This is great news, not least as it flies in the face of the Trump vision of a return to fossil fuels. Cities globally are now waking up to the serious health risks and illnesses of air pollution, much of it as a result of diesel and petrol engined cars.
We need to see a multitude of tools deployed, like diesel bans and congestion charging, but also incentives like these, along with car sharing and improved public transport. Let's hope cities around Europe and the world follow suit.
Of the $70 million mentioned above, $55 million of the Drive Clean Initiative funds will be used to provide rebates of up to $2,000 forwards the purchase of electric cars, plug-in hybrids (PHEVs), and hydrogen fuel-cell vehicles. The other $15 million will be used to “support improving consumer awareness of electric cars and their many benefits, installing more charging stations across the state, developing and demonstrating new electric car-enabling technologies, and other efforts to put more electric cars on New York’s roadways.” The press release provides more: “The initiative will be managed by the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority and will help the state achieve its goal to reduce greenhouse gas emissions 40% by 2030. More than 30 different types of electric cars are available under the Drive Clean Rebate initiative.”