Alternative Fuel Stations in Buffalo, NY

Tax incentives and/or other rebates, credits, incentives or related initiaves for drivers of alternative fuel vehicles or for other uses of alternative fuel in Buffalo, NY.

Low-Speed Vehicle Definition

A low-speed vehicle is defined as a limited use automobile or truck that has a maximum speed greater than 20 miles per hour (mph) but not more than 25 mph and has a gross vehicle weight rating less than 3,000 pounds. All low-speed vehicles must comply with the safety standards established in Title 49 of the U.S. Code of Federal Regulations, section 571.500.

(Reference New York Consolidated Laws Vehicle and Traffic Section 121-f)

High Occupancy Vehicle (HOV) Lane Exemption

Through the Clean Pass Program, eligible electric-drive vehicles may use the Long Island Expressway (LIE) HOV lanes, regardless of the number of occupants in the vehicle. Vehicles must display the Clean Pass vehicle sticker, which is available from the New York State Department of Motor Vehicles. To apply for the Clean Pass vehicle sticker, visit the Clean Pass Stickers for HOV Lanes on the LIE website. This exemption expires September 30, 2025. For more information, including a list of eligible vehicles and Clean Pass sticker application instructions, see the Clean Pass Program website.

Idle Reduction and Natural Gas Vehicle (NGV) Weight Exemption

Any motor vehicle equipped with qualified idle reduction technology may exceed the state's vehicle weight limits by up to 400 pounds (lbs.) to compensate for the additional weight of the idle reduction technology. The vehicle's operator must maintain written certification of the device's weight and proof that it is fully functional and must provide this proof to a law enforcement officer upon request. Any NGV may exceed the limits by up to 2,000 lbs. (Reference New York Vehicle and Traffic Law 385)

Alternative Fuel Vehicle (AFV) Access to Tunnels

An AFV powered by propane or natural gas may only use Port Authority of New York and New Jersey (PANYNJ) tunnels and the lower level of the George Washington Bridge if the vehicle conforms to applicable federal regulations and industry standards, displays required markings to identify its alternative fuel system, and has a fuel capacity that does not exceed 150 pounds. For more information, see the PANYNJ Truckers' Resources website.

Clean Truck Port Requirements

Port drayage trucks must meet or exceed Model Year 2010 engine federal emissions standards to access the Port Authority of New York & New Jersey (PANYNJ) marine terminals. Drayage trucks operating on liquefied or compressed natural gas, electricity, or hybrid electric technology are exempt from these requirements. For purposes of this rule, drayage trucks are defined as on-road vehicles with a gross vehicle weight rating of 33,001 pounds or greater and intended to load, unload, or transport cargo from PANYNJ terminals. Additional rules apply. For more information, see the PANYNJ Truck Replacement Program and Drayage Truck Registration websites.

Electric Vehicle Emissions Inspection Exemption

Vehicles powered exclusively by electricity are exempt from state motor vehicle emissions inspections. For more information, see the New York Vehicle Inspection Program website.

(Reference New York State Department of Environmental Conservation Regulations Chapter III, Part 217-6)

Residential Electric Vehicle (EV) Time of Use (TOU) Rate - ConEdison

ConEdison offers a TOU rate to residential customers that own or lease an eligible EV. For more information, including how to enroll, see the EV Rates website.

Electric Vehicle (EV) Rebate Program

The New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA) provides rebates of up to $2,000 for the purchase or lease of a new eligible EV. An eligible vehicle must:

• Be a four-wheeled motor vehicle manufactured for use on public streets, roads, and highways;
• Have a gross vehicle weight rating of not more than 8,500 pounds;
• Have a maximum speed of at least 55 miles per hour; and,
• Be propelled at least in part by an electric motor that draws electricity from a battery that has a capacity of at least four kilowatt-hours, and is capable of being charged by an external source of electricity.

Rebate amounts vary based on a vehicle’s all-electric range and manufacturer’s suggested retail price. For more information, including a list of eligible vehicles, see the NYSERDA Drive Clean Rebate website.

Electric Vehicle (EV) and Charging Infrastructure Support

The New York Power Authority (NYPA) EVolve NY program has allocated up to $250 million to support EVs and address charging infrastructure gaps throughout the state. EVolve NY will implement this funding in phases. The initial phase directs $40 million to fund three initiatives through 2019, including programs for interstate direct current fast charging (DCFC) stations, airport charging hubs, and EV model communities. NYPA must post on their website a report by January 31 annually on the activities undertaken, including the total number of EV charging stations supported and the total costs allocated. For more information, see the NYPA EVolve NY website.

(Reference New York Consolidated Laws Public Authorities Section 1005(18), 1005(23), and 1005(24e))

Smart Charging and Time-of-Use Incentives - Con Edison

Residential customers who own an electric vehicle customers can receive $150 by joining the SmartCharge New York Program. Participants may earn up to $800 in incentives annually by installing a connected car device provided by Con Edison that tracks driving and charging habits, and by charging during off-peak hours. For more information, including how to apply, see the SmartCharge New York website.