The New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA) and City of Schenectady will kick-off National Drive Electric Week in the Capital Region on Saturday, September 9, in front of City Hall in Schenectady. The event is expected to be the largest in New York and one of the biggest in the country with nearly 600 people already registered and more than 100 electric vehicles confirmed to be on hand. The transportation sector is the largest contributor to greenhouse gas emissions in New York State. The increased use of electric vehicles will play a critical role in helping New York achieve Governor Andrew M. Cuomo's aggressive clean energy goal to reduce greenhouse gas emissions 40 percent from 1990 levels by 2030.
 
The event opens to the public at 10:00 a.m. and will feature displays and opportunities to test drive electric vehicles. Information on the State's Drive Clean Rebate, a $70 million electric car rebate and outreach initiative to encourage the growth of clean and non-polluting electric car use in New York, and promote the reduction of carbon emissions in the transportation sector, will be available at NYSERDA's booth. New York State residents can receive rebates of up to $2,000 for the purchase of a new plug-in hybrid electric car, all-electric car or hydrogen fuel cell car.
 
Mayor Gary McCarthy, Congressman Paul Tonko, NYSERDA President and CEO Alicia Barton and former Sierra Club Board President Aaron Mair will welcome participants at 11:00 a.m. in front of City Hall.
 
Mayor McCarthy said, "There are nearly 600 pre-registered attendees making this the largest National Drive Electric Week event in the State of New York this year. The support and interest that our local communities in the Capital Region have demonstrated by making this event as successful as it is speaks for itself. Sustainable energy is the way of New York's future. This event is just one of many outlets giving local officials, state representatives, and sustainability and planning organizations throughout the State of New York the opportunity to hear that message directly from the people who live and work here."

Schenectady is hosting this event as part of its overall commitment to reducing greenhouse gas emissions. Last year NYSERDA awarded the City $250,000 to help it become an EV Destination. As part of this project, the City of Schenectady is purchasing six more plug-in hybrid electric vehicles for its fleet with corresponding charging stations as well as purchasing and installing four public-facing charging stations throughout the City.

The installation of charging stations also supports Governor Cuomo's Charge NY initiative, which aims to increase the number of electric vehicles and charging stations throughout the State. More than 1,700 electric vehicle charging stations have already been installed toward Charge NY's goal of 3,000 charging stations by 2018.

Congressman Tonko said, "The City of Schenectady continues to be a national leader in sustainable and innovative city planning, thanks in part to its Smart City Initiative. This electric vehicle infrastructure project will not only help the City deliver public services more efficiently, it will also advance our broader transition to a cleaner economy in the Capital Region and beyond. The City of Schenectady and Mayor McCarthy are on the cutting edge with the Smart City Initiative. Congratulations to Mayor McCarthy and everyone involved for this well-deserved award and the pioneering initiative it supports."

Ms. Barton said, "Governor Cuomo has made it a priority for New York to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and increasing the use of electric vehicles will be vital to this effort. National Drive Electric Week events help shine the light on just how easy it is for people to make the switch to electric cars, especially in New York where residents can receive a rebate of up to $2,000 when they purchase eligible electric cars."

Mr. Mair said, "A cleaner, healthier future is in our hands when we get behind the wheel of an electric vehicle or hop on board an electric bus. It's exciting to get the chance to do just that today here in the famous 'Electric City' of Schenectady."

In coordination with this event, Proterra will be providing free electric bus shuttle services downtown with three stops to help residents and visitors see multiple other events that are downtown this Saturday. The shuttle will stop in front of the Broadway Parking Garage on Broadway, outside City Hall on Clinton Street, and at the intersection of Union Street and Church Street.

For information on the benefits of electric vehicles, types of cars and models eligible for rebates and rebate levels, locations or participating dealers, a map of New York State charging stations, and directions on home charging options, visit NYSERDA's Drive Clean Rebate website.

For more information on this event and the electric bus shuttle route, please visit: http://www.cityofschenectady.com/539/Electric-Vehicle-Destination

NYSERDA | www.nyserda.ny.gov