New York City’s government vehicle fleet is going electric! Intro. 279-A, which requires all city vehicles to be zero-emission by 2038, was signed into law by Mayor Eric Adams on October 23, 2023. Intro 279-A — also called the ZEV for NYC Act, sponsored by New York City Council Majority Leader Keith Powers — requires all light- and medium-duty vehicles procured by the city after July 1, 2025, to be zero-emission vehicles, and it requires all light- and medium-duty vehicles in the city’s fleet to be zero-emission vehicles by July 1, 2035, with certain exceptions. It also requires all heavy-duty vehicles procured by the city after July 1, 2028, to be zero-emission vehicles and heavy-duty vehicles in the city’s fleet to be zero-emission vehicles by July 1, 2035, with certain exceptions. Further, it requires that all motorcycles in the city’s fleet be zero-emission vehicles by July 1, 2035.

“When it comes to delivering greener city vehicles, New York City is leading the charge,” said Mayor Adams. “Electric vehicles reduce emissions and make our air cleaner, helping us meet our sustainability goals and improving quality of life for countless New Yorkers. We are already ahead of schedule in meeting our electric fleet transition goals, and this legislation will help build on that progress even faster. And we know a just transition will require the support of our partners in labor, which is why I’m pleased to see robust protections in this bill for the men and women who power our city’s fleet. This is how we ‘Get Sustainability Done.’”

Some of the city’s current electric vehicle initiatives, such as the installation of solar carports at NYCHA parking lots and the introduction of an electric vehicle car-sharing program for NYCHA staff are also part of the bill, and will be firsts for the Big Apple. These initiatives are part of the city’s effort to reduce emissions and improve air quality.

The city has already made significant progress towards its electrification goals. In 2022, the city had over 3,000 electric vehicles in its fleet, and it plans to add more than 1,000 electric vehicles each year for the next five years. The city is also working to install charging infrastructure throughout the city, including at all city-owned parking garages and lots. The transition to an electric vehicle fleet is expected to save taxpayers money. The city estimates that it will save $200 million per year on fuel costs by 2038. The city is also eligible for federal and state incentives to help offset the cost of purchasing and operating electric vehicles.

The electrification of the city’s government vehicle fleet is a major step forward in the city’s efforts to reduce emissions and improve air quality. The city’s commitment to electric vehicles is also helping to create jobs and boost the local economy.