A new campaign aims to boost electric vehicle (EV) usage and slash emissions in New York State.

Governor Andrew M. Cuomo’s Charge NY initiative will install 450 charging stations, provide incentives to use EVs and educate the public about the sustainable technology.

He hopes the scheme will help the state achieve its 2030 goal of reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 40%.

The campaign will host public test drive events, encourage employers to install EV charging stations at work and provide innovative financing to make installing the technology cheaper.

The projects will be managed by EV Connect, Energetics and Calstart, for a total of $4.8 million (£3.91m).

Governor Cuomo also announced the availability of a further $3 million (£2.44m) to help eligible municipalities and rural electricity co-operatives purchase EVs for use in their fleets.

He said: “This multi-pronged campaign will help in this administration’s efforts to fight climate change, strengthen infrastructure to support the use of electric cars and help reduce New York’s carbon footprint on our roadways.

“With these actions, we are taking another step toward a cleaner, greener and more sustainable New York for all.”

New York’s state-supported solar power has surged up 795% over five years.