New York Governor Andrew M. Cuomo announced $11 million in available funding to build out the state's network of fast charging stations to support wider adoption of electric vehicles.

The Direct Current Fast Charger (DCFC) program will be administered by the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA) to scale up EV infrastructure in areas of the state where access to fast charging stations is limited as well as disadvantaged communities. The program directly supports Gov. Cuomo's goal for an 85 percent reduction in greenhouse gas emissions by 2050 under the nation-leading Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act (CLCPA).

"New York continues to serve as a national model for reducing greenhouse emissions. As part of our efforts, we must ensure all New Yorkers, no matter where they live or their economic status, have access to the infrastructure required for using electric vehicles," Gov. Cuomo said. "This investment will build the infrastructure necessary for empowering more consumers to choose clean, electric transportation options, while making electric vehicles an accessible option for all New Yorkers."

As part of the state's $127.7 million allocation of the federal Volkswagen (VW) Settlement, this initiative builds upon Gov. Cuomo's landmark "Make Ready" announcement in July, which included a suite of clean transportation initiatives in the state. Additionally, in March, NYSERDA announced approximately $18.4 million VW funds for new electric transit buses through the New York Truck Voucher Incentive Program.

The state’s new DCFC program will provide up to 80 percent of the cost for EV charging stations and will require at least 25% of the stations to be located within half a mile of a disadvantaged community. Funding will be made available in specific Regional Economic Development Councils (REDCs) through two initial rounds, through which charging station developers will be selected to install at least four DCFC stations per site, at four or more site locations. Only one proposal per developer will be awarded for each eligible REDC region under each round, and if funding remains after these two rounds are complete, the program will continue to a third round.

Applications for the first round are being accepted through February 18, 2021. The first round focuses on the following REDCs regions: Central New York, North Country, Finger Lakes, and Western New York. The second round of funding will launch in July 2021 and includes the eligible Round 1 REDCs plus Mohawk Valley and Southern Tier. A potential third round would encompass all areas that were included in the first two rounds.