New York State issuing incentive vouchers for alternative-powered trucks

New York Governor Andrew M. Cuomo (D) has stated that the new $19-million New York Truck Voucher Incentive Program aims to encourage the purchase of battery-electric commercial trucks as well as other energy-efficient transportation, including hybrid-drive and compressed natural gas (CNG)trucks.

The truck voucher program will include two voucher funds:

1.      $9 million for battery-electric truck vouchers offered in 30 counties around the state that did not meet federal clean air standards, primarily in downstate New York, the Capital Region and Western New York

2.      $10-million alternative fuels voucher fund for New York City, which also includes compressed natural gas, hybrid-electric vehicles and retrofitting diesel engines with emission control devices.

The overall program is directed toward Class 3 to 8 trucks, which include large pickups, delivery vans, box trucks, buses, tractor- trailers, garbage trucks and construction vehicles such as cement and dump trucks.

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.

Under the terms of the program, NYSERDA has approved vehicle manufacturers, dealers and retrofit providers that will receive the vouchers-- allowing them to pass on the full incentive in a lower vehicle price to buyers.

“The Truck Voucher Incentive Program is another important step that New York State is taking to meet clean air standards,” said Gov. Cuomo. “This program highlights the State’s commitment to developing, promoting, and implementing new measures that lower emissions and reduce our carbon footprint. By focusing on advanced transportation technologies, including electronic and hybrid vehicles, we can provide cleaner communities in which to live and work.”

NYSERDA estimates that the voucher program could encourage the purchase or retrofit of up to 1,000 low-emission trucks in areas of the state with the poorest air quality.

For more information on the New York Truck-Voucher Incentive Program, click here.