New York Governor Andrew Cuomo has announced plans to install 360 electric vehicle (EV) and plug-in hybrid charging stations across the state, as a part of the Charge NY initiative.

Charge NY aims to create a network of 3,000 public and workplace charging stations throughout New York over the next five years and set up 40,000 plug-in vehicles on the road during that period.

The project involves the installation of 100 EV charging stations equipped with smart charging capabilities to lower EV charging demand on the electric grid during peak periods.

Set to be in operation by 2014, the new charging stations will be located at 36 convenient locations, including transportation hubs and other public and private parking lots, mainly in the Metropolitan New York City area.

"Charge NY aims to create a network of 3,000 public and workplace charging stations throughout New York over the next five years."

New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA) has awarded $3.6m to 14 organisations to install over 260 EV charging stations across the state, from Long Island to Buffalo. Most of the stations will offer dual charging

Governor Cuomo said that building this network of innovative charging stations will encourage the public to use fuel-efficient alternatives like EVs as well as grow the green industry and jobs in the state.

"The Charge NY programme shows how New York is leading the way toward an electric vehicle future, and it is helping to drive the state’s clean energy economy," he added.

This announcement is the second round of funding supported by NYSERDA for the deployment of EV charging stations.

Last June, Governor Cuomo announced awards of $4.4m through NYSERDA to fund 325 charging stations across the state including those announced by NYPA.