2025 Zero Emission Vehicle Infrastructure

The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) is offering $5 million in funding through the 2025 Municipal Zero-emission Vehicle (ZEV) Infrastructure Grant Program. This initiative aims to support municipalities across all New York State counties in installing zero-emission vehicle infrastructure, including Level 2 (L2) and direct current fast charge (DCFC) electric vehicle supply equipment, as well as hydrogen dispensing stations using electrolysis-produced hydrogen. Funded by the Environmental Protection Fund and administered under Environmental Conservation Law Article 54 and 6 NYCRR Part 492, the program promotes climate-smart community projects aligned with New York's climate goals. Applications are due by February 27, 2026, with questions accepted until February 20, 2026. The contracts awarded are expected to have a term of 36 months, and individual municipalities may receive grants up to $500,000, with enhanced funding limits for disadvantaged communities. Applicants must comply with significant participation goals, including 30% Minority- and Women-Owned Business Enterprise (MWBE) involvement and a 6% goal for Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Business (SDVOB) subcontracting, along with related ongoing reporting and certification requirements. The solicitation requires detailed proposals submitted via the Consolidated Funding Application portal, including work plans, budgets, operations and maintenance plans, and climate change mitigation easements. Eligible infrastructure must meet strict technical and operational standards, such as certification by nationally recognized testing laboratories, adherence to the National Electric Code, network capabilities compliant with OCPP v2.0.1 or later, and warranties of at least five years. The DEC retains oversight responsibilities, conducting inspection and final acceptance at installation sites, ensuring installed equipment meets quality and functionality criteria. The grant program’s evaluation criteria emphasize cost reasonableness, requiring a minimum score of 80 points for award consideration, implying a trade-off evaluation approach rather than lowest-priced bids. Contracts operate under the State of New York Master Contract for Grants framework with unique special provisions covering MWBE compliance, vendor responsibility, gender-based violence policies, and executive order compliance regarding prohibited entities. Overall, this program represents a strategic effort by the state to expand zero-emission infrastructure while promoting equity, environmental stewardship, and rigorous accountability.