting process by mimicking what other states have done, either reclassifying charger installations as “minor” or automating the issuance of permits for this specific use case.
Enjoy a professional EV charger install today
Wondering what rebates you’re eligible for and how to take advantage of as many as possible?
So are lots of other people. That’s why we built Kopperfield to help EV owners get fast and professional charger installations. Our platform connects you with our network of Kopperfield Certified Electricians within a business day of requesting a quote.
Your quote will take into account all the permitting requirements and rebate opportunities available to you. Then a highly-vetted local electrician will help you schedule your hassle-free install.
EV drivers
Electrical shops
© 2023 Kopperfield Inc. All rights reserved.