✋ NYC TLC Set To Vote On 1,000 EV-Only Plate Release

NYC TLC will officially vote on a proposal to release 1,000 EV-only vehicle licenses (a/k/a TLC Plates). Proposal to split NEW TLC plates 60 / 40 between drivers & business entities remains unchanged

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• TLC will vote on a proposal to release 1,000 EV-only vehicle licenses (a/k/a TLC Plates)

• Proposal to distribute new TLC Plates 600 : 400 (individual drivers : business entities) remains unchanged

• TLC Plate Cap review to change from twice a year to once every February

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The NYC Taxi & Limousine Commission (TLC) 🚕 will hold a Commission Meeting tomorrow, Wednesday, January 25th at 10:00am to vote 🗳️ on several proposals, notably the release of 1,000 NEW EV-only FHV Licenses (a/k/a TLC Plates).

A live webcast will be available at www.nyc.gov/tlc

Source: NYC Taxi & Limousine Commission

While much of our readership has technical questions around the (exact) process related to applying for the proposed NEW EV-only TLC Plates, further or notable detailed instructions have not been released. When they are released, we will share those details. What we can say right now is it appears the TLC will create a form for drivers to submit their ✍️ “statement of interest”.

Of note, the proposed 600 : 400, individual driver to business entity split remains intact. We paste the exact wording of the proposed rule changes from the TLC’s official notice below related to the new EV-only vehicle licenses.

“Beginning in 2023, TLC will issue up to 1,000 new FHV licenses for electric vehicles, as described in its August 2022 report. These licenses will be restricted to use with battery electric vehicles, helping to electrify the TLC-licensed fleet, drive the demand for and the development of more public and private charging infrastructure, and allow drivers to avoid the volatility and high costs of gasoline. These vehicles will support the goals of modernizing the FHV fleet; using vehicles that cost less to operate; prevent the ill effects of vehicle idling; and will encourage more investment in an EV charging infrastructure.

400 of these battery electric vehicle licenses will be distributed on a first come, first served basis to anyone who meets the licensing criteria, including but not limited to the purchase of an electric vehicle, submitting proof of insurance and payment of application fees, as set forth in subchapter 59A of chapter 59 of Title 35 of the Rules of the City of New York. Applicants for these 400 unrestricted licenses may obtain more than one license, up to 400.

Of these 1,000 new licenses, the TLC will restrict 600 battery electric vehicle licenses to individual drivers to allow drivers who have been leasing a vehicle the opportunity to own instead of lease a licensed TLC vehicle. These individual, non-transferable licenses will provide drivers currently stuck leasing their vehicles with an opportunity to own their own vehicles. Reserving a number of the new available licenses for individual, non-transferable licenses is meant to balance the opportunities for individual drivers to purchase with the current realities of the market. As set forth in the rules, to obtain a restricted license, a driver must first submit a statement of interest, and TLC will contact drivers to submit an application based on that statement. If a driver’s application is denied, the TLC will contact the next driver on the list to begin the application process.”

- NYC Taxi & Limousine Commission

Other Proposals To Be Voted On

The NYC TLC will also vote on several other proposals, including:

• Changing the twice a year FHV License Pause Determination Review (“TLC Plate Cap decision”) to once every February, beginning this year.

• Ending the granting of TLC Plates to those who entered into a lease-to-own arrangement prior to the initial August 2018 TLC Plate Cap.

• EV acceleration rules for the taxi medallion industry.

• General regulation updates and amendments to specific rules & language for the taxi medallion sector.

• Medallion Relief Program (MRP) allowances around loan repayment amount limitations and loan amortization guidance. In addition, expanding MRP qualifications to those who own 6 or fewer medallions, up from 5 or fewer medallions.

Click here for a link to meeting agenda

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