SCHENECTADY, N.Y. – Mayor Gary McCarthy announced the City of Schenectady has been selected as the Electric Vehicle Association’s EV City of the Year for 2022. The Electric Vehicle Association is North America’s leading volunteer organization that accelerates the adoption of electric vehicles.

Mayor McCarthy accepted the award virtually at the organization’s annual meeting at Aptera Headquarters in San Diego, California. The City of Schenectady received additional accolades at the event when Schenectady-based Livingston Energy Group/Lynkwell Inc. received the award for National Business of the Year.

“The City of Schenectady was selected for its hard work and dedication to not only educating and advocating for the rapid adoption of electric vehicles, but for leading by example,” said Elaine Borseth, President, Electric Vehicle Association. “We thank the City of Schenectady for their hard work and dedication to moving electrification of transportation forward.”

“Education and advocacy are critical to the transition to electric transportation, which is why our local efforts, and the mission of the Electric Vehicle Association is so important,” Mayor Gary McCarthy said. “We are honored to receive national recognition as the 2022 EV City of the Year. Thank you to the Electric Vehicle Association for selecting the City of Schenectady to receive this incredible award.”

“Livingston Energy Group is excited to congratulate our home city of Schenectady on its recognition by the EVA. Together, Livingston and the City of Schenectady are leading the way in the electrification of transportation in New York State and beyond,” said Kate Kruk, Director of Community Engagement for Livingston Energy Group and City Captain for National Drive Electric Week.

In 2022, the City of Schenectady partnered with the Capital District EV Drivers Group, Schenectady Greenmarket, and Livingston Energy Group to host the NYS Capital District Drive Electric Week and Sustainability Fair. This event, part of the National Drive Electric Week initiative, was the largest in the nation for registered participants.

The NYS Capital District Drive Electric Week and Sustainability Fair featured over 70 EVs, ride-and-drive opportunities, and dozens of vendors. The event had representatives from the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA), New York Power Authority (NYPA), National Grid, and community businesses, organizations, and schools that support E-mobility and sustainability initiatives.

The City of Schenectady has also received Climate Smart Community certification from the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) and Clean Energy Community 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 recently acquired 62 lithium-powered golf carts to replace the current fleet of gas-powered carts at the Schenectady Municipal Golf Course.