The New York Power Authority (NYPA) celebrated its third round of donations of hybrid and electric vehicles to automotive technology programs at educational institutions across New York State. The vehicle donation, coupled with specialized hand tools and level 2 chargers, aims to ensure the next generation of automotive technicians are trained in green vehicle technology as the demand for electric vehicles increases and New York moves closer to its ambitious climate goals. NYPA’s Environmental Justice Department today presented a 2019 Subaru Crosstrek plug-in hybrid to students and administrators at Albany High School.

“Electric vehicles will be increasingly popular throughout New York State over the next decade and that means new career opportunities for young people,” said Justin E. Driscoll, Power Authority president and CEO. “The Power Authority hopes that donating these hybrid and electric vehicles will serve as hands-on tools for teaching the technical skills that will be in high demand in a stronger and greener workforce.”

The New York Power Authority Board of Trustees agreed in December to transfer ownership of six Power Authority fleet vehicles and specialized training automotive tools and chargers to Board of Cooperative Educational Services (BOCES) and Career Technical Education (CTE) programs across the state. 

In addition to the City School District of Albany, the following educational institutions received donations: 

• Erie 1 Board of Cooperative Education Service
• Dutchess County Board of Cooperative Educational Service
• State University of New York College of Agriculture and Technology at Cobleskill
• Northland Workforce Training Center
• Buffalo City School District (Burgard High School)

NYPA’s Environmental Justice team identified the six institutions as serving disadvantaged communities near NYPA assets and strategic projects.

“This is an amazing opportunity for Albany High School students and we’re incredibly grateful to the New York Power Authority,” said City School District of Albany Superintendent Joseph Hochreiter. “Adding an electric vehicle to the teaching toolbox will make a great program even better—and greener.”

Albany High students can take automotive classes either independently or in a “pathway.” Students following the automotive pathway spend three years in intensive classes, where they get hands-on experience both in the school’s auto repair classroom and in internships with local businesses. Those who successfully complete the pathway receive a technical endorsement on their diploma and are ready to work at an entry-level position at a repair shop.

“Technology is rapidly evolving in the automotive industry, and knowing the basics of how to work on and around these high-powered systems is paramount for safety and understanding,” said Albany High automotive teacher Patrick Whitton. “Having this vehicle will give our students hands-on experience—which is a much better way to learn complex subjects.”

Each school that receives a car will also get a set of insulated hand tools and a Level 2 charger intended to allow students pursuing careers in the industry to better understand vehicle charging infrastructure. The Power Authority is also developing a training program as an opportunity for automotive technology instructors. 

NYPA agreed in 2019 to start donating retired NYPA hybrid and all-electric vehicles to regional educational institutions for use in a training environment as part of the institutions’ automotive maintenance and repair curriculum. Those first three donations served as a pilot for a potential wider distribution of NYPA’s electric vehicles for educational purposes. Twenty-two vehicles have so far been donated.

With the increasing popularity and availability of electric vehicles in the domestic market, the demand for technicians who can service these vehicles will be increasing as well. As these vehicles are newer and their mechanical components vary greatly from fossil fuel-powered vehicles, opportunities to become a technician in this area are sparse.  

By donating the retired fleet hybrid and electric vehicles to educational institutions with the express purpose that they be used only as a training instrument for future EV technicians, NYPA is contributing to New York State’s green energy future in a very tangible way and improving career prospects for participating students. The addition of electric and hybrid vehicles to the institution’s curriculum will also allow those institutions to provide additional specialized certifications to students.  

“The donation of retired fleet electric and hybrid vehicles is one of many ways the Power Authority supports the clean energy workforce,” said Kaela Mainsah, vice president of Environmental Justice. “Our goal is to ensure that communities that have been historically under-resourced are prepared to participate in future careers.”

NYPA’s Environmental Justice team offers science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) education, mentorship and energy efficiency initiatives to meet the needs of underserved and under-resourced communities located near NYPA's power facilities.

NYPA | www.nypa.gov