Electric vehicle charging infrastructure, as well as consumer rebates, are receiving a $29 million boost, Gov. Kathy Hochul on Wednesday announced. 

New York is trying to reach the target of significantly curtailing carbon emissions in the coming years. One of the key challenges is expanding the use of electric vehicles, where demand is in part dictated by the cost as well as concerns over where to find a charger. 

There are now 150,000 electric vehicles on New York roads as of June 2023. Officials want to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 85% by midpoint of the century, and by 2035, all new passenger cars, pickup trucks and sport utility vehicles sold in New York must be zero emissions. 

"New York's climate and clean transportation leadership is reducing air pollution and emissions through solution-based investments in charging infrastructure and rebates," Hochul said. "Providing cleaner air in communities that face high vehicle traffic, particularly those that are historically marginalized, is an essential step to improving the state's quality of life while building a more sustainable future for residents, workers and visitors alike."

There will be $15 million added to an existing program to install electric vehicle charging stations at workplaces as welll as multifamily buildings in New York. There is also an emphasis on charging stations at public facilities in disadvantaged areas. Eligible entities would be able to save up to half on the cost of installing the stations. 

New York is also adding $14 million to a rebate program to reduce the cost of leasing or purchasing a new electric vehicle. 

"Electric vehicle adoption is rapidly accelerating in New York, and as more drivers make the switch, deploying charging infrastructure to match demand is essential," said Doreen Harris, the president and CEO of the New York State Energy and Research Development Authority. "The additional support announced today through Charge Ready NY 2.0 and the Drive Clean Rebate will not only make convenient charging more accessible, but also help lower the cost of purchasing a new vehicle -providing complementary opportunities for more New Yorkers to join the EV revolution."