Electric City holds clean energy event

The Electric City is continuing the push toward environmental sustainability. Rep. Paul Tonko joined other city leaders in Schenectady and sustainability club members from local high schools and colleges to talk about making the shift to clean energy.

EV owners had their cars on display, and people could take test drives.

Schenectady Mayor Gary McCarthy says it’s important to hold events like these so neighbors know the benefits of owning an electric vehicle.

“Thomas Edison was here over 135 years ago, founded GE, we’re continuing that today, as we transition to different forms of use and electricity and sustainability,” McCarthy said.

“Boats, you have to change the oil, you have to take care of gas,” said David Borton, president of Solar Sal Boats. “With this, there’s none of that and it’s like your fridge battery. It just goes and goes and goes.”

Schenectady has more than two dozen EV charging stations installed. The city recently made a move to replace more than 60 gas-powered golf carts at Schenectady Municipal Golf Course with carts powered by lithium battery.