New York has announced a $5 million (£3.8m) programme for the installation of charging stations for electric vehicles (EVs).

The Charge Ready NY initiative will provide a $4,000 (£3,046) rebate per charging port for public or private employers, building owners, municipalities and non-profit organisations to install Level 2 charging points, which provide up to 25 miles of range to cars for each hour they are charging.

Depending on the installation costs and the model or make of the charging station, installers are expected to save up to 80% of a typical installation’s total cost.

The charging stations could be installed at public parking lots – which must have at least 10 parking spaces and be open to the public for at least 12 hours per day, five days a week – workplaces with at least 10 parking spaces that primarily serve a minimum of 15 employees and multi-unit housing that has at least eight parking spaces serving a building with five or more housing units.

The initiative supports New York’s ambition to have at least 10,000 charging stations by the end of 2021 and reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 40% by 2030.

Governor Andrew Cuomo said: “New York continues to lead the nation in reducing our carbon footprint by aggressively investing in clean transportation methods.

“By expanding public access to electric vehicle charging stations, this programme will make it more affordable for New Yorkers to make the switch to an environmentally friendly electric vehicle, resulting in a cleaner, greener New York for all.”