The Electric Vehicle (“EV”) Make-Ready Program is designed to accelerate the adoption of electric vehicles across New York State. This initiative significantly reduces the financial barriers to EV charging infrastructure development by providing substantial incentives for the installation of EV charging stations. By offsetting the upfront costs, the program encourages businesses and organizations to invest in both Level 2 (L2) and Direct Current Fast Charging (DCFC) solutions, paving the way for a robust EV ecosystem.
Recent updates mandated by the New York Public Service Commission in November 2023 and September 2024 have refined the program, ensuring it remains at the forefront of EV infrastructure support. For complete details and the most current guidelines, refer to the updated Participant Guide.
Key Program Highlights
- Supports Green Goals: Directly contributes to New York State’s ambitious Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act (CLCPA) goals and the target of deploying 850,000 EVs by 2025.
- Significant Funding: Backed by a substantial $1.243 billion budget, with over $885 million dedicated to Make-Ready Programs facilitated by the New York Joint Utilities.
- Focus on Disadvantaged Communities: A minimum of $372.5 million is specifically allocated to benefit Disadvantaged Communities, ensuring equitable access to EV infrastructure and addressing environmental justice concerns. These communities are identified based on factors like public health impacts, pollution burdens, climate change vulnerability, and socioeconomic criteria. Further information on Disadvantaged Communities in New York is available on the NYSERDA website.
Unlock Incentives for EV Charging Infrastructure
Capitalize on the robust make-ready incentives offered by your utility to ease the installation process of EV charging stations. The program is structured to cover a significant portion, up to 100%, of the electric infrastructure expenses associated with establishing new non-residential EV charging sites. Beyond financial support, the Make-Ready Program simplifies the entire installation journey. Participants benefit from a dedicated point of contact within their utility and a streamlined, step-by-step process, minimizing the administrative burden and accelerating project timelines.
Getting Started with the EV Make-Ready Program
Transitioning to electric mobility is made simpler and more affordable through utility support in deploying EV charging stations. Here’s a straightforward outline of how to participate:
Equipment Eligibility and Standards
To ensure the reliability and interoperability of EV charging infrastructure, the Make-Ready Program has specific equipment requirements based on the project’s commitment date with the utility. These standards are essential for future-proofing EV charging investments.
Technical Requirements
- DC Fast Chargers (DCFC):
- For projects committed on or after December 16, 2023, DCFC chargers must be hardware compliant with ISO 15118-3 and capable of supporting ISO 15118-2 or -20. Software updates to meet ISO 15118-2 or -20 standards must be implemented by November 16, 2024.
- For projects committed on or after November 16, 2024, chargers must not only meet the hardware specifications above but also operate with software compliant with ISO 15118-2 or -20 from installation.
- Furthermore, for projects committed on or after November 16, 2024, DCFC installations must include hardware that is compliant with OCPP 2.0.1 or later, ensuring open communication protocols.
- Level 2 Chargers (L2):
- For all L2 projects committed on or after June 1, 2025, the following standards apply:
- Chargers must be hardware conformant with ISO 15118-3 and capable of enabling ISO 15118-2 or -20 for advanced charging functionalities.
- Chargers must be software conformant with ISO 15118-2 or -20 upon installation.
- Chargers must be hardware conformant with OCPP 2.0.1 or later to maintain open standards and interoperability.
- For all L2 projects committed on or after June 1, 2025, the following standards apply:
The table below summarizes the equipment requirements based on the commitment date for both L2 and DCFC chargers:
| L2 | DCFC | |
|---|---|---|
| Committed before June 1, 2025 | Committed on or after June 1, 2025 | |
| ISO 15118 Hardware Conformance | No requirement | ISO 15118-3, capable of enabling ISO 15118-2 or ISO 15118-20 |
| ISO 15118 Software Conformance | No requirement | ISO 15118-2 or ISO 15118-20 |
| OCPP Hardware Conformance | No requirement | OCPP 2.0.1 or later |
In addition to these technical standards, effective June 26, 2023, all EVSE (Electric Vehicle Supply Equipment) sold in New York must achieve ENERGY STAR V1.0 (April 2017) or V1.2 certification for energy efficiency. This is mandated by the Advanced Building Codes, Appliance and Equipment Efficiency Standards Act of 2022. Refer to the New York State Appliance and Equipment Efficiency Standards for detailed information on current efficiency benchmarks.
Approved Equipment List
Starting March 1, 2025, for DCFC equipment 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 archival purposes but is no longer being updated.
For Manufacturers: To have your equipment added to the EPRI VPL, please visit the EPRI website and navigate to the “Vendor Application” section.
For White-Labeled Products: Both the company white-labeling the equipment and the original manufacturer must provide certifications to EPRI, confirming the white-labeled product’s equivalence to the original and its traceability to a specific NRTL listing.
Certified Contractors for Installation
To ensure quality and compliance, participants in the Make-Ready Program must partner with an Approved Contractor for the installation of EV charging solutions. These certified professionals are well-versed in program specifics, application procedures, and project execution. They will guide you through every step, from initial consultation to final setup.
Electrical contractors interested in becoming Approved Contractors and participating in the EV Make-Ready Program can apply through the Joint Utilities website.
Utility-Specific Resources
Each utility company in New York State provides dedicated resources and landing pages for the EV Make-Ready Program. These pages offer detailed information, application materials, and contact details specific to your service area. For direct assistance or inquiries, please reach out to your utility using the contact information provided below:
| Utility | Website | |
|---|---|---|
| Central Hudson | [email protected] | Electric Vehicle Make-Ready Infrastructure Program |
| Con Edison | [email protected] | Electric Vehicle PowerReady Program |
| National Grid | [email protected] | Electric Vehicle Charging Station Programs |
| NYSEG | [email protected] | Electric Vehicle Charger Make-Ready Program |
| RG&E | [email protected] | Electric Vehicle Charger Make-Ready |
| Orange and Rockland | [email protected] | Electric Vehicle Make-Ready Program |
Program Progress and Budget Tracking
Stay informed on the advancements of the Make-Ready Program and the allocation of incentive funds through the Plug and Budget Tracker. This regularly updated resource provides insights into the program’s progress towards its 2025 goals. Downloadable data is also available for detailed analysis.
Data last updated March 15, 2025.
This expanded article provides a more detailed explanation of the EV Make-Ready Program, incorporating relevant keywords and aiming for improved SEO and user engagement for an English-speaking audience interested in EV infrastructure and incentives in New York State.
