The State of New York has announced $3.5 million (£2.6m) of funding to accelerate electric vehicle (EV) use.

Governor Andrew M. Cuomo is seeking proposals to develop innovative strategies to expand the market, reduce the cost of installing and operating charging stations and use EVs to provide grid resiliency.

The move supports his aim to reduce greenhouse gases across the state by 40% before 2030.

Specific areas for funding include reducing the impact of charging vehicles on the grid, working out how vehicles can be integrated into buildings to provide backup power and how to remotely manage charging at peak times.

The state hopes in the future, fully charged vehicles will be able to return power to the grid during power outages or during peak times such as hot summer days when air conditioning use is at its highest.

Lieutenant Governor Kathleen Courtney Hochul said: “New York’s funding commitment for research and development will help expand EV use and provide consumers with vehicle options that are both economically and environmentally conscious.

“The increased use of electric cars will play a critical role in helping New York achieve Governor Cuomo’s goal to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.”