New York State is driving towards a greener future, and a key part of this journey is the widespread adoption of Electric Vehicles (EVs). To support this ambitious goal, the Electric Vehicle Make-Ready Program (“EV Make-Ready Program”) is designed to significantly reduce the financial hurdles of installing EV charging stations across the state. This initiative provides substantial incentives to cover infrastructure and equipment costs for Level 2 (L2) and Direct Current Fast Charging (DCFC) chargers, making EV charging more accessible and affordable.
Recent updates mandated by the New York Public Service Commission, detailed in their November 16th, 2023 and September 20, 2024 orders, have refined the program to better meet current needs and future demands. This article provides the most current information, reflecting these important program updates. For comprehensive details, refer to the updated Participant Guide.
EV Program Highlights
- Supports Green Goals: Directly contributes to New York’s Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act (CLCPA) and the state’s target of 850,000 EVs by 2025.
- Significant Funding: A massive $1.243 billion program budget, with over $885 million dedicated to Make-Ready Programs by New York Joint Utilities.
- Community Focus: $372.5 million is specifically allocated to benefit Disadvantaged Communities, ensuring equitable access to EV infrastructure. These communities are identified based on environmental burdens, public health impacts, climate change vulnerability, and socioeconomic factors. More details on Disadvantaged Communities can be found on NYSERDA’s website.
What the EV Make-Ready Program Offers
The EV Make-Ready Program offers compelling incentives through your local utility to ease the installation of EV charging infrastructure. This support aims to accelerate the deployment of EV charging stations, making it easier for businesses and organizations to participate in the EV revolution.
Light-Duty EV Charging Incentives
Maximize Your Incentives
Take advantage of incentives that can cover up to 100% of the electric infrastructure expenses for new non-residential EV charging stations. By participating in the Make-Ready Program, organizations not only gain financial benefits but also receive dedicated support and a streamlined process for EV charger installation. This includes a single point of contact at your utility, guiding you through each step.
Getting Started with EV Charging
Your utility is committed to facilitating your transition to electric mobility. The Make-Ready Program is designed to simplify the process and reduce costs associated with setting up EV charging stations. Here’s a step-by-step overview of how to participate:
Program Requirements and Eligible EV Charging Equipment
Technical Standards for EV Chargers
The technical requirements for EV chargers eligible under the Make-Ready Program depend on the project’s commitment date with the utility. These standards ensure compatibility and advanced functionality.
- DCFC Chargers:
- Projects committed on or after December 16, 2023, must utilize hardware compliant with ISO 15118-3, with the capability to support ISO 15118-2 or -20. Software compliance with ISO 15118-2 or -20 is required by November 16, 2024.
- For commitments from November 16, 2024 onwards, chargers must meet the above ISO standards and also operate with software compliant with ISO 15118-2 or -20 immediately upon installation.
- Additionally, for projects committed from November 16, 2024, DCFC chargers must feature hardware compliant with OCPP 2.0.1 or later.
- Level 2 Chargers:
- Starting June 1, 2025, all L2 charger projects must include chargers that are:
- Hardware conformant with ISO 15118-3 and capable of ISO 15118-2 or -20.
- Software conformant with ISO 15118-2 or -20.
- Hardware conformant with OCPP 2.0.1 or later.
- Starting June 1, 2025, all L2 charger projects must include chargers that are:
The table below summarizes these requirements based on the commitment date:
| L2 | DCFC | |
|---|---|---|
| Committed before June 1, 2025 | Committed on or after June 1, 2025 | |
| ISO 15118 Hardware | No | ISO 15118-3 (capable of ISO 15118-2/-20) |
| ISO 15118 Software | No | ISO 15118-2 or ISO 15118-20 |
| OCPP Hardware | No | OCPP 2.0.1 or later |
Furthermore, since June 26, 2023, all EVSE sold in New York must be ENERGY STAR certified (V1.0 or V1.2), as mandated by the Advanced Building Codes, Appliance and Equipment Efficiency Standards Act of 2022. Further details are available on the New York State Appliance and Equipment Efficiency Standards website.
Approved Equipment List
Starting March 1, 2025 for DCFC and June 1, 2025 for L2 equipment, only equipment listed on the Joint Utilities of NY – EPRI Vetted Product List (VPL) will be eligible for the Make-Ready Program. Until these dates, there are no specific equipment requirements for L2 chargers. The previous Eligible Equipment List is available for reference until March 1, 2025.
For Manufacturers: To have your equipment added to the EPRI VPL, please visit the EPRI website and use the “Vendor Application” tab.
For White-Labeled Products: Both the white-labeling company and the original manufacturer must provide attestations to EPRI confirming the white-labeled product’s equivalency to the original, linked to a specific NRTL listing.
Partnering with Approved Contractors
To ensure quality and compliance, the Make-Ready Program requires customers to work with Approved Contractors. These contractors are experts in EV charging station installation and will guide you through program details, application processes, and project construction.
Electrical contractors interested in becoming Approved Contractors can apply through the Joint Utilities website.
Access Utility Resources for Your EV Project
Each utility in New York offers dedicated resources and landing pages for the EV Make-Ready Program. These resources provide detailed information and application support. For specific inquiries or assistance, please contact your utility directly via the email addresses provided below:
| Utility | Website | |
|---|---|---|
| Central Hudson | [email protected] | Central Hudson EV Make-Ready Infrastructure Program |
| Con Edison | [email protected] | Con Edison Electric Vehicle PowerReady Program |
| National Grid | [email protected] | National Grid Electric Vehicle Charging Station Programs |
| NYSEG | [email protected] | NYSEG Electric Vehicle Charger Make-Ready Program |
| RG&E | [email protected] | RG&E Electric Vehicle Charger Make-Ready |
| Orange and Rockland | [email protected] | Orange and Rockland Electric Vehicle Make-Ready Program |
Track Program Progress: Plug and Budget Tracker
Stay informed on the progress of the EV Make-Ready Program with the Plug and Budget Tracker. This tool monitors the state’s advancement towards its 2025 plug goals and tracks incentive fund payouts. Data is updated monthly and available for download.
Data last updated March 15, 2025.
