National Drive Electric Week
NY Capital District Drive Electric Week & Sustainability Fair
Schenectady, NY
Oct 06, 2024
NY Capital District Drive Electric Week & Sustainability Fair
Schenectady, NY
Oct 06, 2024
| Day: | Sunday, October 6, 2024 NOTE: this event has already happened. |
| Time: | 10:00 am - 2:00 pm EDT |
| Location: | Schenectady City Hall/Schenectady Greenmarket 105 Jay Street Schenectady, NY 12308 |
Event Report
City of Schenectady Hosts Largest
National Drive Electric Week Event in the Country for Third Year in a Row
The NY Capital District Drive Electric
Week & Sustainability Fair Welcomed Over 800 Attendees and 145 Electric
Vehicle Drivers on Sunday, October 6
Schenectady – Schenectady Mayor Gary McCarthy is pleased
to announce the annual NY Capital District Drive Electric Week &
Sustainability Fair held on Sunday,
October 6, was the largest National Drive Electric Week event in the country
for the third year in a row. The event was ranked the largest in the country
previously in 2022 and 2023 for number of electric vehicles displayed and
electric vehicle miles traveled among participants. The city partnered with
event sponsors the NY Capital District Electric Vehicle Association, Lynkwell
(formerly Livingston Energy Group), and Schenectady
Greenmarket.
The event welcomed more than 800 registered
attendees and featured 80 personally-owned electric vehicles and plug-in hybrid
vehicles along with ride and drive opportunities and dozens of local vendors,
including state agencies and representatives, businesses, non-profit
organizations, and local school districts. Ride and drive opportunities were
expanded this year in collaboration with McGovern Genesis, McGovern Volvo Cars
Albany, Nissan, Rivian, and Tesla Latham.
New this year, Union College generously
displayed its historic Detroit Electric vehicle owned by Charles Steinmetz,
which was built in the early 1900’s as one of the first electric vehicles of
its time. The vehicle showcased the pioneering work of Steinmetz, a renowned
electrical engineer and Union College professor, and is a testament to how
innovation and sustainability have been at the forefront in Schenectady and
across the nation for over a century.
Event organizers welcomed back WEQX 102.7 FM, which broadcasted live on site using
electric power from a Ford F-150 Lightning, in addition to Liv and Patrick,
hosts of the Mach-E Vlog YouTube Channel and the Electric Vehicle Association Road
Trip Ambassadors of the Year, who were on hand for meet and greet opportunities
throughout the event.
“I was excited to welcome back this
successful National Drive Electric Week event to the Electric City and earning
our spot as largest event in the country for the third year in a row,” Schenectady
Mayor Gary McCarthy said. “Thank you to the organizers and sponsors of this
annual event for putting a spotlight on electric vehicles and the importance of
reducing our greenhouse gas emissions, in addition to the city’s efforts to
invest in electric vehicle fleets, electric vehicle infrastructure, and various
technologies to reduce our carbon footprint and improve the environment and
quality of life for residents. The Electric City has a proud and rich history
of innovation, and we are committed to continuing to invest in and promote
clean energy and sustainability in our community and beyond.”
“As a proud EV owner and a committed advocate
for the expansion of EV infrastructure across our country, I’m thrilled to see
the Electric City once again hosting this event for National Drive Electric
Week,” said Congressman Paul Tonko. “Schenectady has long stood at the
forefront of innovation, consistently leading the way on developing and
manufacturing the technologies of the future. Now, the Electric City stands as
a nationwide leader in the EV industry, receiving multiple national awards for
its work in this important field. I’ve been proud to partner with Mayor
McCarthy and the City of Schenectady on these critical efforts, and I look
forward to continuing my work to boost EV adoption and bolster EV
infrastructure here in the Capital Region and across the nation.”
The event was held from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on
Sunday, October 6 on Liberty Street outside Schenectady City Hall during
Schenectady Greenmarket, the weekly local farmers market held each Sunday
during the outdoor season on Jay, Franklin, and Clinton streets. The event also
occurred during the Schenectady County Public Library’s annual book sale. All
of the events helped to promote climate action and sustainability for a
cleaner, greener, and healthier environment.
This year, the City of Schenectady was
selected as a winner of Plug In America’s Drive Electric Award for 2024. The EV City
Award recognizes a city that has been a leader in the EV movement and has taken
significant action to increase EV adoption. Plug In America presents the awards
annually to people and organizations leading the electric vehicle movement,
with winners including passionate and dedicated individuals, impactful and
trend-setting companies and organizations, long-time electric vehicle
advocates, and more.
“Elevating the benefits of driving electric and creating
opportunities for the community to experience EVs, talk to EV drivers and the
local innovators driving change across the country is what this event is all
about,” said Kate Kruk, President of the NY Capital District EVA and National EVA
Board Member. “Our EVA chapter has set the bar for events across the
country and it wouldn’t be possible without the passion and support of the City
of Schenectady and the businesses and organizations educating and advocating
alongside us every year.”
“This event is something our entire
team looks forward to annually. It brings every department and individual
together to celebrate their part in the EV ecosystem,” said Jason Zarillo,
President of Lynkwell.
"The Schenectady Greenmarket is proud to partner
with the Capital District Electric Vehicle Association, the City of
Schenectady, and Lynkwell for the 2024 National Drive Electric Week event,” said
MaryJane Shave, Greenmarket Board Chair. “This collaboration supports our
Sustainability Committee’s goal to promote greener options for our customers
alongside the fresh, local produce and goods we offer year-round.”
"We're so excited to visit Schenectady again for the
largest National Drive Electric Week event in the country,” said Liv and
Patrick. “It is such a great opportunity for people to learn about EVs and
talk with owners about the electric experience. We live in California so it is
also a chance for us to learn about all the great things the NY Capital Region
is doing to transition to EVs!"
Special thanks to Nissan as the Gold Sponsor
for the event, along with National Grid/EV Charge Smart Plan and Nautilus Solar
Energy as Silver Sponsors. Some vehicle displays included vehicles from the
Capital District EV Drivers Group, F-150 Lightning Clubs of America, New York
Rivian Owners, Northeast F-150 Lightning Club, and the New England Mach-E Club.
National Drive Electric Week encourages
electric vehicle drivers and enthusiasts to attend and register for events
happening across the country during the week of September 27-October 6. 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.
“Nissan is proud to be a part of
Schenectady's National Drive Electric Week, as we continue to champion the
future of electric vehicles,” said Trisha Jung, Senior Director, EV Strategy
and Transformation, Nissan Americas. “As we drive toward a more sustainable
future, we're dedicated to empowering and educating communities on the
transformative power of EVs. Together, we're driving toward a cleaner, more
connected world."
“Nautilus Solar is proud to sponsor the
NY Capital District Drive Electric Week & Sustainability Fair, an event
that aligns perfectly with our commitment to fostering a sustainable future,” said
Eric LaMora, Executive Director of Community Solar for Nautilus Solar Energy. “By
supporting this event, we’re helping to empower the local community with the
tools and knowledge needed to embrace cleaner, renewable energy solutions. This
initiative not only showcases the growing importance of electric vehicles, but
also highlights our collective responsibility to reduce our environmental
footprint. Together with the City of Schenectady and fellow sponsors, we’re
driving towards a cleaner, greener future for all.”
"We are thrilled to be
participating in National Drive Electric Week Schenectady once again, providing
our community members with the chance to explore the numerous benefits of
electric vehicles (EVs),” said Donna DellaRocco, EV NY Residential Program
Manager at National Grid. “This event serves as an excellent platform for
our customers to discover our wide range of EV offerings, including attractive
financial incentives that support our collective journey towards a sustainable
future.”
About Lynkwell
Lynkwell is
a leading energy infrastructure development company focused on connecting
renewable generation, battery storage, utilities, and microgrids with
next-generation fueling technologies. Ranked as one of the fastest-growing
private companies in the United States for the last three years, Lynkwell’s
leadership is bolstered by its top 10 nationwide cloud-based EV charging
software platform, which hosts dozens of EV charging networks and manages
10,000 assets. With a curated catalog of more than 500 products from
leading global OEMs plus its own XLynk™ charger, Lynkwell’s unique combination
of full deployment solutions and energy integrations gives all clean energy
stakeholders the power to thrive. Since 2016, the company has been
instrumental in establishing private and public charging solutions and
supporting infrastructure to empower America’s growing clean energy revolution.
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.
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 Plug In America
Plug In America is the nation’s leading
nonprofit organization dedicated to accelerating the use of plug-in electric
vehicles in the United States. Formed in 2008, Plug In America provides
practical, objective information to consumers and dealerships about EVs through
various programs, including National Drive Electric Week, Drive Electric Earth
Day, PlugStar.com, and other public outreach events. With Plug
In America’s coalition of plug-in vehicle drivers, policy experts and technical
advisors, their expertise represents the world’s deepest pool of experience in
driving and living with plug-in vehicles. The organization’s motto is: “We
drive electric. You can too.” Learn more at PlugInAmerica.org.
###
photo by: NY Capital District Electric Vehicle Association Members of the NY Capital District Electric Vehicle Association with honored guests pose show off EVSE manufactured in Schenectady. First Row: Griffin Galvin, Liv of Mach-E Vlog, Kate, Kruk, City Captain, Paul O'Brien, Elaine Borseth, National Electric Vehicle Association President, Joe Sholtes, President of Lightning Clubs of America, Jack Riggins Second Row, Dave Holland, Haley Viccaro, David Kruk, Patrick of Mach-E Vlog, Kaitlyn Robinson. Not Pictured: William Kruk |
Event Description
New York Capital District's Drive Electric Week
& Sustainability Fair
Sunday, October 6th
10 AM - 2:00 PM
Schenectady City Hall - 105 Jay Street, Schenectady, NY 12305
Displaying your EV? Arrive by 9:30 AM to be included in the showcase. *Please make sure you are registered for the event and have selected "show." Vehicles will be parked first come, first served.
Set up for vendors and vehicles begins at 7:30 AM.
HOSTED BY:
Want to see what fun is in store? Check out the Mach-e Vlog's Coverage of the 2023 Event!
THANK YOU TO OUR EVENT SPONSORS, VENDORS, and TEAM!
Sponsor and vendor opportunities are Closed for #NDEW2024.
We encourage companies to display their EV Fleet Vehicles as part of the FREE showcase. Register today!
The goal of National
Drive Electric Week is to help raise awareness of the many benefits
of all-electric and plug-in hybrid cars, trucks, motorcycles, and more. Drive
Electric Week adds specialty vendors that highlight e-mobility and
sustainability throughout NYS and beyond.
· Vendors are responsible for supplying their own tables, and chairs, and for cleaning up their area. If vendors are using pop-up tents, they must make sure the tents are weighted.
·
Trash removal will
be handled by the event organizers; however participants are expected to
maintain the cleanliness of their booths at all times. Vendors are strongly
encouraged to recycle items whenever possible.
· Vendors are responsible for supplying their own power if needed. Generators that use fossil fuels are strictly prohibited, and not allowed in the event area.
·
Vendors are expected
to attend their space at all times and should not move from their assigned location
during the event.
·
Vendors are not
permitted to sell items during this event.
·
Vendors should
notify event coordinators if they decide to cancel, even if it is as late as
the day of the event.
· Vendors/Participants must ensure any non-plug in vehicle is parked outside of the designated event area by 9:30 AM. ICE vehicles may return to the area no earlier than 2:00 PM
· Vendors should have booth set-up complete by 9:30 am. Breakdown is no earlier than 2:00 pm.
·
Vendors are solely
liable for equipment (installation, operation, and teardown), and any other
personal property at the event. They should carry insurance coverage for said
items to cover loss due to vandalism, theft, or any other casualty. Loss due to
fire, theft, damage, or injury is the sole responsibility of the vendor.
Vendors understand and agree that the City of Schenectady, the Greenmarket and
the Capital Region Drive Electric Week Committee and their employees and agents
shall be held harmless for any claim of theft, vandalism, casualty, or loss.
Vendors are responsible for operating within any local, state, or federal guidelines
or laws and shall defend, indemnify, and hold harmless the City of Schenectady,
the Greenmarket and the Capital Region Drive Electric Week Committee and their employees
and agents, from and against all claims, damages, losses and expenses (including,
without limitation, reasonable attorney’s fees) arising out of, or in
consequence of, any negligent or intentional act or omission of the Vendor
and/or the Vendor’s employees or agents, to the extent of the responsibility of
the Vendor and/or the Vendor’s employees or against for such claims, damages,
losses, and expenses.
Tweet #NDEW2024 Follow @DriveElecEvents Tweet
Registered Attendees
There are currently 818 attendees registered.
Owners of These Vehicles Have Registered To Attend
| Vehicle | Registered |
|---|---|
| Ford Mustang Mach-E | 16 |
| Chevrolet Bolt | 11 |
| Tesla Model 3 | 10 |
| Ford F-150 Lightning | 8 |
| Tesla Model Y | 8 |
| Toyota Prius Prime | 7 |
| Chevrolet Bolt EUV | 6 |
| Kia EV6 | 5 |
| Tesla Model X | 5 |
| Hyundai Ioniq 5 | 4 |
| Other Plug-In Vehicle | 4 |
| Toyota RAV4 Prime 4WD/AWD | 4 |
| Ford Escape PHEV | 3 |
| Nissan Ariya | 3 |
| Nissan Leaf (2018+) | 3 |
| Rivian R1S | 3 |
| Tesla Cybertruck | 3 |
| Volkswagen ID.4 | 3 |
| Cadillac LYRIQ | 2 |
| Hyundai Ioniq 6 | 2 |
| Rivian R1T | 2 |
| Subaru Solterra | 2 |
| Tesla Model S | 2 |
| Toyota bZ4X | 2 |
| Acura ZDX | 1 |
| BMW X5 xDrive45e | 1 |
| Chevrolet Blazer EV | 1 |
| Chevrolet Equinox EV | 1 |
| Chevrolet Volt | 1 |
| Chrysler Pacifica Plug-in Hybrid | 1 |
| E-Bus | 1 |
| Fisker Ocean | 1 |
| Genesis Electrified GV70 | 1 |
| Genesis GV60 | 1 |
| Honda Accord Plug-In | 1 |
| Hyundai KONA Electric | 1 |
| Ioniq Electric | 1 |
| Jeep Wrangler 4xe | 1 |
| Kia EV9 | 1 |
| Kia Niro Electric | 1 |
| Kia Niro Plug-in Hybrid | 1 |
| Kia Sportage Plug-in Hybrid | 1 |
| Lucid Air | 1 |
| MINI Cooper SE Countryman All4 | 1 |
| Nissan Leaf (2011-2017) | 1 |
| Polestar 2 | 1 |
| Smart fortwo electric drive | 1 |
| Toyota Plug-in Prius | 1 |
| Toyota RAV4 EV (2012 and later) | 1 |
| Volkswagen e-Golf | 1 |
| Volvo C40 Recharge | 1 |
| 51 Models | 145 |
| Vehicle | Registered |
Registered attendees report 4,849,759 electric miles driven.
