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NDEW event scheduled for Sunday, September 26th outside Schenectady City Hall during Schenectady Greenmarket
SCHENECTADY – Mayor Gary McCarthy, Schenectady Greenmarket, Capital District EV Drivers Group and Livingston Energy Group announced the City of Schenectady will host an Electric Vehicle Fair for National Drive Electric Week. The event will be held on Liberty Street outside Schenectady City Hall during Schenectady Greenmarket from 10:00am – 2:00pm on Sunday, September 26, 2021.
The event has been organized in partnership with New York Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA) and National Grid. The goal of National Drive Electric Week is to raise awareness of the many benefits of all-electric and plug-in hybrid cars, trucks, motorcycles, and more. National Drive Electric Week encourages EV drivers and enthusiasts interested in participating to register online: https://driveelectricweek.org/event.php?eventid=2882
Members of the Capital District EV Drivers Group and EV owners from across the northeast have registered over 30 of their personal vehicles to display at the event. Representatives from Lia Auto Group and Nemer Volkswagen will also be showcasing some of their electric vehicle offerings. Event participants will have an opportunity to visit vendors including Livingston Energy Group, SunCommon, Capital District Transportation Committee, Plug PV, Energetics, and the Rogers Environmental Center to learn about e-mobility and sustainability.
Volunteers from the Rogers Environmental Center will be on-site with a 2020 Tesla Model 3 that is part of a fundraising raffle. Chances to win can also be purchased at: https://friendsofrogers.org/raffle/2021/
The Electric Vehicle Fair as part of National Drive Electric Week is being held in partnership with Schenectady Greenmarket as part of the market’s recently established Sustainability Committee. The Committee’s goal is to implement green and sustainable practices into our community for the well-being of our neighbors and to protect our environment.
“It is now more important than ever that we build back from the COVID-19 pandemic efficiently and sustainably to strengthen our community and our environment for future generations,” Mayor Gary McCarthy said. “The Electric City has a proud and rich history of innovation, and on this National Drive Electric Week we must recommit to that spirit through our continued investment in sustainable infrastructure and by leading the way on climate.”
“We are proud to be working with the City of Schenectady, National Grid, Livingston Energy and the Schenectady Green Market to help the community learn about the benefits of electric vehicles and raise awareness of local EV charging stations to help residents take individual action on lowering their carbon footprint,” Doreen M. Harris, Acting President and CEO, NYSERDA said. “As a designated NYSERDA Clean Energy Community, the City continues to highlight its great leadership in fighting climate change and helping residents and businesses to embrace clean energy and energy efficiency for a more sustainable future.”
“The number of electric vehicles is growing across upstate New York and National EV Week is a great opportunity to learn more about electric vehicles and move us closer to a more sustainable future,” said Laurie Poltynski, National Grid’s Eastern New York Regional Director. “The City of Schenectady is on the cutting edge of innovation with its Smart City
initiative and support of EV charging stations around the city. National Grid is proud to partner with the City in these programs as well as to provide funding for new EV chargers aimed at supporting New York State’s energy goals by adding 16,000 new electric vehicle plugs in National Grid’s upstate New York region by 2025.”
“As one of the founding municipalities in Livingston’s Charge Leader Program, Schenectady is a great example of a city taking strategic steps towards the electrification of transportation.” said Jason Zarillo, Partner, Livingston Energy Group. “Our team partners with communities to develop and deploy a smart EV infrastructure plan tailored to their current and future needs and match them with funding and financing programs. Livingston is proud to co-host this event with the ‘Electric City’ and applaud them for their commitment to helping New York meet its climate goals.”
“Schenectady Greenmarket is pleased to partner with the City of Schenectady, Livingston Energy Group, NYSERDA, National Grid and others to host an Electric Vehicle Fair as part of this year’s National Drive Electric Week to increase awareness about electric vehicles and promote cleaner, greener alternatives in Schenectady and across the region and the state,” said Cheryl Whilby, Market Manager, Schenectady Greenmarket. “Schenectady Greenmarket is proud to co-host this event as part of our new Sustainability Committee to implement and promote greener options for our customers and shoppers, in addition to the fresh, local produce and goods we offer year-round.”
“It has been amazing seeing the transformation of EV infrastructure over the last 6 years and what that has done to the adoption of electric vehicles,” said Kate Kruk, Director of Community Engagement for Livingston Energy Group and member of the Capital District EV Drivers Group. “There are so many more car choices and places to charge that it is becoming so much easier to work charging into your every-day routine.”
The City of Schenectady was recently designated as a Clean Energy Community (CEC) by NYSERDA for demonstrating clean energy leadership, including for investments in electric vehicles and infrastructure while increasing opportunities for residents to access EV charging stations. Schenectady previously hosted a National Drive Electric Week event with NYSERDA in 2017.
With 28 City-owned EV charging stations currently available for public use and over 60 stations throughout the city – Schenectady continues to be an Electric Vehicle Destination – driving EV growth in the community and throughout the Capital Region, Mayor McCarthy added.
About Schenectady Greenmarket Schenectady Greenmarket, established in 2008, is a 501©3 made up of a Board of Directors and dedicated group of volunteers. The market has served as a place to buy fresh, local produce and artisan goods in a festive community atmosphere. Schenectady Greenmarket is a year-round weekly farmers market in downtown Schenectady held every Sunday from 10am-2pm outside City Hall and inside Proctors with more than 70 vendors. Visit www.schenectadygreenmarket.com for more information.
About Livingston Energy Group A New York based energy technology company, providing a full suite of services and equipment for the installation and management of electric vehicle (EV) charging stations and the required infrastructure. Since 2016, the company has assisted municipalities, developers, and facility managers with the adoption of more efficient technologies; and is now focused on preparing these same client types for the electric vehicle revolution currently underway. The company is currently in the process of deploying a multi-state charging network, and parties interested in adding or expanding their available charging infrastructure may request participation at www.solution.energy/getonthemap. To learn more about Charge Leader Program https://www.solution.energy/chargeleaders. Visit www.solution.energy/ for more information.
About Capital District EV Drivers Group Started in 2013 by Michael Kamm, the group has grown to include nearly 250 EV owners and enthusiasts that socialize, organize group outings and participate in local events. Owners and fans of all makes of pure EVs are welcome, with the group’s focus being on battery electric vehicles and beating the USA’s oil addiction. Visit https://www.facebook.com/groups/CapitalDistrictEVDrivers