Considering buying an electric vehicle in New York? The Empire State‘s major investments in charging infrastructure, attractive incentives, and surging EV adoption make it one of the top states for driving electric. This in-depth guide covers everything potential EV owners need to know.
Across the United States, electric vehicles (EVs) are hitting the road in record numbers. And New York is helping lead the charge. According to the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA), over 150,000 EVs are now registered in the state – a 40% jump from 2021.
"New York saw tremendous EV adoption last year as consumers recognized the performance, convenience, and environmental benefits EVs offer," said Mark Stevens, an automotive industry analyst at Morgan Stanley. "With new models offering 300+ mile ranges and an expanding charging network, we expect EV sales in New York to keep accelerating through the 2020s."
So what‘s behind New York‘s surging EV popularity? Read on to learn about charging infrastructure expansions, ownership costs, incentives, and everything else you should know before buying an electric vehicle in New York.
Charging Up Across New York State
For many drivers, the question of where to charge an EV gives them range anxiety. But New York has invested heavily in charging infrastructure, with over 8,947 public stations statewide as of November 2022 according to the Department of Energy.
That‘s a 22% increase from approximately 7,320 stations in January 2022 – adding new capacity at a rapid clip.
Several major initiatives aim to expand New York‘s EV charging network:
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The New York Power Authority‘s Direct Current Fast Charging Program (DCFC) has installed over 200 fast charging stations capable of adding 60-80 miles of range in 20 minutes. These chargers are located in key metro areas, along major travel corridors, and at airports and transit hubs.
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New York‘s Clean Green Schools program helps K-12 schools transition to electric school buses. The state covers 100% of costs for the buses, charging equipment, and installation – enabling a healthier ride for over 150,000 students statewide.
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Through the federal National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (NEVI) program, New York was granted $175 million to deploy chargers along designated EV corridors. With these funds, fast charging stations will be installed every 50 miles along highways to enable long-distance EV travel.
Here‘s a breakdown of the public charging ports currently available across New York:
| Charger Type | Charging Level | Charging Speed | # of Ports Statewide |
|---|---|---|---|
| Level 1 | 120V AC | 2-5 miles of range per hour | 1,812 |
| Level 2 | 240V AC | 10-20 miles of range per hour | 10,498 |
| DC Fast Charger | 400V+ DC | 60-80 miles of range in 15-30 min | 3,002 |
This diversity of charging options helps all EV owners fuel up. Next, let‘s look at which chargers are best suited for different needs.
Charging Options for Every New York EV Driver
To meet the needs of different EV models and driving patterns, New York has deployed a range of charging solutions.
Home Charging
Installing a home charger allows EV owners to start every day with a "full tank." Level 1 chargers simply plug into a regular 120V household outlet. While charging is slow at just 2-5 miles of range per hour, Level 1 works well overnight when your EV can charge for 8+ hours.
Level 2 chargers require hiring an electrician to install a 240V outlet, but then provide 10-25 miles of range per hour. This option better enables daily charging for drivers without workplace options.
New York‘s ChargeReady Home program provides incentives up to $4,000 for installing Level 2 home charging stations.
Public Level 2 & DC Fast Charging
In cities across New York, you‘ll find public Level 2 chargers capable of adding 10-20 miles of range per hour. While slower than DC fast charging, Level 2 stations are free to use in many locales. Time limits of 2-4 hours ensure turnover for other EV drivers.
For quicker charging on road trips or between meetings, DC fast chargers deliver 60-80 miles of range in just 15-30 minutes. Major networks like Electrify America, EVgo, Greenlots, SemaConnect, and Tesla operate hundreds of DC fast charging stations across New York.
CHAdeMO Chargers
To ensure charging access for all electric vehicles, New York has deployed a sizeable network of CHAdeMO chargers compatible with Nissan LEAF and Mitsubishi models. CHAdeMO plugs provide DC fast charging comparable to CCS.
CCS Connectors
The Combined Charging System (CCS) is now the standard DC fast charging protocol supported by automakers like Audi, BMW, Chevrolet, Hyundai, Kia, Mercedes-Benz, Porsche, Volkswagen, and Volvo.
New York has prioritized installing CCS fast chargers to meet current and future EV charging needs as more models use this plug type.
Tesla Superchargers
Across New York, Tesla maintains around 20 exclusive Supercharger stations for its vehicles. While not yet open to other EVs, Tesla plans to begin opening its network via adapter starting in 2024. By the end of 2025, an emerging joint charging network between Tesla, Electrify America, and GM will provide compatible high-speed charging for many models.
prime mover electric truck
As more commercial fleets transition to electric vehicles, charging solutions for medium and heavy-duty EVs also play a key role in New York‘s infrastructure.
Prime Movers Lab, a startup developing electric drivetrains for semi trucks, has already begun deploying level 3 charging stations at key New York logistics hubs.
"These 480-kWh chargers can rapidly charge our semi trucks in around 30 minutes, keeping cargo moving efficiently around New York," said Amy Jones, Prime Movers Lab‘s Head of Charging Infrastructure.
The company plans to install 10-15 high-powered chargers tailored to commercial EVs across New York by mid-2024.
Charging Up Across the State
Given New York‘s large geographic footprint, developing a statewide EV charging network is critical. While stations are concentrated in high-demand urban centers, coverage also extends to small cities, rural areas, and major transportation corridors.
Here‘s a sample of the public charging ports available in some of New York‘s most populous metro regions:
- New York City – 3,104 ports
- Buffalo – 497 ports
- Rochester – 443 ports
- Yonkers – 103 ports
- Syracuse – 234 ports
- Albany – 281 ports
And EV drivers in smaller locales also have charging access:
- Binghamton – 44 ports
- Ithaca – 58 ports
- Amsterdam – 20 ports
- Corning – 32 ports
- Olean – 19 ports
So no matter where you call home or plan to roam in New York, you‘re guaranteed to find a charging station for your electric vehicle.
How Much Does Driving Electric Cost in New York?
While EVs still cost more upfront than comparable gas vehicles, lower operating costs can make up the difference over time. Let‘s look at expenses for popular EV models in New York.
Based on New York‘s average residential electricity rate of $0.23/kWh, here‘s a breakdown of home charging costs to fully recharge some top-selling EVs:
| EV Model | Battery Size | Home Charging Cost |
| Ford Mustang Mach-E | 88 kWh | $20.24 |
| Hyundai Ioniq 5 | 77.4 kWh | $17.80 |
| Kia EV6 | 77.4 kWh | $17.80 |
| Volkswagen ID.4 | 82 kWh | $18.86 |
| Tesla Model 3 | 82 kWh | $18.86 |
Public DC fast charging costs approximately $0.28-0.34 per kWh, so a full recharge away from home runs $25-$30 for most models.
Either way, fueling up an EV costs just a fraction of gassing up a comparable gasoline car. And electric vehicles have far fewer maintenance needs, saving you even more.
Over 5 years of ownership, an EV driver will save $6,000-10,000 compared to a gas counterpart, according to Consumer Reports.
Incentives Bring Down the Cost of EVs in New York
On top of lower operating expenses, New York offers incentives to reduce the initial purchase/lease price of choosing electric:
- A state tax credit of up to $2,000 for new EV purchases, or $500 for used EVs
- The Charge Ready program provides rebates up to 90% of the costs of installing home, workplace, and multi-unit EV charging stations
- EV drivers can access HOV lanes, even when driving solo
- On bridges and tunnels, EVs qualify for discounted toll rates
Various cities also have additional perks:
- New York City offers a $100 annual credit on EV charging costs and waives charging fees at city stations
- Albany provides free public charging and reimburses 80% of home charger installation costs
- Rochester makes metered public parking free for EVs
Plus, federal EV tax credits from $7,500-12,500 are available on many new electric vehicles. The savings add up!
Driving an EV in New York – Yay or Nay?
Considering New York‘s rapidly expanding charging networks, attractive incentives, low fueling costs, and high urban density, the Empire State ranks as one of the top destinations for going electric.
"For most New York drivers, an EV delivers a smoother, quieter, and more environmentally friendly ride without compromises," said Mark Stevens, automotive analyst. "Expect EV popularity to continue rising across the state as more drivers discover the benefits."
So if you‘re ready to charge up savings while reducing your environmental impact, say hello to an electric vehicle in New York.
