Electric vehicles are going mainstream, and not just in California.

This month, Gov. Kathy Hochul announced an initiative to advance the adoption of EVs and their integration with the electric grid in New York State. The plan commits $12 million to the effort.

The New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA) will manage the Vehicle Grid Integration Program. The competitive grant is intended to encourage the development and demonstration of innovative technologies and operational approaches. The goal is to increase EV adoption by making it more economically viable for consumers, while also reducing the effect of EVs on the electric grid. Winning proposals are expected to “demonstrate a feasible path to economic viability” and to be replicable and transferable throughout the state.

To qualify, projects must present an innovative technology that demonstrates improved vehicle grid integration, electric grid reliability, EV or fleet performance and economics, or expanded EV use.

The program incorporates several goals. Proposals will be evaluated for their ability to advance well-managed EV charging infrastructure and reduced grid integration costs. The state wants to improve the economics of EV ownership for residential consumers and commercial fleet managers. Funding opportunities are also intended to spur research and innovation that supports widespread deployment of EVs. Making the case for EVs as a beneficial asset to owners and grid operators, with such features as bidirectional charging, energy storage and on-site energy generation, will accelerate their growth. Finally, proposals that demonstrate medium- and heavy-duty vehicle electrification, either through fuel-cell EVs or standard battery-operated EVs, will be considered.

Projects are eligible to receive up to $3 million. Proposals will be accepted and evaluated in two rounds between September 2023 and March 2024.

The funding opportunity is part of the state’s larger efforts to transition to zero-emission vehicles by 2035, to achieve a zero-emission electricity sector by 2040 and to reduce emissions 85% by 2050.