Test Drives, Demonstrations and Workshops Planned for September 8th 10am-2pm 
Kingston, NY –Ulster County Executive Mike Hein is pleased to announce that Ulster County is co-sponsoring its third National Drive Electric Week event. It will be held on Saturday, September 8th from 10am-2pm in the Ulster County Courthouse parking lot, 285 Wall Street in Kingston, New York. The local Drive Electric Week Event is co-sponsored by Sustainable Hudson Valley, the Kingston Farmer’s Market, New Yorkers for Clean Power and Central Hudson. The event is free to attend.
National Drive Electric Week, September 8-16, 2018, is a nationwide celebration to heighten awareness of today's widespread availability of plug-in vehicles and highlight the benefits of all-electric and plug-in hybrid-electric cars, trucks, motorcycles, and more. The campaign is organized by Plug-In America, the Sierra Club and the Electric Auto Association.
Michael P. Hein, Ulster County Executive
“Electric cars are growing in popularity; however, they are still considered new technology for many people. This event provides an opportunity for the public to see them up close and learn more about exciting new technologies that are making electric cars a more realistic option for the average driver,” said County Executive Hein. “Residents are invited to view the cars, talk to EV drivers, and learn more about the network of charging stations in Ulster County. It is a terrific way for people to find out the benefits of driving electric vehicles because, not only are electric and hybrid vehicles economical to own, but they are environmentally friendly as well.”
Amanda LaValle, Coordinator, Ulster County Department of the Environment
“Ulster County, under County Executive Mike Hein’s leadership, continues to be on the forefront of environmental stewardship with initiatives like renewable energy, green fleet and electric vehicle charging stations,” said Amanda LaValle, Coordinator of the Ulster County Department of the Environment. “We not only operate a carbon neutral county government operation - the first and only county in New York State to do so - but are also generating 20% of the County’s electricity from a solar array located in the former Town of Ulster landfill. Ulster County’s Drive Electric Week event together with our electric vehicle work not only benefits county government but promotes sustainable, clean transportation across our community.”
Melissa Everett, Sustainable Hudson Valley
"Lots of bright people are curious about electric vehicles these days. There is no greater source of energy to grow the market, than to put these enthusiasts in touch with each other to help them spread the buzz,” stated Melissa Everett of Sustainable Hudson Valley.
Since 2015, Ulster County has increased adoption of Electric Vehicles (EVs) in its fleet through its Green Fleet local law. Analysis of fleet operations shows that the fuel cost per mile of these vehicles is, on average, less than half that of a traditional fleet vehicle. Additionally, Ulster County currently has a network of fifteen EV charging stations at facilities across the County. These stations are powered by 100% renewable energy and are used to charge County fleet vehicles. They are also available to the public for no charge through a sponsorship by the Ulster County Regional Chamber of Commerce.
Local dealerships will accommodate test drives of electric vehicles and plug-in hybrid models on the market. Bring your driver’s license to test out the latest technology. If you already have an electric vehicle or plug-in hybrid, you can show it off at the auto show. Register your all-electric or plug-in hybrid-electric vehicle here: https://driveelectricweek.org/event.php?eventid=1107.
If you already have an EV or plug-in hybrid (PHEV), you can reserve a spot to show it off at the auto show. Register your all-electric or plug-in hybrid-electric vehicle at: https://driveelectricweek.org/event.php?eventid=1262 and join the Kingston National Drive Electric Week Facebook Event at https://www.facebook.com/events/1028081610686191/.
Pictured below: National Drive Electric Week Event Flyer and Photo of Ulster County Executive Mike Hein and Amanda LaValle, Coordinator of the Department of the Environment.
