🎯 New York EV Incentives Quick Summary
State Rebate: Up to $2,000 Drive Clean rebate at point of sale
Federal Credit: Up to $7,500 (ending September 30, 2025)
Utility Programs: ConEd SmartCharge (~$400/year), time-of-use rates as low as $0.02/kWh
Special Benefits: HOV lane access on Long Island Expressway (ending 9/30/25), 10% toll discounts
Total Possible Savings: Up to $9,500+ in first year
💰 New York Drive Clean Rebate Program
Latest Update (April 2025): New York State added $30 million in additional funding to the Drive Clean Rebate program, ensuring continued availability of rebates through 2025.
The Drive Clean Rebate offers electric vehicle (EV) buyers up to $2,000 off the purchase or lease of 60+ new EV models. The rebate is applied as a point-of-sale discount at participating dealerships.
Rebate Amounts Based on Range
| Vehicle Specifications | Rebate Amount | Details |
|---|---|---|
| EVs with range under 40 miles OR MSRP over $42,000 | $500 | Minimum rebate for qualifying vehicles |
| EVs with range 40-199 miles | $1,000 | Mid-range electric vehicles |
| EVs with range 200+ miles | $2,000 | Long-range electric vehicles (maximum rebate) |
How to Get the Drive Clean Rebate
- Find participating dealer: Participating car dealerships are responsible for applying for the point-of-sale rebate on behalf of the customer
- Choose eligible vehicle: More than 60 car models qualify for the Drive Clean Rebate
- Complete purchase/lease: A discount of up to $2,000 will be applied when you pay
- Register in NY: Vehicle must be registered in New York State
Program Success: The Drive Clean Rebate program has issued over 190,000 rebates to consumers since 2017, contributing to more than 280,000 EVs on the road in New York State.
🇺🇸 Federal EV Tax Credit (Ending Soon!)
⏰ URGENT DEADLINE: The federal EV tax credit program expires September 30, 2025. Any vehicle purchased after this date will NOT be eligible for federal credits.
New EV Federal Tax Credit
Up to $7,500
Available for new electric vehicles meeting battery assembly and critical mineral requirements.
- Point-of-sale option available (immediate discount)
- Income limits apply ($150K single, $300K married)
- Vehicle price caps: $55K cars, $80K SUVs/trucks
- Can be combined with NY Drive Clean rebate
Used EV Federal Tax Credit
Up to $4,000
Available for qualifying used electric vehicles through registered dealers.
- Lower income limits than new EV credit
- Vehicle must be at least 2 years old
- Price cap: $25,000 maximum
- Point-of-sale discount available
Stacking Incentives: New Yorkers may be eligible to combine an Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) tax credit of up to $7,500 with their Drive Clean Rebate for additional savings.
⚡ New York Utility EV Programs
ConEd SmartCharge New York
~$400/year
Earn cash incentives for charging your electric vehicle during off-peak times. Participants on average earn $400 per year.
- $25 after your first three months of smart charging
- $0.10 rebate per off-peak kWh used for EV charging
- $35 monthly bonus if you don't charge between 2 P.M. and 6 P.M. on weekdays from June to September
- Available in NYC and Westchester County
ConEd Time-of-Use Rates
As low as $0.02/kWh
Pay as little as $0.02 per kWh if you charge your EV between midnight and 8 A.M.
- Rates vary based on demand and production
- Overnight charging provides maximum savings
- Available to ConEd customers in NYC and Westchester
- No enrollment fees or equipment required
National Grid Make-Ready Program
Up to 100% funding
Over $200 million available in rebates to cover make-ready costs for Level 2 and DC fast charging projects in Upstate New York.
- Eligible sites may qualify for up to 100% funding
- Public facilities, workplaces, and fleets eligible
- Enhanced funding in disadvantaged communities
- No application deadline
NYSEG & RG&E Make-Ready Programs
$103M+ available
NYSEG offers over $103 million and RG&E offers over $39 million in rebates for make-ready costs associated with EV charging infrastructure.
- Central NY (NYSEG) and Rochester area (RG&E)
- Level 2 and DC fast charging projects
- Up to 100% funding for qualifying sites
- Commercial and fleet charging eligible
🚗 Clean Pass Program: HOV Lane Access
Program Ending: The Clean Pass program for HOV lane access expires September 30, 2025. After this date, all single-occupant vehicles will be prohibited from using HOV lanes on the Long Island Expressway.
Through the Clean Pass Program, eligible plug-in electric and plug-in hybrid electric vehicles may use the Long Island Expressway (LIE) HOV lanes, regardless of the number of occupants in the vehicle. Vehicles must display the Clean Pass vehicle sticker, which is available from the New York State Department of Motor Vehicles.
Clean Pass Benefits
- HOV Lane Access: Use Long Island Expressway HOV lanes as single occupant
- Time Savings: Significant commute time reduction during peak hours
- Toll Discounts: 10% discount on certain tolls with Port Authority of NY & NJ Green Pass and NYS Thruway Green Pass
- Free Application: No fee for the Clean Pass sticker
How to Apply for Clean Pass
- Own an eligible plug-in electric or plug-in hybrid vehicle
- Vehicle must be registered in New York State
- Apply online through NY DMV website (cannot apply at DMV office)
- Clean Pass sticker arrives by mail within 10 days
Important: Effective February 1, 2022, new Clean Pass Vehicle stickers for single-occupant HOV lane access on the Long Island Expressway will only be issued for Plug-In Electric and Plug-In Hybrid Electric Vehicles. However, vehicles registered before that date may continue to use the program until September 30, 2025.
🔌 Charging Station Incentives
Enhanced Funding (2025): The Charge Ready NY 2.0 program will see an increase from a $2,000 rebate per charging port installation to $3,000 per charging port. Charging infrastructure installed in disadvantaged communities are eligible for another $1,000 per charging port.
Charge Ready NY 2.0 Program
| Location Type | Standard Rebate | Disadvantaged Community |
|---|---|---|
| Public facilities (municipal/state owned) | N/A | $4,000 per port |
| Workplace charging | $3,000 per port | $4,000 per port |
| Multi-unit dwellings | $3,000 per port | $4,000 per port |
| Fleet charging (assigned vehicles) | $1,000 per port | $1,000 per port |
Utility Make-Ready Programs
All major New York utilities participate in Make-Ready programs that can fund up to 100% of utility-side infrastructure costs:
- ConEd PowerReady: Up to 100% of infrastructure costs for qualifying sites in NYC and Westchester
- National Grid: Over $200 million available for Level 2 and DC fast charging infrastructure
- NYSEG: Over $103 million for Central New York charging infrastructure
- RG&E: Over $39 million for Rochester area charging projects
- Central Hudson: Up to 90% of utility-side make-ready costs
- PSEG Long Island: Up to 100% of eligible infrastructure costs
🏙️ New York City EV Programs
PlugNYC Curbside Charging
In partnership with Con Edison, NYC installed 98 Level 2 charging ports for the public to use at curbside locations across the five boroughs as part of a demonstration project.
PlugNYC Pricing: If you use one of the curbside Level 2 chargers installed in NYC as part of the PlugNYC program, you'll pay $2.50 per hour from 6 A.M. to 9 P.M. and $1 per hour overnight.
NYC DOT Fast Charging Network
We are working with the New York Power Authority (NYPA) to create up to 13 additional EV fast-charging hubs at municipal parking facilities across the city, featuring roughly 50 fast-charging plugs.
- Charging Rate: $0.39 per kWh consumed
- Parking Offset: $9 deducted from charging session to offset first hour of parking
- Connector Types: CHAdeMO and CCS connectors (Tesla adapter compatible)
- Charging Speed: 30-60 minutes to 80% charge depending on vehicle
NYC EV Goals
New York City is developing goals including growing the city-operated fast charging network to over 80 plugs by 2025, equipping 20 percent of all spaces in municipal public parking lots and garages with Level 2 chargers by 2025, increasing to 40 percent by 2030, and creating a network of 1,000 curbside charge points across the five boroughs.
🎁 Additional New York EV Benefits
Emissions Inspection Exemption
Savings Vary
Vehicles powered exclusively by electricity are exempt from state motor vehicle emissions inspections.
Municipal ZEV Rebates
Up to $7,500
The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation's (NYSDEC) Municipal ZEV Program offers rebates to cities, towns, villages, counties, and New York City boroughs for the purchase or lease of eligible zero emission vehicles.
Federal 30C Tax Credit
Up to $100,000
Qualifying businesses, including non-profits and municipalities, may be eligible to a tax credit of up to 30% when purchasing and installing electric vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure. The 30C tax credit now covers up to $100,000 per charger installed in locations that meet certain geographic requirements.
🚙 Eligible Vehicles for NY Incentives
More than 60 new electric vehicle models qualify for the Drive Clean Rebate. Here are some popular examples:
Vehicles Qualifying for $2,000 Rebate (200+ mile range)
Tesla Model 3
$2,000 rebate
Starting MSRP: ~$38,990
Tesla Model Y
$2,000 rebate
Starting MSRP: ~$47,740
Chevrolet Bolt EV
$2,000 rebate
Starting MSRP: ~$27,495
Ford Mustang Mach-E
$2,000 rebate
Starting MSRP: ~$42,995
Hyundai IONIQ 6
$2,000 rebate
Starting MSRP: ~$41,600
BMW i4
$2,000 rebate
Starting MSRP: ~$52,200
Complete List: For the complete and up-to-date list of eligible vehicles and their specific rebate amounts, visit the NYSERDA Drive Clean Rebate Eligible Models page.
💡 How to Maximize Your NY EV Savings
Stacking Strategy for Maximum Benefits
Example Maximum Savings:
- Federal EV Tax Credit: $7,500
- NY Drive Clean Rebate: $2,000
- ConEd SmartCharge Program: $400/year
- Total First-Year Savings: $9,900+
Step-by-Step Savings Plan
- Act Before September 30, 2025: Secure federal tax credit before expiration
- Choose Qualifying Vehicle: Select from 60+ models eligible for NY rebate
- Find Participating Dealer: Ensure dealer can process Drive Clean rebate
- Apply for Clean Pass: Get HOV lane access (also ending 9/30/25)
- Enroll in Utility Programs: Sign up for SmartCharge and time-of-use rates
- Consider Home Charging: Take advantage of federal 30% tax credit for home charging equipment
Pro Tips for NY EV Buyers
- Timing: Purchase before 9/30/25 for federal credit and Clean Pass benefits
- Location: ConEd customers get best utility programs (NYC/Westchester)
- Charging: Overnight charging at $0.02/kWh can save $1,000+/year vs gasoline
- Commuting: HOV lane access saves 15-30 minutes each way on LIE
- Maintenance: EVs require no oil changes, reducing annual costs by $500+
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
Can I combine federal and New York state incentives?
Yes! New Yorkers can combine the federal EV tax credit (up to $7,500) with the NY Drive Clean rebate (up to $2,000) for total savings of up to $9,500. This is called "stacking" incentives.
What happens to NY incentives after federal credits end?
The NY Drive Clean rebate program will continue after federal credits end on September 30, 2025. New York recently added $30 million in additional funding to ensure the program continues. However, the Clean Pass HOV lane access also ends on the same date.
Do I need to live in NYC to get ConEd utility benefits?
ConEd programs are available to customers in New York City and Westchester County. If you live in other parts of New York, check with your local utility (National Grid, NYSEG, RG&E, Central Hudson, or PSEG Long Island) for their EV programs.
Can I get the Drive Clean rebate for a used EV?
No, the Drive Clean rebate is only available for new electric vehicles. However, used EVs may qualify for the federal used EV tax credit of up to $4,000 (also ending September 30, 2025).
How long does it take to get my Clean Pass sticker?
Clean Pass vehicle stickers arrive by mail within 10 days of applying online through the NY DMV website. There is no fee for the sticker, and you cannot apply at a DMV office.
What if my EV model isn't listed as eligible?
If your vehicle model isn't on the eligible list, contact NYSERDA to request that it be added. New models are regularly evaluated and added to the program. You can also contact the vehicle manufacturer to ensure they've submitted the necessary paperwork.
Ready to Save with New York EV Incentives?
Don't miss out on up to $9,500 in savings. The federal tax credit and Clean Pass HOV access both end September 30, 2025.
Questions about NY EV incentives? Contact our experts for personalized guidance.
📋 Official Resources & Applications
Drive Clean Rebate
Clean Pass Application
Website: NY DMV Clean Pass
Deadline: Program ends September 30, 2025
Deadline: Program ends September 30, 2025
ConEd SmartCharge
Website: ConEd SmartCharge Program
Service Area: NYC and Westchester County
Service Area: NYC and Westchester County
Charge Ready NY 2.0
Information: Available through NYSERDA
Deadline: December 31, 2025 or until funds exhausted
Deadline: December 31, 2025 or until funds exhausted
Disclaimer: Incentive amounts and program details change frequently. Always verify current information with official sources before making a purchase decision. This guide was last updated July 28, 2025.