08/14/2026 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 08/14/2026 12:11
August 14, 2026
Governor Kathy Hochul today announced $35 million is now available for public sector entities to install and operate Level 2 electric vehicle chargers in New York through the state's new Charge Ready NY - Large Public Sector Project program. This initiative will reduce purchase and installation costs of electric vehicle chargers, expand consumer access to charging at public sites and reduce air pollution in communities across the state.
"As we continue to lead the way in building a cleaner, more connected transportation system, New York must have a vast network of charging stations that are convenient to reach and easy and affordable to use," Governor Hochul said. "By investing in much-needed public charging options, we are giving New Yorkers more confidence to drive an electric vehicle and reduce their exposure to volatile gasoline prices while improving air quality in our communities."
The competitive Charge Ready NY- Large Public Sector Project program , administered by the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA), provides funding to public sector entities including New York State agencies and authorities, local governments and state or city university systems, to install Level 2 charging stations on publicly-owned land for use by the general public. Selected projects will be awarded a minimum of $1 million and a maximum of $15 million to install electric vehicle chargers at one or more sites.
New York State Energy Research and Development Authority President and CEO Doreen M. Harris said, "Strategically expanding electric vehicle charging on publicly owned property is an opportunity to maximize existing assets while bringing reliable charging to more communities in New York. Through partnerships with other state and local entities, NYSERDA is helping develop high-impact charging infrastructure that is publicly accessible and supports the continued adoption of electric vehicles."
Proposers may request up to 80 percent of eligible documented purchase and installation costs of electric vehicle supply equipment (EVSE). Proposers must also work with original equipment manufacturers, white-labeled models and network service providers approved by NYSERDA through RFQL 5312: Charge Ready NY 2.0 Equipment and Network Qualification Process to be eligible for and receive funding.
Proposals are due on October 20, 2026, 3:00 p.m. ET. A complete list of all eligibility rules and evaluation criteria can be found at the solicitation summary on NYSERDA's website .
NYSERDA will host a webinar on September 15, 2026, 3:00 p.m. ET to provide more details on the solicitation, project requirements and the application process.
New York League of Conservation Voters President Julie Tighe said, "Expanding access to EV charging is critical to building a cleaner transportation future for New York. This investment will help more New Yorkers make the switch to electric vehicles by addressing one of the practical barriers to EV ownership, while reducing our reliance on fossil fuels and cutting harmful transportation emissions. With gas prices continuing to strain household budgets, investments like this give New Yorkers a cleaner, more affordable way to get where they need to go. We applaud Governor Hochul and NYSERDA for continuing to move New York's clean transportation transition forward."
Zero Emission Transportation Association Executive Director Albert Gore III said, "Charging flexibility is one of the many benefits of driving an electric vehicle, and Level 2 chargers at good locations are a key part of this flexibility. Of course, this requires infrastructure to be in place when and where drivers need it. That is why accelerating the build out of charging infrastructure, including Level 2, is so key to growing the number of EVs on the road and developing a strong American EV industry."
Veloz and Electric For All Executive Director Josh D. Boone said, "We applaud New York for investing in the expansion of electric vehicle charging as more drivers experience the benefits of driving electric. This funding is more important than ever as EV adoption continues to grow amid rising gas prices and the increasing cost of living. More drivers are finding that electric vehicles fit seamlessly into their daily lives, and expanded access to charging at parks, libraries, schools and other public places is making driving electric more affordable and accessible than ever."
Alliance for Clean Energy New York Executive Director Marguerite Wells said, "Switching to an electric vehicle can be a massive cost-savings for New Yorkers struggling to make ends meet. By advancing the deployment of additional EV chargers, it makes life that much easier for those who have made the switch, and those who might make the switch in the coming years. This is an investment in New York's future that will pay off for years to come."
Today's announcement will help build on the more than 21,000 Level 2 and direct current fast chargers installed across the state and more than 331,000 electric vehicles on the road in New York, as of July 2026. NYSERDA's Charge Ready NY 2.0 program also continues to support public, private and not-for-profit organizations to install Level 2 charging stations at multifamily buildings, hotels and workplaces. In February 2026, NYSERDA added $15 million to the existing program with funding of $3,000 - $4,000 per plug available on a first-come, first-served basis.
Under Governor Hochul's leadership, New York State is investing nearly $3 billion in zero-emission vehicles and expanding access to clean transportation to benefit all New Yorkers, including those in low-income or disadvantaged communities. In addition to Charge Ready 2.0, other state initiatives include Drive Clean Rebate Program, the EV Make Ready , EVolve NY , the New York Truck Voucher Incentive Program (NYTVIP), the New York School Bus Incentive Program, the NEVI program, and the Direct Current Fast Charger Program.
This initiative is funded through the Governor's $2 billion Sustainable Future Program, which is the largest climate investment in New York's history.
State Senator Kevin Parker said, "Expanding access to reliable electric vehicle charging is an important part of building an energy system that works for every New Yorker. This $35 million investment will help local governments and public institutions bring charging infrastructure directly into our communities, making electric vehicles more practical and accessible while reducing transportation emissions. We must continue investing in infrastructure that strengthens our communities, lowers costs for families and ensures that the transition to a cleaner transportation system leaves no New Yorker behind."
New York State's climate agenda calls for an affordable and just transition to a clean energy economy that creates family-sustaining jobs, promotes economic growth through green investments, and directs a minimum of 40 percent of the benefits to disadvantaged communities. New York is advancing a suite of efforts to achieve an emissions-free economy, including in the energy, buildings, transportation and waste sectors. The State is also working to advance the historic $2 billion Sustainable Future Program, which will deliver targeted funding to lower emissions, reduce household energy costs and spur green job growth.