Thursday, October 1, 2026
Governor Kathy Hochul announced $35 million is now available 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,” 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 program, administered by the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority, 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.
Proposers may request up to 80 percent of eligible documented purchase and installation costs of electric vehicle supply equipment. To get funding, you have to use equipment and network providers that NYSERDA has already approved under its Charge Ready NY 2.0 program.
Proposals are due on Oct. 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.
“Switching to an electric vehicle can be a massive cost-savings for New Yorkers struggling to make ends meet,” Alliance for Clean Energy New York Executive Director Marguerite Wells said. “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.”
Hochul’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.
Other state initiatives include Drive Clean Rebate Program, the EV Make Ready, EVolve NY, the New York Truck Voucher Incentive Program, 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.
“Expanding access to reliable electric vehicle charging is an important part of building an energy system that works for every New Yorker,” State Senator Kevin Parker said. “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.”
