Car Buying Tips

Electric Vehicles & New York

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Metro New York is quickly becoming a hub for electric vehicle (EV) adoption in America. At the end of 2016, New York State had more plug-in EVs on the road than any other Northeastern state (16,710) with 66.7% of those EVs registered in the metro area. This year, with a combo of government initiatives and more and more New Yorkers taking an interest in electric cars, New York is realizing its goals to go even greener.

While some electric cars are part of the city’s rapidly growing municipal plug-in fleet, the lion’s share belongs to residents who take advantage of existing charging station infrastructure and available incentives.

If you are considering a plug-in vehicle, here are a few things you should know about purchasing, owning, and driving an electric car in metro New York.

TYPES OF ELECTRIC CARS
There are two types of electric cars. All Electric Vehicles (BEVs), which run solely on electricity from batteries and Plug-in hybrids (PHEVs), which can run on battery power or gasoline. Both types of vehicles are fun to drive and can handle all of New York’s seasons.



EV PURCHASE INCENTIVES
New York State’s Drive Clean Rebate program (1) makes electric vehicles more affordable by providing up to $2,000 off the purchase price. Click here to see the full list of rebate-eligible EVs. (Rebate amounts are determined by the vehicle’s price point and its driving range on a charge.)

Customers who purchase an EV may also be eligible for a federal income tax credit of up to $7,500 (2) based on the battery used to power the vehicle.



Additional EV incentives
  • EVs can access the HOV lane on the Long Island Expressway.
  • EVs are eligible for the Green Pass Discount Program, which offers a 10% discount on EZ-Pass tolls.
  • BEVs are exempt from emissions testing.
  • EVs may be offered a preferred parking space at some locations.
  • Some New York insurance companies may offer discounts on EVs.

FUELING & MAINTENANCE COST
EV drivers can save thousands of dollars on maintenance cost compared to traditional gasoline powered cars. In New York, on average, a gallon of gas costs $2.77 (3), while the comparable cost to run an EV is $1.71, saving you money every day when you charge and drive.

Many electric utilities around the country offer special rates to reduce the cost of powering an EV, significantly reducing the cost of charging your car.

Check with your local utility company for exact rates and specific details.

CHARGING YOUR EV
Charging is easy and convenient — just plug into a standard outlet to “fuel up”. Many commercial buildings now have charging available, and with 1,600+ public charging stations across New York, you can charge on-the-go to extend your range for longer trips.

  • Electric Vehicle Charging Level 1 (120 volts)—about 4-6 miles of range per hour of charge
  • Electric Vehicle Charging Level 2 (240 volts)—about 10-25 miles of range per hour of charge

Rapid charging stations can also be purchased for your home and installed in your garage or outdoors for a quicker charge.

There are many websites and apps available to help you locate public and rapid charging stations near you.

WHERE TO BUY AN EV
There are more than 30 EV models offered by more than a dozen different automobile brands, in a range of sizes, styles, price points, and powertrains to suit a wide range of consumers.

EVs can be purchased or leased from more than 300 franchised new car dealers throughout greater New York. To find a franchised new car dealer in your area, use the Dealer Locator on www.gnyada.com.

(1) Eligibility rules apply for more info visit: www.nyserda.ny.gov/All-Programs/Programs/Drive-Clean-Rebate
(2) Eligibility rules apply for more info visit: www.fueleconomy.gov/feg/taxevb.shtml
(3) September, 2017, Use the Department of Energy’s eGallon tool to calculate how much you can save in fuel costs by switching to an EV: energy.gov/eere/electricvehicles/saving-fuel-and-vehicle-costs