The TLC commissioners approved a one-year extension of the FHV vehicle license pause. As part of this extension, an additional exception to the pause was added. In addition to the wheelchair accessible vehicle and lease-to-own exceptions, beginning August 14, 2019, owners of electric vehicles may also receive a new FHV vehicle license. Read below to learn about each of these exceptions.
Purchasing a wheelchair accessible vehicle helps the City’s for-hire fleet be more accessible to all New Yorkers. Owners of wheelchair accessible vehicles may apply for a new FHV vehicle license if their vehicle meets TLC’s Accessible Vehicle Requirements:
https://www1.nyc.gov/site/tlc/vehicles/accessible-vehicle-requirements.page
Accessible Vehicle Requirements
An original letter from an approved vehicle modifier is required indicating that the modifications done to the vehicle have been done, in accordance with ADA regulations and specifications, and that the vehicle is considered a wheel chair accessible vehicle in compliance with all applicable ADA specifications and requirements.
OR
Proof of DOT Authority to operate as a provider of Wheelchair Accessible Transportation Services.
THE VEHICLE MUST :
Download the full list of ADA/TLC specifications. (https://www1.nyc.gov/assets/tlc/downloads/pdf/accessible_vehicle_criteria.pdf)
For more information on the makes and models of vehicles currently approved for use as a Taxicab, visit the Vehicles Approved as Taxicabs page.
Examples of vehicles that meet TLC’s accessible vehicle requirements can be found within the Approved Vehicle List on the Yellow Cab Hack-Up page.
https://www1.nyc.gov/site/tlc/businesses/yellow_cab_hackup.page
In certain limited circumstances, TLC will issue a new FHV license to owners who entered into a long-term lease with an option to purchase the vehicle AND the owner has taken ownership of the vehicle pursuant to the lease–to–own agreement. Applications under the lease–to–own exception will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis. More information about this process can be found in the Lease to Own Guidelines.
(https://www1.nyc.gov/assets/tlc/downloads/pdf/conditional_sales_request_guide.pdf)
Conditional Sales/Lease to Own Guidelines
Below are the general guidelines for applicants applying for new for-hire vehicle license applications with the NYC Taxi and Limousine Commission (TLC) under the conditional/lease to own provisions of local law. All documents submitted must be clear and legible.
Applicant
The applicant must possess a TLC driver’s license at the time of application.
Name on TLC driver’s license must correspond with the license # on FHV trip records when verified by TLC.
The applicant name, name of the lessee and purchaser of the vehicle must all be the same as the name on the TLC driver’s license.
When the applicant is a corporation, corporate meeting minutes denoting officers must be submitted in order to identify who will sign the lease agreement on behalf of the corporation and which corporate officer possesses the TLC driver license.
Terms of the Lease
The effective date (start/commencement date) of the lease must be noted in the text of the agreement and cannot be after August 14, 2018.
The Vehicle Identification number (VIN) of the vehicle must be specified in the text of the agreement.
The terms of the lease must include an option for the lessee to purchase the vehicle.
The terms of the lease must indicate that the time period of the lease is no less than 2 years.
Each page of the lease agreement must have lessee and lessor initials or signatures and dated if required.
The VIN in the lease agreement must correspond with the VIN on the FHV trip record when verified by TLC.
Proof of Vehicle Ownership
The applicant must provide a copy of both the front and back of the title for the vehicle specified in the lease agreement to be licensed.
If the back of the Title is completed, dates and signatures of both the seller and buyer must be indicated.
The vehicle owner name specified on the vehicle title must be the name of the applicant that currently possesses the TLC driver’s license.
How to Apply for a (Conditional) Lease to Own Vehicle License
Step 1- Go to your base and have them submit a digital base affirmation via TLC Up (www.nyc.gov/tlcup) in TLC Up.
Step 2- Once the digital base affirmation is submitted you will receive an email with an SRS#; Reply to the email with required documents for a faster review. Documents may also be submitted directly to TLCFHVCONDITIONAL@TLC.NYC.GOV which could take up to 10 business days to review and process.
Step 3- Once your documents are approved, you will receive two emails:
Step 4– If and when your new vehicle application is approved for processing, you will immediately receive your TLC plates from our TLC DMV Office located at the TLC LIC facility.
Please note: You must have your valid insurance documents with you.
Step 5– Once you have your TC plates, you will be scheduled for a DMV or Visual inspection at the Woodside inspection facility.
Step 6– Once your vehicle passes inspection, your vehicle license will become active and will show up on the “Active Vehicle” Open data list on the TLC website at nyc.gov/tlcopendata(https://www1.nyc.gov/site/tlc/businesses/opendata-current-licensees.page)within 24-48 hours.
Electric vehicle owners provide clean, green for-hire transportation. Electric vehicles are vehicles powered only by a battery. Vehicles with a gas tank (such as hybrids and plug-in hybrids) are NOT electric vehicles, and are not eligible for the electric vehicle exception.
Before you purchase or lease an electric vehicle, there are a few important factors you should consider.
How far can the vehicle travel on one charge?
Most electric vehicles can travel less distance after each charge than a gas powered vehicle with a full tank. The vehicle you are considering should have a range longer than the miles you cover in a typical work day, or you should know where you can charge your vehicle during breaks in your workday.
Also consider the impacts summer and winter temperatures have on an electric vehicle’s range. Cold temperatures during the winter months, along with electric heat needed to warm the inside of a vehicle, can greatly reduce an electric vehicle’s range.
Summer temperatures, along with air conditioning to cool the inside of a vehicle, also reduces range. Other electric vehicle owners and dealers can help you understand the range you should reasonably expect from an electric vehicle.
How long does it take to charge the vehicle?
Unlike gas powered cars, which can add hundreds of miles of range after only a few minutes at the gas pump, owners of electric vehicles must consider the time it takes to recharge their vehicles. The time to fully recharge an electric vehicle depends on the vehicle as well as the type of charger used. Level 1 charger, which use standard household electric, only add between 2 and 5 miles of range for every hour the vehicle is charged. Level 2 chargers, the most commonly available chargers, add around 20 miles of range per hour. DC Fast Chargers can add around 90 miles of range in about 30 minutes.
Where can I charge the vehicle?
New York State has an easy-to-read vehicle charging guide on at-home and public chargers.
https://www.nyserda.ny.gov/All-Programs/Programs/Drive-Clean-Rebate/Charging-Options
In addition to more than 2,000 charging stations around New York State, there are multiple home charging options that make it very convenient to own an electric car.
Convenient Charging Options for Electric Cars
Electric car drivers have various options available to plug in and charge the car’s batteries. For the majority of users, charging needs can be fulfilled at home. If you have a battery powered car, that means no more trips to the gas station.
The most basic charger is a standard home outlet. Simply plug in the electric car adapter provided by the manufacturer, and your car will charge. You also have the option of buying a faster home charging station from local retailers. A qualified electrician must install it in your garage or outdoors.
Over 2,000 charging stations are also available across New York State to recharge electric cars while drivers are at work, shopping, or at other destinations. Commercial charging stations generally expedite vehicle charging when time is limited.
Many car models offer mobile app connectivity for monitoring and setting charge times.
There are several ways to charge your electric car at home, starting with the standard home outlet.
Charging Options When You’re Home
Charging Options Away from Home
When you’re away from home, there are 2,000+ charging stations that you can take advantage of across New York State. All Level 2 charging stations have a common plug that all electric cars can use, while DC fast chargers may not be compatible with every model.
Charging Stations Make All Around Business Sense
Do you manage a commercial property, a retail store, a public parking facility, a multifamily building, or a similar type of site? If so, becoming an EV charging station owner may be good for business. Your facility can serve as an attractive destination for the tens of thousands of electric vehicle owners in New York State, whether they may be your customers or tenants. Not only do electric car drivers like to “top off” wherever they go, but many savvy consumers plan longer trips with charging breaks in mind.
Support may be available to reduce the cost of your charging station installation. Alternatively, if you are a charging station installer or inspector, now is a good time to brush up on all the installation best practices, as demand for charging stations is expected to increase, from homes and businesses to municipalities.
Alternatively, if you are a charging station installer or inspector, now is a good time to brush up on all the installation best practices, as demand for charging stations is expected to increase, from homes and businesses to municipalities.
Through the Charge NY program, NYSERDA has developed many resources to help prospective charging station host facilities and charging station operators.
Most electric vehicles are charged overnight at the owner’s home. In NYC, many owners do not have the option of plugging in their vehicle at home in a garage overnight. If charging your vehicle at home is an option for you, you will need to have a charger professionally installed at your home. Purchasing a vehicle charger and having it installed in your home can cost up to $2,000. New York State has an interactive map of all public electric vehicle chargers.
We recommend you visit charging locations you are considering using to confirm the charger is compatible with the vehicle you are considering, to see if there is a line to use the charger, and to find out if you are charged to access to the charger’s location. Chargers in parking garages are typically available only to owners who have paid to enter the garage.
Can I receive State and Federal incentives when purchasing or leasing an electric vehicle?
New York State rebates and Federal Tax incentives can help offset the additional cost of purchasing an electric vehicle. However, New York State and the US government have unique criteria for who is eligible to receive these incentives, as well as which vehicles are eligible under these programs. New York State lists available state and federal incentives for electric vehicles.
https://www.nyserda.ny.gov/All-Programs/Programs/Drive-Clean-Rebate/How-it-Works
More than 40 models of electric cars are available from major automobile manufacturers today. Find out which one best fits your driving style.
Open to all New York State residents, the Drive Clean Rebate offers a point-of-sale rebate towards the purchase or lease of a new electric car. Taking advantage of the Drive Clean Rebate is very easy: simply purchase a qualifying electric car from a participating dealer, and a discount of up to $2,000 will be applied when you pay. Combine that with a Federal Tax Credit of up to $7,500, and it’s an opportunity you wouldn’t want to miss.
Drive Clean Rebate Amounts
The rebate that you will get on your new electric car depends on how much battery only range the car has. The following table outlines the rebate thresholds. If you already have a specific car model in mind, view the Drive Clean Rebate amount for each qualifying model.
Drive Clean Rebate For Electric Cars
The Drive Clean Rebate amount depends on the EPA all-elecric range for that car models
| Greater than 120 miles | $2,000 OFF |
| 40 to 119 miles | $1,700 OFF |
| 20 to 39 miles | $1,100 OFF |
| Less than 20 miles | $500 OFF |
| Electric cars with MSRP>$60,000 (MSRP is the manufacturer’s suggested retail price) |
$500 OFF |
With more than 40 car models to choose from that qualify for the Drive Clean Rebate, you’re bound to find an electric car that best fits your style, budget and driving needs. Any new car sale of the models in the following table are eligible for the rebate, regardless of model year. Unless a specific model year is indicated, all model years of a car model are eligible for the same rebate amount.
Learn more about these models through the “Drive Change. Drive Electric.” campaign.
https://driveelectricus.com/explore-electric-cars/
| Make & Model | All-Electric Range(miles) | Base MSRP | Fuel Economy (MPGe) | Federal Tax Credit | NY Rebate | Vehicle Type |
| Audi e-tron | 204 | $74,800 | 74 | $7,500 | $500 | Battery Electric |
| Audi A3 e-tron | 16 | $38,900 | 83 | $4,502 | $500 | Plug-In Hybrid Electric |
| BMW 330e iPerformance | 14 | $44,100 | 71 | $4,001 | $500 | Plug-In Hybrid Electric |
| BMW 530e | 16 | $53,400 | 72 | $4,668 | $500 | Plug-In Hybrid Electric |
| BMW 530e XDrive | 14 | $55,700 | 67 | $4,668 | $500 | Plug-In Hybrid Electric |
| BMW 740e XDrive | 14 | $91,250 | 64 | $4,668 | $500 | Plug-In Hybrid Electric |
BMW i3 2016-18 |
81-114 | $42,400 | 112-124 | $7,500 | $1,700 | Battery Electric |
| BMW i3 2019 | 153 | $44,500 | 113 | $7,500 | $2,000 | Battery Electric |
| BMW i3 REx 2016-18 | 97 | $47,450 | 109-111 | $7,500 | $1,700 | Plug-In Hybrid Electric |
| BMW i3 REx 2019 | 126 | $48,300 | 100 | $7,500 | $2,000 | Plug-In Hybrid Electric |
| BMW i8 | 14 | $140,700 | 76 | $3,793 | $500 | Plug-In Hybrid Electric |
| BMW X5 xDrive40e | 14 | $62,100 | 56 | $4,668 | $500 | Plug-In Hybrid Electric |
| Cadillac ELR | 40 | $65,000 | 85 | $7,500 | $500 | Plug-In Hybrid Electric |
| Cadillac ELR Sport | 36 | $65,000 | 80 | $7,500 | $500 | Plug-In Hybrid Electric |
| Chevrolet Bolt | 238 | $36,620 | 119 | $3,750 | $1,700 | Battery Electric |
| Chevrolet Volt | 53 | $33,520 | 106 | $3,750 | $1,700 | Plug-In Hybrid Electric |
| Chrysler Pacifica | 32 | $39,995 | 82 | $7,500 | $1,100 | Plug-In Hybrid Electric |
| Ford C-MAX Energi-2016 | 19 | $31,770 | 88 | $4,007 | $500 | Plug-In Hybrid Electric |
| Ford C-MAX Energi-2017 | 20 | $27,120 | 95 | $4,007 | $1,100 | Plug-In Hybrid Electric |
| Ford Focus Electric | 115 | $29,170 | 105 | $7,500 | $1,700 | Battery Electric |
| Ford Fusion Energi-2016 | 19 | $33,900 | 88 | $4,007 | $500 | Plug-In Hybrid Electric |
| Ford Focus Energi-2017,2018,2019 | 26 | $34,595 | 103 | $4,585 | $1,100 | Plug-In Hybrid Electric |
| Honda Clarity Plug-In Hybrid | 47 | 33,400 | 110 | 7,500 | 1,700 | Plug-In Hybrid Electric |
| Hyundai Kona Electric | 258 | 36,540 | 120 | 7,500 | 1,700 | Plug-In Hybrid Electric |
| Hyundai Ioniq Electric | 124 | 29,815 | 136 | 7,500 | 2,000 | Battery Electric |
| Hyundai Ioniq Plug-In Hybrid | 29 | 25,350 | 119 | 4,543 | 1,100 | Plug-In Hybrid Electric |
| Hyundai Sonata Plug-In Hybrid | 27 | 34,600 | 99 | 4,919 | 1,100 | Plug-In Hybrid Electric |
| Jaguar I-PACE | 234 | 69,850 | 76 | 7,500 | 500 | Battery Electric |
| Kia Niro Electric | 239 | 39,495 | 112 | 7,500 | 2,000 | Battery Electric |
| Kia Niro Plug-In Hybrid | 26 | 28,200 | 105 | 4,543 | 1,100 | Plug-In Hybrid Electric |
| Kia Optima Plug-In Hybrid | 29 | 35,290 | 103 | 4,919 | 1,100 | Plug-In Hybrid Electric |
| Kia Soul EV | 111 | 22,950 | 108 | 7,500 | 1,700 | Battery Electric |
| Mercedes-Benz B250e | 87 | 39,900 | 84 | 7,500 | 1,700 | Battery Electric |
| Mecedes-Benz GLE550e | 8 | 66,700 | 43 | 4,085 | 500 | Plug-In Hybrid Electric |
| Mecedes-Benz S550e | 12 | 96,600 | 58 | 4,043 | 500 | Plug-In Hybrid Electric |
| Mecedes-Benz C350e | 8 | 47,900 | 51 | 3,417 | 500 | Plug-In Hybrid Electric |
| Mecedes-Benz GLC 350e | 9 | 50,650 | 56 | 4,460 | 500 | Plug-In Hybrid Electric |
| MINI Cooper S E Country ALL4 | 12 | 36,900 | 65 | 4,001 | 500 | Plug-In Hybrid Electric |
| Mitsubishi i-MiEV | 59 | 22,995 | 112 | 7,500 | 1,700 | Plug-In Hybrid Electric |
| Mitsubishi Outlander | 22 | 35,795 | 74 | 5,836 | 1,100 | Plug-In Hybrid Electric |
| Nissan LEAF-2018,2019 | 150 | 29,990 | 112 | 7,500 | 2,000 | Plug-In Hybrid Electric |
| Porsche Cayenne S E-Hybrid | 14 | 79,900 | 47 | 6,712 | 500 | Battery Electric |
| Porsche Panamera 4 E-Hybrid | 16 | 99,600 | 46 | 6,670 | 500 | Plug-In Hybrid Electric |
| Porsche Panamera S E-Hybrid | 15 | 96,100 | 51 | 4,752 | 500 | Plug-In Hybrid Electric |
| smart electric fortwo cabriolet | 57 | 28,100 | 102 | 7,500 | 1,700 | Battery Electric |
| smart electric fortwo coupe | 58 | 25,390 | 108 | 7,500 | 1,700 | Battery Electric |
| Subaru Crosstrek Hybrid | 17 | 34,995 | 90 | 4,502 | 500 | Plug-In Hybrid Electric |
| Tesla Model 3 Long Range | 310 | 47,990 | 116 | 1,875 | 2,000 | Battery Electric |
| Tesla Model 3 Performance | 310 | 54,990 | 116 | 1,875 | 2,000 | Battery Electric |
| Tesla Model S | 285-370 | 75,000 | 104-111 | 1,875 | 500 | Battery Electric |
| Tesla Model X | 255-325 | 81,000 | 79-96 | 1,875 | 500 | Battery Electric |
| Toyota Prius Prime | 25 | 27,600 | 133 | 4,502 | 1,100 | Plug-In Hybrid Electric |
| Volkswagen e-Golf-2016 | 83 | 28,995 | 116 | 7,500 | 1,700 | Battery Electric |
| Volkswagen e-Golf-2017,2018,2019 | 125 | 31,895 | 119 | 7,500 | 2,000 | Battery Electric |
| Volvo XC90 T8 | 17 | 66,300 | 62 | 5,169 | 500 | Plug-In Hybrid Electric |
| Volvo XC60 T8 | 17 | 52,900 | 58 | 5,169 | 500 | Plug-In Hybrid Electric |
| Volvo S90 T8 | 21 | 63,900 | 71 | 5,169 | 500 | Plug-In Hybrid Electric |
We encourage you to review this information as well as speak with a NYS participating electric vehicle dealer to learn more about available incentives.
To begin your application for an FHV vehicle license, your base must submit a Base Affirmation with TLC. More information on how to apply can be found on the Get a For-Hire Vehicle License section of the TLC website.
https://www1.nyc.gov/site/tlc/vehicles/get-a-for-hire-vehicle-license.page
