New York Governor Andrew Cuomo on August 9 announced a New York Truck Voucher Incentive Program to encourage the purchase of battery-electric commercial trucks as well as other energy-efficient transportation, including hybrid and compressed natural gas (CNG) trucks.

State and local government entities can apply for vouchers of up to $60,000 for the purchase of Class 3-8 battery-electric trucks, including large pick-ups, delivery vans, box trucks, buses, tractor trailers, garbage trucks, and construction vehicles such as cement and dump trucks. $9 million in vouchers is available. These vouchers are offered in 30 counties around the State that did not meet federal clean air standards, primarily downstate New York, the Capital Region, and Western New York.

NYSERDA-approved electric equipment manufacturers participating in the Truck VIP include AMP Trucks Inc., Boulder Electric Vehicle, Electric Vehicles International, and Smith Electric Vehicles. Under the terms of the program, NYSERDA-approved vehicle manufacturers, dealers, and retrofit providers will receive the vouchers, allowing them to pass on the full incentive in a lower vehicle price to buyers.

Private fleets and non-profits can also apply for these vouchers. In addition, private and non-profit fleets are eligible for the alternative-fuels voucher for CNG, hybrid-electric, and battery-operated trucks, as well as diesel retrofit funding. These two voucher programs will be rolled out later in August and in September.

The New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA) is administering the program, with funding from the federal Congestion Mitigation and Air Quality (CMAQ) program and in partnership with the New York State Department of Transportation and the New York City Department of Transportation (NYC DOT). CALSTART is assisting NYSERDA in managing the voucher program.

For more information, visit the NY Truck Voucher Incentive Program page.