New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo announced $31.6 million in funding for an expansion of electric vehicle fast-charging stations in-state last week, and to get 800,000 zero-emission vehicles on the road by 2025.
In all, almost 1,075 publicly accessible fast-charging stations will be made eligible for annual incentives, up to that $31.6 million maximum. In this way, the state hopes to increase convenience for electric vehicle owners and up charging speeds. It also builds on Cuomo’s own green initiatives, given that the transportation sector is one of the largest producers of greenhouse gas emissions in the state.
“More and more New Yorkers are seeking out cleaner and greener means of transportation, and we must ensure there is necessary infrastructure in place across the state so drivers can travel any distance without fear of losing power,” Cuomo said. “These public-private partnerships will spur the development of this growing industry, create new jobs, and advance our aggressive efforts to cut greenhouse gas emissions.”
Even before the investment, the electric vehicle market in New York has seen rapid growth. Last year alone, EV sales rose by 50 percent according to state figures, and 43,000 were sold over the last eight years. Cuomo desires to see as many as 10,000 EV charging stations in the state by 2022, however, in addition to the vehicle increases.