The Electric Vehicle (“EV”) Make-Ready Program is designed to accelerate the adoption of EVs across New York State by significantly reducing the financial barriers to installing EV charging infrastructure. This initiative provides crucial support for the development of the necessary infrastructure and equipment, making EV charging more accessible and affordable. By offsetting the substantial upfront costs associated with site preparation for EV chargers, the program encourages businesses and organizations to invest in Level 2 (“L2”) and Direct Current Fast Charging (“DCFC”) stations.
Recent updates mandated by the New York Public Service Commission, detailed in their November 16th, 2023 and September 20, 2024 Orders, have refined the program to enhance its effectiveness. This webpage reflects the most current program guidelines, and participants are encouraged to consult the updated Participant Guide here for comprehensive information.
EV Program Highlights
- Directly contributes to New York State’s ambitious zero-emission vehicle (ZEV) goal of deploying 850,000 EVs by 2025, aligning with Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act (CLCPA) goals.
- Backed by a substantial $1.243 billion budget, with over $885 million dedicated to Make-Ready Programs by the New York Joint Utilities, demonstrating a strong commitment to EV infrastructure.
- Prioritizes equity with $372.5 million specifically allocated to benefit Disadvantaged Communities, ensuring that the transition to EVs is inclusive and addresses environmental justice concerns. Disadvantaged Communities are defined by the disproportionate burden of negative public health effects, environmental pollution, climate change impacts, and socioeconomic factors. Further details are available on NYSERDA’s website.
Unlock Incentives for EV Charging Infrastructure
The Make-Ready incentives, offered through your local utility, are a powerful tool to minimize the costs of installing EV charging stations.
Light-Duty EV Charging Solutions
Maximize Your Incentives
Organizations can potentially receive up to 100% coverage of electric infrastructure expenses linked to the installation of new non-residential EV charging stations. Beyond financial assistance, the Make-Ready Program streamlines the entire process, providing a dedicated point of contact within your utility and a clear, step-by-step pathway to installing your electric vehicle charging stations, saving valuable time and resources.
Simple Steps to EV Charging
Participating in the Make-Ready Program is designed to be straightforward. Your utility is committed to guiding you through each stage of the process, making the transition to EV charging seamless and cost-effective.
Meeting Equipment Standards for EV Chargers
Technical Requirements
The technical standards for chargers eligible under the Make-Ready Program are dependent on the project’s Commitment Date with the utility. These requirements ensure that the installed EV charging equipment is future-proof and interoperable.
- DC Fast Chargers (DCFC):
- For projects committed on or after December 16, 2023, DCFCs must have hardware compliant with ISO 15118-3 and be 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, DCFCs must meet the above hardware and software requirements upon installation.
- Additionally, for projects committed on or after November 16, 2024, DCFC hardware must also comply 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:
- Hardware must be ISO 15118-3 conformant and capable of enabling ISO 15118-2 or -20 for advanced charging functionalities.
- Software must be ISO 15118-2 or -20 conformant.
- Hardware must be OCPP 2.0.1 or later compliant for open communication and management.
- For all L2 projects committed on or after June 1, 2025, the following standards apply:
The table below provides a clear summary of these 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 Compliance | No requirement | ISO 15118-3, capable of enabling ISO 15118-2 or ISO 15118-20 |
| ISO 15118 Software Compliance | No requirement | ISO 15118-2 or ISO 15118-20 |
| OCPP Hardware Compliance | No requirement | OCPP 2.0.1 or later |
Furthermore, as of June 26, 2023, all EVSE sold in New York State must achieve ENERGY STAR V1.0 (April 2017) or V1.2 certification for energy efficiency, as 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 complete details on these energy efficiency standards.
Verified 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. For L2 equipment projects committed before June 1, 2025, there are no equipment listing prerequisites. The previous Eligible Equipment List, maintained by the Joint Utilities until March 1, 2025, is available for archival purposes here .
For Equipment Manufacturers: To submit your equipment for inclusion on the EPRI VPL, please visit EPRI Home and select the “Vendor Application” tab to begin the application process.
For White-Labeled Equipment: Both the company white-labeling the equipment and the original manufacturer are required to provide attestations to EPRI. These attestations must certify that the white-labeled product is identical to the original and linked to a specific NRTL (Nationally Recognized Testing Laboratory) listing.
Partner with Approved Contractors for EV Installation
Selecting an Approved Contractor is a mandatory step for all program participants. These contractors are experts in EV charging station installation and will provide comprehensive support, guiding you through program specifics, the application process, and the entire construction phase to ensure a successful EV charging solution tailored to your site.
Electrical contractors interested in becoming Approved Contractors and participating in the EV Make-Ready Program can apply through the Joint Utilities website.
Connect with Your Utility for EV Program Support
Each utility in New York State has dedicated resources and landing pages for the EV Make-Ready Program. For detailed program information and application assistance, please visit your utility’s website or contact them directly via email.
| 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
The following Plug and Budget Tracker provides up-to-date information on the program’s progress towards its 2025 plug goals and the disbursement of incentive funds. This data is updated monthly and is also available for download here.
Data as of March 15, 2025.
