NYSERDA Expands Electric Vehicle Programs: Charge Ready NY 2.0 and Drive Clean Rebate Boost Clean Transportation 

---

The New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA) has significantly enhanced its electric vehicle adoption programs, with major expansions to both charging infrastructure and vehicle purchase incentives. The state agency has added $30 million to the Drive Clean Rebate program while simultaneously expanding the Charge Ready NY 2.0 initiative, creating a comprehensive approach to accelerating EV adoption throughout the state. These complementary programs aim to make electric vehicles more affordable while ensuring drivers have convenient access to charging infrastructure. 

Charge Ready NY 2.0 Program Expansion 

NYSERDA recently announced an expansion to its Charge Ready NY 2.0 program, significantly increasing support for EV charging infrastructure at key locations across the state. This program offers substantial financial incentives to organizations installing Level 2 charging stations. 

Enhanced Rebate Structure 

The expanded program now provides more generous rebates to promote charging infrastructure development in various settings: 

• Standard installations: $3,000 per charging port for workplaces, multifamily properties, and hotels, representing an increase from its previous rebate of $2,000. 

• Disadvantaged communities: $4,000 per charging port for properties located in designated disadvantaged communities, representing an additional $1,000 per port. 

• Fleet vehicles: A reduced rebate of $1,000 per port applies to charging stations assigned to individual drivers or reserved for fleet vehicles. 

These rebates are designed to offset equipment and installation costs, making it more financially viable for property owners to invest in charging infrastructure. The program supports public, private, and not-for-profit organizations, ensuring broad accessibility across sectors. 

Program Impact and Investment 

Throughout the past year alone, the Charge Ready NY 2.0 program has supported the installation of more than 1,000 Level 2 chargers across the state. This rapid deployment highlights the program’s effectiveness in expanding charging access. 

Drive Clean Rebate Program Enhancement 

Complementing the charging infrastructure investment, New York has added $30 million in funding to its 2025 Drive Clean Rebate program, which provides point-of-sale discounts on electric vehicle purchases and leases through participating dealerships. 

Consumer Savings and Eligibility 

The Drive Clean Rebate offers up to $2,000 off the purchase or lease of more than 60 electric vehicle models. The rebate amount varies based on the vehicle’s all-electric range and manufacturer’s suggested retail price: 

• $2,000 rebate for vehicles with greater than 200-mile range 

• $1,000 rebate for vehicles with 40- to 199-mile range 

• $500 rebate for vehicles with less than 40-mile range 

• $500 rebate for vehicles with MSRP greater than $42,000 

The rebate is applied directly at participating dealerships across all 62 counties in New York State, providing consumers with an immediate discount rather than requiring them to wait for reimbursement. 

Community Engagement and Additional Support 

New York State has allocated $3 million for community initiatives that promote electric vehicle adoption at the grassroots level. These include “ride and drive” events where potential buyers can experience electric vehicles firsthand, free public charging initiatives to increase awareness, and funding for EV purchases by local organizations. 

The state has also opened new application windows for EV charger equipment and vendor eligibility, streamlining the process for businesses looking to participate in the charging infrastructure expansion. 

New York’s Broader Electric Vehicle Strategy 

The expanded Charge Ready NY 2.0 and Drive Clean Rebate programs are part of New York’s comprehensive approach to transportation electrification. The state plans to invest nearly $3 billion to transform its transportation sector, with ambitious goals including: 

• Requiring 100 percent 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 align with New York’s climate goals, supporting the state’s commitment to reach net-zero emissions by 2050 while directing investments toward historically underserved communities. 

Conclusion: A Comprehensive Approach to EV Adoption 

New York State’s parallel expansion of both vehicle incentives and charging infrastructure represents a holistic approach to overcoming the primary barriers to electric vehicle adoption. By addressing both vehicle affordability through the Drive Clean Rebate and charging accessibility through Charge Ready NY 2.0, the state is creating a supportive ecosystem for EV drivers.  

The impact of these programs is already evident, with nearly 79,000 new electric vehicles hitting New York roads in 2023 alone. Since 2017, NYSERDA has issued more than 190,000 rebates, helping to boost New York’s electric vehicle total to more than 280,000. In the initial round of this competitive NYSERDA program, Lynkwell secured approximately half a million dollars in funding to advance client charging projects and accelerate clean transportation goals across New York State. These figures demonstrate the effectiveness of the state’s incentive strategy and suggest continued growth as the expanded programs take effect. 

As electric vehicle technology continues to improve and these supportive programs expand, New York is solidifying itself as a leader in transportation electrification and climate action. The complementary nature of the Charge Ready NY 2.0 and Drive Clean Rebate programs provides a model for other states seeking to accelerate their own transition to clean transportation. 

As New York State continues to invest in electric vehicle infrastructure, make sure you’re taking advantage of all available rebates and incentives. Visit Lynkwell’s Rebate Finder today to see how much you could save on your EV charging project. 

Sources: 

1. https://www.nyserda.ny.gov/All-Programs 

2. https://www.fingerlakes1.com/2025/04/20/new-york-electric-vehicle-rebate-2025/ 

3. https://www.nyserda.ny.gov/All-Programs/Charge-Ready-NY 
   
4. https://www.nyserda.ny.gov/All-Programs/Drive-Clean-Rebate-For-Electric-Cars-Program