The programme is expected to be launched in spring 2012, and designed to accelerate the adoption of electric vehicles throughout the state. In its first year, the New York State Department of Transport (NYSDOT) has made $10m (£6.31m) available from federal Congestion Mitigation and Air Quality funds to incentivise businesses to switch to electric power.

By funding 450 vehicles in its first year, the programme is predicted to cut greenhouse gas emissions by 11,700 tonnes and save 3.8 million litres of diesel. Vouchers will be managed by the New York State Energy Reserach and Development Authority (NYSERDA), and made available against the price of vehicles with a gross weight of over 10,000lbs.

Francis J. Murray Jr., President and CEO of NYSERDA, said:  ‘This new electric vehicle buyer program will play an important role in increasing the number of EVs on New York’s roads. EVs are not only a cleaner alternative to combustion engines but reduce the consumption of fossil fuels and the emission of greenhouse gases.’