New York expands access to EV charging incentives, blocks Tesla from qualifying

Dive Brief:

New York regulators earlier this month denied Tesla's request for its equipment to qualify for changing incentives in an order expanding the program.
The broader order approved expanding the state's direct current fast-charging (DCFC) infrastructure program to make fast-charging plugs at new charging stations eligible for incentives — but said the station must include a standardized plug of equal or greater charging capability as other plugs being installed.
Unlike other EV manufacturers, regulators noted "Tesla customers invest in both their EV and the proprietary Tesla charging network when they purchase a vehicle," in a statement accompanying the order. "Tesla may receive these incentives if a standardized plug is co-located at the same site," the commission said.

Dive Insight:

The order was intended to adopt a "technology neutral approach" to charging incentives, in order to "better adapt to the rapid technological advancements in EVs," according to regulators.

The per-plug incentive program will expand eligibility to include "proprietary plugs at stations that are co-located with a commonly accepted non-proprietary standardized plug-type of the same or greater kW level as the other plugs being installed," according to the order.

Plugs capable of simultaneous charging at or above 50 kW, but less than 75 kW, will be eligible for a 60% incentive payment, regulators determined. Plugs capable of simultaneous charging at or above 75 kW will be eligible for a full incentive payment.

"This modification seeks to encourage dual compatibility for all new public DCFC stations," said regulators. "The Commission expects this approach will promote broader utilization of public EV charging stations" and help the state achieve its zero emissions vehicle goals.

"Electric vehicle deployment will play a key role in meeting the dramatic carbon reduction goals," PSC Chair John Rhodes said in a statement.

Earlier this year, the PSC approved an initiative to make nearly 1,075 new, publicly accessible fast-charging plugs eligible for annual incentives with a maximum statewide cost of $31.6 million.

New York lawmakers last month approved legislation directing the state toward carbon neutrality and slashing emissions by 2050. Gov. Andrew Cuomo signed the legislation last week.