New York Opens $35 Million in New Funding for Public EV Chargers: What Public Entities Need to Know
Governor Kathy Hochul announced on August 14, 2026, that $35 million in new funding is now available to help public-sector entities across New York State install and operate electric vehicle (EV) chargers on publicly owned property. The announcement adds to a growing stack of state and utility incentives that, taken together, can cover a significant share of the cost of building out public charging infrastructure.
For municipalities, state agencies, universities, and other public organizations considering an EV charging project, this is a good moment to understand what funding is on the table, who qualifies, and how the pieces fit together.
The New $35 Million Public EV Charging Program
The funding is being administered through the Charge Ready NY – Large Public Sector Project Program, run by the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA). It’s designed for public entities that want to build out large portfolios of public Level 2 charging sites rather than a single installation.
Eligible applicants include New York State agencies and authorities, local governments, and state or city university systems. Selected projects can receive a minimum of $1 million and a maximum of $15 million, with NYSERDA covering up to 80% of eligible documented purchase and installation costs for the charging equipment itself.
Chargers must be Level 2, installed on publicly owned land, and accessible to the general public. Sites can be on-street or off-street, and hosts are permitted to charge parking fees in addition to charging fees. Equipment must come from NYSERDA-approved manufacturers, white-labeled models, or network service providers.
Applicants who want to learn more before applying can attend an informational webinar on September 15, 2026, at 3:00 p.m. ET. Proposals — which must include a narrative, budget spreadsheet, Gantt chart, and disclosure statement submitted through NYSERDA’s online portal — are due October 20, 2026, at 3:00 p.m. ET.
In announcing the program, Governor Hochul said, “By investing in much-needed public charging options, we are giving New Yorkers more confidence to drive an electric vehicle.”
NYSERDA President and CEO Doreen M. Harris added that expanding EV charging on publicly owned property is “an opportunity to maximize existing assets,” while League of Conservation Voters President Julie Tighe called expanded charging access “critical to building a cleaner transportation future for New York.”
The timing reflects real momentum. As of July 2026, New York had more than 21,000 public Level 2 and DC fast chargers installed statewide and more than 331,000 registered electric vehicles, part of nearly $3 billion the Hochul administration has invested in zero-emission vehicle infrastructure to date.
For public organizations already considering charging infrastructure, the new program creates another potential path for moving larger projects from planning into development.
This Isn't the Only EV Charging Funding on the Table
The new $35 million solicitation is the latest addition to a broader set of New York programs supporting EV charging investment — several of which can apply to other types of charging projects.
Understanding the differences between these programs is important because the right funding path depends heavily on the property, project size, charging equipment, and intended users.
Charge Ready NY 2.0
While the new $35 million program targets large public-sector charging portfolios, Charge Ready NY 2.0 is NYSERDA’s longer-running rebate program for workplaces, multifamily buildings, and hotels or motels.
It offers a rebate of $3,000 per Level 2 charging port, with an additional $1,000 per port for qualifying sites located in a disadvantaged community. Ports in individually assigned or fleet-only parking spaces may qualify for a reduced incentive.
NYSERDA added $15 million to Charge Ready NY 2.0 in February 2026, bringing the program budget to $28 million. Funding availability can be tracked through NYSERDA as money is committed, and applicants must complete installation and provide the appropriate documentation to receive payment.
Between Charge Ready NY 2.0 and the new Large Public Sector Project Program, NYSERDA now offers distinct funding paths depending on whether a project involves a workplace, multifamily property, hotel, or a large, multi-site public charging portfolio.
Utility Make-Ready Programs
The other major piece of the funding puzzle has been New York’s utility-run make-ready programs, coordinated through the Joint Utilities of New York — Central Hudson, Con Edison, National Grid, NYSEG, RG&E, and Orange and Rockland.
“Make-ready” funding addresses the electrical infrastructure work needed to prepare a site for charger installation — including wiring, transformers, panel upgrades, and similar infrastructure — separately from the cost of the chargers themselves.
Depending on the project, these programs have covered a substantial share, and in some cases the full cost, of eligible infrastructure work.
There is, however, an important caveat for anyone budgeting a project today. As of April 21, 2026, at 11:59 p.m. ET, the Joint Utilities stopped accepting new applications for the EV Make-Ready Programs. Previously submitted applications continue to be reviewed.
Organizations planning new charging projects should therefore check directly with their utility for current program information and potential alternatives rather than assuming make-ready funding will be available for a new application.
Understanding How EV Charging Incentives Fit Together
For a public entity or workplace host planning an EV charging project, the practical takeaway is that New York offers several different incentive paths depending on the project.
A large public-sector project may be eligible for the new $35 million solicitation for equipment and installation costs, while a workplace, multifamily property, or hotel may instead look to Charge Ready NY 2.0 rebates.
Historically, underlying electrical infrastructure could also receive support through utility make-ready programs, although the current application status needs to be considered when developing a new project budget.
NYSERDA also lists several related programs through its electric vehicle charging resources, including incentives and programs supporting public charging, municipal zero-emission vehicles, and fleet electrification.
That makes early project planning particularly important. Identifying the site requirements, anticipated charger usage, electrical capacity, equipment costs, and potential incentives before construction begins can provide a much clearer picture of the project’s actual cost.
What Public Entities Should Consider Before Applying
Funding is an important part of an EV charging project, but it is only one piece of the planning process.
Public organizations also need to consider where chargers will be located, how many ports are appropriate, existing electrical capacity, accessibility, anticipated usage, equipment and networking requirements, construction costs, and how the chargers will be operated once they’re online.
For organizations pursuing the Large Public Sector Project Program specifically, the size of the potential awards makes early planning especially important. Developing a realistic project scope and budget now can help determine whether a proposed charging portfolio is a strong fit for the program before the October application deadline.
How Renua Energy Can Help
Navigating overlapping state and utility incentive programs — figuring out which ones apply, keeping track of deadlines, and assembling the documentation each one requires — is often one of the biggest hurdles to getting an EV charging project off the ground.
Whether you’re a municipality considering the new Charge Ready NY Large Public Sector Project solicitation, a business or property owner evaluating Charge Ready NY 2.0 rebates, or simply trying to understand what support may still be available for your project, Renua Energy can help assess your site, estimate costs, plan the required electrical infrastructure, and develop an EV charging solution around your property’s needs.
With experience delivering EV charging and electrical infrastructure projects across New York, Renua Energy can support the process from early planning and design through installation and project completion.
With the October 20, 2026 deadline for the new public-sector funding approaching, now is a good time for eligible organizations to start scoping their projects.
