New York Hybrid Electric Vehicle Laws and Incentives

State Incentives

Alternative Fuel Bus and Infrastructure Funding

The Clean Fueled Bus Program, administered by the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA), provides funds to state and local transit agencies, municipalities, and schools for up to 100% of the incremental cost of purchasing new alternative fuel buses and associated infrastructure. For the purposes of this program, an alternative fuel bus is any motor vehicle with a seating capacity of 15 or more passengers used for the transportation of persons on public highways that is powered by compressed natural gas (CNG) (including dual-fuel technology with a minimum of 75% use of CNG during typical operation), propane, methanol, hydrogen, biodiesel, or ethanol, or uses electricity as a primary motive force (e.g., hybrid electric). Project selection is based on the emissions reduction potential.

Eligible infrastructure projects include construction and installation of equipment to fuel or recharge alternative fuel buses including, but not limited to, battery charging stations and natural gas fueling stations and depots. To be considered for funding, the project must be necessary to introduce or expand a fleet of alternative fuel buses and include only cost items directly associated with making the facility capable of dispensing the fuel.

Funding for this program comes from the Clean Water/Clean Air Bond Act.

High Occupancy Vehicle (HOV) Lane Access

Through the Clean Pass Program, eligible hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs) may use the Long Island Expressway HOV lanes, regardless of the number of occupants in the vehicle. Vehicles must display the Clean Pass vehicle sticker, available from the New York State Department of Motor Vehicles. For a list of eligible vehicles, see the Clean Pass Program Web site.

Alternative Fuel and Advanced Technology Vehicle Funding - New York City

The New York City Private Fleet Alternative Fuel/Electric Vehicle Program, administered by the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA) in cooperation with New York City Department of Transportation, helps private companies and non-profit organizations operating vehicles in New York City to acquire alternative fuel and advanced technology vehicles. Funds are awarded on a competitive basis for up to 50% of the incremental cost of purchasing new light-duty natural gas vehicles (NGVs) or electric vehicles (EVs), and up to 80% of the incremental cost for purchasing new or converting medium- and heavy-duty NGVs (dedicated and bi-fuel), EVs, or hybrid electric vehicles. In addition, up to 50% of the costs for alternative fueling or EV charging station equipment and installation may be eligible.

State Laws and Regulations

Low Emission Vehicle (LEV) Standards

Each Original Equipment Manufacturer's (OEM) sales fleet of passenger cars and light-duty trucks produced and delivered for sale in New York State must be made up of at least the same percentage of Zero Emission Vehicles (ZEVs) set forth in Title 13 of the California Code of Regulations, Section 1962. An alternative compliance program has been instituted to expand the options available to OEMs in order to meet the mandate. Under this program, OEMs must make the following commitments:

• By Model Year (MY) 2008, 7% of vehicles must be partial (PZEV), 2% advanced technology PZEV, and 1% ZEV, which could be battery-electric or fuel cell vehicles;
• Any ZEV or PZEV models available in California must also be made available in New York State.

Beginning in MY 2009, no individual or company may sell, lease, import, deliver, purchase, or acquire any new light-duty passenger car, light-duty truck, or medium-duty passenger vehicle in the state unless the vehicle is certified to the California emission standards stated in the California Code of Regulations. Also beginning in MY 2009, OEMs must meet a fleet average greenhouse gas emissions standard, as defined in the California Code of Regulations, which will become more stringent each year through 2016.

(Reference New York State Department of Environmental Conservation Regulations Chapter III - Air Resources, Part 218)