NY: Gov. Cuomo Launches $19 Million Truck Voucher Incentive Program to Promote Electric Vehicles
Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo announced on Aug. 9 a $19 million New York Truck Voucher Incentive program to encourage the purchase of battery-electric commercial trucks as well as other energy-efficient transportation, including hybrid and compressed natural gas trucks.
The truck voucher program will include two voucher funds: $9 million for battery-electric truck vouchers offered in 30 counties around the state that did not meet federal clean air standards, primarily downstate New York, the capital region and western New York; and a $10 million alternative fuels voucher fund for New York City, which also includes compressed natural gas, hybrid-electric vehicles and retrofitting diesel engines with emission control devices.
“The Truck Voucher Incentive Program is another important step that New York State is taking to meet clean air standards,” Cuomo said. “This program highlights the state’s commitment to developing, promoting, and implementing new measures that lower emissions and reduce our carbon footprint. By focusing on advanced transportation technologies, including electronic and hybrid vehicles, we can provide cleaner communities in which to live and work.”
The New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA) is administering the program, with funding from the federal Congestion Mitigation and Air Quality (CMAQ) program and in partnership with the New York State Department of Transportation and the New York City Department of Transportation (NYC DOT).
The program is directed toward class 3 to 8 trucks, which include large pick-ups, delivery vans, box trucks, buses, tractor trailers, garbage trucks, and construction vehicles such as cement and dump trucks. Under the terms of the program, NYSERDA approved vehicle manufacturers, dealers and retrofit providers which will receive the vouchers, allowing them to pass on the full incentive in a lower vehicle price to buyers.
The electric truck vouchers will be available beginning today with vouchers accepted for purchases of eligible vehicles meeting program guidelines. The alternative fuels voucher and diesel retrofit funding for NYC will be rolled out in late August and September, respectively.
Today’s announcement complements the Governor’s Charge NY program, which looks to stimulate demand for EVs and investments in infrastructure, and includes funding from NYSERDA, the New York Power Authority and tax credits. Governor Cuomo has directed the Public Service Commission (PSC) to review existing policies and regulations to ensure the evolution of the electric vehicle market in New York.
“Under Governor Cuomo’s leadership, New York is making business- and government-related transportation cleaner and more affordable,” said Francis J. Murray Jr., president and CEO, NYSERDA. “By promoting electric trucks as well as other energy-efficient transportation solutions, the State will lessen its dependence on foreign petroleum while incentivizing municipalities and businesses to embrace more environmentally friendly transportation technologies.”
The transportation sector is responsible for three-fourths of petroleum consumption in this country, and 40 percent of greenhouse gas emissions in New York, so reducing emissions through alternative-fueled vehicles and improving the performance of diesel trucks can have a significant impact. NYSERDA estimates that this program could encourage the purchase or retrofit of up to 1,000 low-emission trucks in areas of the state with the poorest air quality.
“Governor Cuomo recognizes that transportation is key to economic growth and this new voucher program is a perfect example of that,” state department of transportation Commissioner Joan McDonald said. “Using our Congestion Mitigation and Air Quality Improvement Program funding, this program will improve air quality, incentivize companies to purchase alternative fuel vehicles and support emerging businesses that are creating jobs in New York State.”
“These investments have already helped dozens of companies operate greener fleets on New York City’s streets,” said NYC DOT Commissioner Janette Sadik-Khan. “With this new infusion we can now go the extra mile and convert an additional 500 trucks to cleaner technology so they can keep New York moving in a way that enhances the economy and the health of all New Yorkers.”
Program details:
• $9 million is now available in vouchers up to $60,000 that can be used by companies, non-profits and state and local government entities toward the purchase of electric trucks and buses. This incentive is available in 30 counties around the state which do not meet the National Ambient Air Quality Standards and is for class 3-8 battery-electric trucks only. NYSERDA approved electric equipment manufacturers participating in the Truck VIP include AMP Trucks Inc., Boulder Electric Vehicle, Electric Vehicles International and Smith Electric Vehicles,
• $6 million will be available in vouchers up to $40,000 for the purchase or lease of compressed natural gas (CNG), hybrid-electric or battery-electric trucks in New York City. This incentive also includes repowering a diesel truck with CNG. The funding is open to all private and non-profit fleets based in and operating 70 percent of the time in New York City, and will be available starting in August. A list of participating manufacturers will be available at the launch of the program.
• $4 million to cover up to 80 percent of the purchase and installation of emission reduction equipment on medium- and heavy-duty diesel trucks such as diesel particulate filters. The funding is open to all private and non-profit fleets based in and operating 70 percent in New York City, and will be available starting in September.
CALSTART, a national non-profit organization focused on the growth of the clean transportation technology industry, was competitively selected to assist NYSERDA in managing the voucher program.
“We are very excited about the opportunity to partner with NYSERDA, the NYSDOT, and the city of New York to make this program a success,” said John Boesel, president and CEO of CALSTART. “State incentive programs like this one developed by Governor Cuomo have a big impact and really help to clean the air, prevent climate change, and drive innovation in the commercial vehicle sector."
