New York State will soon launch a rebate designed to make electric vehicles more price-competitive with traditional cars.
Officials say they will launch the initiative by April 1.
The rebate of up to $2,000 will be available for zero-emission and plug-in electric hybrid vehicles.
The incentive is part of efforts to reduce automotive carbon emissions, the state's largest climate change contributor.
Environmentalists supported the rebate when it was approved by lawmakers last year, and have been eagerly awaiting the official launch.
However, not everyone is being as patient.
Peter Iwanowicz, executive director of Environmental Advocates of New York, says he is disappointed in the amount of time it has taken Governor Cuomo's administration to act on the matter.
"Consumers want to buy these vehicles; it's just unfortunate the agency decided to slow-walk it."
The National Conference of State Legislatures says more than three-quarters of states are already offering incentives, intending to drive down the cost of electric vehicles.
Kate Muller, a spokeswoman at the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority, says those involved are currently finalizing the details of the rebate program, and reaching out to car dealers to ensure that they are aware of the program.
She noted the state has already rolled out a rebate for municipalities buying electric vehicles for their government fleets.
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