New York has announced it is offering up to $85 million (£61m) through three competitions for innovative global solutions to enhance clean transportation and mobility options and reduced harmful emissions across the state.

The Clean Neighbourhoods Challenge, the Electric Mobility Challenge and the Electric Truck & Bus Challenge seek to help advance transportation solutions that reduce air pollution in underserved and disadvantaged communities.

Projects could include solutions to the deployment of medium and heavy-duty electric vehicles (EVs) or their replacement through other electrified transportation modes and innovative projects that address air pollution reduction at scale.

The transportation sector is responsible for the largest contribution to greenhouse gas pollution in the US, with these emissions increasing more than any other sector over the last 30 years.

Governor Andrew M. Cuomo said: “Supporting pioneering clean transportation and mobility solutions is imperative in our fight against climate change and our goal of electrifying the transportation sector.

“This initiative helps to leverage forward-thinking strategies and enables clean transportation options in all communities to fight inequality. The competing teams will advance their most transformative ideas to lower carbon emissions, improve air quality, and create a lasting impact that benefits all New Yorkers.”