Governor Andrew M. Cuomo announced on Friday that New York has seen a 74 percent increase in electric car sales over the same time period last year, resulting from the Drive Clean Rebate initiative launched on March 21, 2017.
The Drive Clean Rebate provides New York residents with a rebate of up to $2,000 for the purchase of a new electric car from participating dealers. The initiative supports Governor Cuomo’s aggressive goal to reduce greenhouse gas emissions 40 percent by 2030 by encouraging the growth of clean and non-polluting electric car use in New York.
“The Drive Clean Rebate helps more and more New Yorkers join our fight against climate change by purchasing clean vehicles and reducing greenhouse gas emissions,” Governor Cuomo said. “As more affordable and accessible electric vehicles hit the markets, I encourage more New Yorkers to join our nation-leading efforts to build a cleaner, greener and more sustainable New York for all.”
For the first three full months following the implementation of the Drive Clean Rebate (April – June), New York State saw a significant increase in the total number of electric cars sold:
| Time Period | 2016 | 2017 | Percent Change |
| Jan – March | 1,133 | 1,635 | 44% |
| April – June | 1,476 | 2,574 | 74% |
| Total EVs sold | 2,609 | 4,209 | 61% |
The New York State Energy Research and Development Authority, which administers the rebate program, approved more than 2,300 rebate applications in the first five full months rebates have been available (March – August).
In total, more than $3 million in rebates were provided to New Yorkers for the purchase or lease of 26 different types of cars. Leading car models sold include the Toyota Prius Prime, which accounted for more than 40 percent of the rebates, the Chevrolet Bolt EV (12 percent), Chevrolet Volt (10 percent), and the Ford Fusion Energi (10 percent). Overall, most people received rebates of $1,100 or more for their new electric cars.
Of the 2,332 Drive Clean Rebate applications submitted through August 31, 2017, approximately 33 percent were submitted by Long Island consumers (779 applications), followed by consumers in the Mid-Hudson region (404 applications – 17.3 percent), Capital District (276 applications – 12 percent), and Finger Lakes (251 applications – 11 percent).
Rebate Applications Submitted by region:
| Long Island | 779 | 33% |
| Mid-Hudson | 404 | 17.3% |
| Capital District | 276 | 12% |
| Finger Lakes | 251 | 11% |
| New York City | 197 | 8.4% |
| Western NY | 167 | 7.1% |
| Central NY | 87 | 3.7% |
| Southern Tier | 74 | 3.2% |
| Mohawk Valley | 60 | 2.5% |
| North Country | 37 | 1.5% |
*Through August 31, 2017: 2,332 total applications
The transportation sector is the largest contributor to greenhouse gas emissions in New York State. Compared to gasoline-powered cars, electric cars are more energy efficient and cost about 50 to 70 percent less to operate per mile. Carbon emission savings from cars receiving rebates under this initiative is expected to be 115,000 metric tons per year, the equivalent of taking 24,000 cars off the road.
The Drive Clean Rebate is a $70 million electric car rebate and outreach initiative to encourage the growth of clean and non-polluting electric car use in New York and promote the reduction of carbon emissions in the transportation sector. The goal is to provide rebates to consumers over the next few years to increase sales and build market momentum, which will in turn drive down vehicle prices for consumers.
Of this, $55 million is dedicated to rebates of up to $2,000 for purchase of a new plug-in hybrid electric car, all-electric car or hydrogen fuel cell car. The remaining $15 million will support improving consumer awareness of electric cars and their many benefits, installing more charging stations across the state, developing and demonstrating new electric car-enabling technologies, and other efforts to put more electric cars on New York’s roadways.
More than 30 different types of electric cars are available under the Drive Clean Rebate initiative. For information on the benefits of electric vehicles, types of cars and models eligible for rebates and rebate levels, locations or participating dealers, a map of New York State charging stations, and directions on home charging options, visit NYSERDA’s Drive Clean Rebate website.
The Drive Clean Rebate initiative is just one of many actions taken by Governor Cuomo to increase the number of electric cars in New York State. Earlier this year, the Governor announced a new electric vehicle campaign that includes the installation of charging stations and incentives for employers to encourage employees to drive electric vehicles, as well as the installation of EV charging stations along the New York State Thruway. The charging stations support the State’s Charge NY goal to have 3,000 charging stations installed by 2018.
Last week Governor Cuomo announced the availability of $2.2 million from the Environmental Protection Fund in rebates for municipalities to purchase or lease electric, (plug-in hybrid or battery) or hydrogen fuel cell vehicles for municipal fleet use, and for installation of public charging or fuel cell refueling infrastructure. The state has also revised regulations to clarify charging station ownership rules, and supported research and demonstration projects on new plug-in electric car technologies and policies. In addition, the New York Power Authority has invited municipalities to tap into a master contract that offers better pricing for the supply, installation and maintenance of charging stations. The Governor also announced previously the availability of another $3 million to help eligible municipalities and rural electricity cooperatives purchase electric vehicles for use in their municipal use fleets.
