National Drive Electric Week
NY Capital District Drive Electric Week & Sustainability Fair
Schenectady, NY
Oct 01, 2023

Event Report

City of Schenectady Hosted Highest Attended National Drive Electric Week Event in the Country

Schenectady EV Fair is the largest in the country for second year in a row; city named EV City of the Year in 2022 by Electric Vehicle Association

SCHENECTADY – Mayor Gary McCarthy announced the annual NY Capital District Drive Electric Week & Sustainability Fair took place on Sunday, October 1st, 2023. The city co-hosted the event with Livingston Energy Group, Schenectady Greenmarket, and the NY Capital District Electric Vehicle Association, North America’s leading volunteer organization that accelerates the adoption of electric vehicles.

The event featured more than 70 personally owned electric vehicles and plug-in hybrid vehicles along with ride-and-drive opportunities presented by the Albany Auto Group including Audi Albany, BMW of South Albany, and Northway Toyota;  Latham Tesla; McGovern Volvo Cars of Albany; and the Capital District Transportation Authority (CDTA).  

Participating vendors included state agencies and representatives, various businesses, non-profit organizations, and local school districts. Also new at this year’s event, WEQX 102.7 FM will broadcasted live on-site and Liv and Patrick of the California-based Mach-E Vlog was on hand for meet and greet opportunities.

 “Schenectady was honored to be named EV City of the Year by the Electric Vehicle Association thanks to our efforts adding electric vehicles to our municipal fleet, installing electric vehicle charging infrastructure across the city, and holding the largest event in the country last year, and again this year, as part of National Drive Electric Week,” Mayor Gary McCarthy said. “The Electric City has a proud and rich history of innovation, and we are committed to continuing to invest and promote clean energy and sustainability to help combat climate change.”

The event beat its own 2022 registered attendee record, and with over 750 registered participants this year, secured its #1 spot.  This is now the second year in a row that Schenectady  has held the largest National Drive Electric Week event in the United States. The City of Schenectady was also named EV City of the Year in 2022 by the Electric Vehicle Association.

The EV Fair was held from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Liberty Street outside City Hall during the Schenectady Greenmarket, which is held every Sunday during the outdoor season on Jay, Franklin, and Clinton streets. The EV Fair was also happening during the Schenectady County Public Library’s annual book sale, which will be held outside of the library on Liberty Street. All three events help to promote reuse and sustainability for a cleaner, greener, and healthier environment.

 Schuyler Poukish, CEO of Livingston Energy Group/Lynkwell said, "Livingston Energy Group and Lynkwell were founded on the principles of collaboration and engagement. Co-hosting this event offers our employees, customers, and partners a unique opportunity to share real-life experiences with our products and services. We're also creating excitement and momentum around EVs, advancing our mission to drive large-scale adoption."

Cheryl Whilby, Executive Director of Development and Finance of Schenectady Greenmarket said, “Schenectady Greenmarket is proud to co-host this event, which deeply aligns with the work of our Sustainability Committee to promote and provide greener options for our customers and shoppers, in addition to the local foods and goods we offer year-round.”

Kate Kruk, President of the NY Capital District EVA and Event City Captain said, “Volunteers with the NY Capital District’s Electric Vehicle Association have been working year-round to bring together EV drivers, enthusiasts, and advocates to share their passion for E-mobility and sustainability. Collaborating with the City, the Greenmarket and Livingston Energy Group/Lynkwell enables our group to amplify our education and outreach efforts. We are proud to be showcasing the power and influence of the NY Capital Region as we lead the transition to sustainable transportation.”  

Special thanks to the NY Capital District Drive Electric Week & Sustainability Fair silver-level sponsors, including National Grid, Nautilus Solar, NYSERDA, and Sunrise Management & Consulting.

National Drive Electric Week encourages EV drivers and enthusiasts interested in participating to register for the event online. 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.

The City of Schenectady has received Climate Smart Communities certification from the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) and Clean Energy Communities designation from NYSERDA. Under the leadership of Mayor McCarthy, the city has installed 28 EV chargers for public use and has added 22 hybrid and electric vehicles to the city’s municipal fleet. The city also acquired 62 lithium-powered golf carts to replace the fleet of gas-powered carts at the Schenectady Municipal Golf Course.

Doreen M. Harris, President and CEO of NYSERDA said, “We are proud of our partnership with the City of Schenectady under our Clean Energy Communities program, and as a municipal leader they have taken tangible steps to show that driving clean and energy efficiency are at the heart of a vibrant city. National Drive Electric Week is the ideal opportunity to highlight their actions on adopting clean fleets, installing EV chargers, and reducing energy use to lower climate emissions and create a greener future in the Capital Region.”

Justin E. Driscoll, President and CEO of the New York Power Authority (NYPA) said, “The number of EV drivers in New York has been growing. The Power Authority is leading the way with charging with EVolve NY, the largest universal network of fast chargers in New York, and it’s easier than ever to drive EV to your destination, whether it’s across town or a longer trip across the state. The Schenectady Drive Electric Week & Sustainability Fair is a great opportunity to go for a ride in an EV, learn about purchasing and charging options, and talk to drivers about their EV experience.”

Eric LaMora, Executive Director of Community Solar for Nautilus Solar Energy said, "Nautilus Solar Energy is excited to sponsor the National Electric Vehicle Association because we believe in a future where the sun not only powers our homes but also our journeys. Together, we are ensuring New Yorkers can easily access clean energy, driving a sustainable world forward.”

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About Schenectady Greenmarket

Since 2008, Schenectady Greenmarket has been the 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

Livingston Energy Group powered by Lynkwell, is a full turnkey EV charging solutions provider. Ranked as one of the fastest-growing private companies in the United States, Livingston has installed and connected over 7,000 charging stations both active and in development on its Charge Port network. Livingston offers a full suite of services and an equipment catalog with over 500 products, including a wide variety of Level 2 and Level 3 (DCFC) charging equipment and custom software solutions. Since 2016, the company has assisted fleet operators and facility managers of agencies, utilities, municipalities, and commercial properties in establishing private and public charging solutions to meet the needs of America’s growing electric fleet. Visit their website www.solution.energy and follow them on social media at https://www.facebook.com/livingstonenergy/ @livingstonchargeport  https://www.linkedin.com/company/livingstonenergy/

About Electric Vehicle Association

The Electric Vehicle Association is North America’s leading nonprofit that accelerates the adoption of electric vehicles by supporting its 100 chapters and thousands of members as they educate their communities about the benefits of driving electric. The NY Capital District EVA is comprised of over 100 volunteer EV drivers, enthusiasts, advocates, and allies who share their passion for electric mobility through participation in and coordination of community events, activities, and educational sessions.  

photo by: Eddie Brown, Livingston Energy Group "EV" being held by YouTube Celebrities Liv & Patrick of the Mach-E Vlog Left of "V": Mayor Gary McCarthy of Schenectady, NY "The Electric City" Included in photo- Members of the Livingston Energy Group team, City of Schenectady employees, City Council Members, Event planning committee, representatives from NY Congressman Paul Tonko's office 3rd from left - Kate Kruk, City Captain Members of Livingston Energy Group - including company CEO, Schuyler Poukish, WEQX Radio host Will

Event Description

Registered Attendees

There are currently 775 attendees registered.

Owners of These Vehicles Have Registered To Attend

Registered attendees report 4,243,588 electric miles driven.