New York makes $35 million available for electric-vehicle chargers

New York is making $35 million available for publicly accessible electric-vehicle charging stations as the number of electric cars in the state continues to grow.

Governor Kathy Hochul said the investment would support a cleaner, more connected transportation system. “While we continue leading initiatives toward a cleaner and more connected system, New York must have a broad network of charging stations that are convenient to reach and easy and affordable to use,” she said in a statement.

The Charge Ready NY, Large Public Sector Project will be administered by the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority, known as NYSERDA. State agencies, local governments and state or municipal university systems can apply to install chargers on publicly owned land.

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While we continue leading initiatives toward a cleaner and more connected system, New York must have a broad network of charging stations that are convenient to reach and easy and affordable to use.

Selected projects will receive between $1 million and $15 million. Applicants can seek funding for up to 80% of the costs of purchasing and installing electric-vehicle supply equipment. Proposals are due by Oct. 20, 2026.

Sites may be on-street or off-street, but they must be open to the public. Locations that charge additional fees, such as parking lots and garages, are allowed. Only original equipment manufacturers, approved white-label models and network service providers approved by NYSERDA can participate.

Hochul said public charging options would give New Yorkers more confidence to drive electric vehicles, reduce their exposure to volatile gasoline prices and improve air quality. Government data showed more than 331,000 electric vehicles in the state in July 2026, alongside more than 21,000 Level 2 and direct-current fast chargers. The initiative focuses on Level 2 chargers, which can serve vehicles parked for longer periods at places such as parks, libraries and schools.

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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.