New York and 7 other US states have worked out a Multi-State Zero-Emission Vehicles (ZEV) Action Plan, under which they will together try to put 3.3 million zero-emission vehicles on the country's roads by the year 2025.

The eight states that signed the multi-state pact include California, Connecticut, Maryland, Massachusetts, New York, Oregon, Rhode Island and Vermont. These eight states represent approximately one-quarter of the US auto market.

The Multi-State ZEV Action Plan stems from a memorandum signed by the governors of the eight states last year. Under the plan, the states will take steps to ensure that consumer demand for ZEVs witnesses an increase in the coming years. The steps which can be taken by the states can include purchasing incentives, preferred parking in prime parking lots, and access to high-occupancy vehicle lanes irrespective of the number of passengers.

The eight states have also committed to cutting red tape so as to speed up the process of construction of charging stations and other necessary infrastructure to facilitate the growth of the market for plug-in hybrids, battery-powered vehicles, and other clean-burning cars.

About the planned collaborative effort of the eight states, New York Governor Andrew Cuomo said: "The coalition of states participating in the multistate ZEV Action Plan is vital to creating the infrastructure needed for our nation to achieve energy diversity, reduce pollution and create jobs."