New York Governor Kathy Hochul announced a $12-million initiative to support the development and demonstration of innovative, replicable solutions that advance electric vehicle adoption and the integration of electric vehicles with the electric grid. (PON 5354) The initiative also seeks to support novel demonstrations of medium- and heavy-duty electric and hydrogen fuel cell technologies.

In addition to supporting the state’s transition to zero-emission vehicles by 2035, the funding advances the Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act requirements to achieve a zero-emission electricity sector by 2040 and reduce emissions 85% by 2050.

Through this competitive program, administered by the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA), the State seeks to:

• Advance well-managed electric vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure and reduced grid integration costs;

• Improve the economics of EV ownership for residential consumers and commercial fleet managers;

• Spur research and innovation that supports widespread deployment of EVs as a beneficial asset to both EV owners and grid operators including combining EVs with bi-directional charging, energy storage, and on-site energy generation; and

• Demonstrate medium- and heavy-duty vehicle electrification, either through fuel-cell electric vehicles or standard battery operated EVs.

Awards of up to $3 million each will be granted for product development and demonstrations of technologies and business models that help reduce energy demand peaks and provide grid benefits through managed charging/discharging that will lower the overall cost of necessary electric grid infrastructure upgrades.

Concept papers for consideration for full proposal submission under this new initiative will be accepted through 3:00 p.m. on 12 September 2023. For those selected to move forward, the deadline for full proposal submission is 8 November 2023. A second round of funding may be issued in early 2024 if all funds are not awarded in the first round.

Funding for this initiative is through the State’s 10-year, $6-billion Clean Energy Fund.