Learn more about the advantages, and fun, of driving electric cars during National Drive Electric Week, held this year from Sept. 14 – 22. Central Hudson Gas & Electric Corp. joins electric auto enthusiasts across the region in celebrating the environmental and economic benefits of electric vehicles.

“Local events held during National Drive Electric Week offers opportunities for our customers to experience first-hand electric transportation, learn of their benefits and advantages, and consider how electric cars may be an option for them,” said Charles A. Freni, President and C.E.O. of Central Hudson. “Manufacturers offer more than 50 electric car models that are less costly and cleaner to drive than gasoline-powered vehicles,” he said. Plug-in electric vehicles can save 50 to 70 percent in operating costs, and the electricity produced to power the vehicles emits 60 to 85 percent fewer greenhouse gases and other pollutants than gasoline engines.

Freni explained that New York State has some of the boldest clean energy policies in the nation with the goal of reducing carbon emissions and addressing climate change. In order to meet the state’s clean energy goals, addressing the transportation sector must be part of the solution as gasoline and diesel-powered vehicles produces the highest, about one-third, of total emissions in the state. Electrifying transportation, particularly in New York due to its relatively clean electric generation sources, offers the benefits of reduced greenhouse gas emissions, improved sustainability, energy security and lower vehicle operating costs. “New York State is striving for 800,000 electric vehicles by 2025, and today with more than one million electric vehicles on the road in the United States, electric transportation is growing,” said Freni.

Plug-in electric cars use high-capacity batteries that provide typical driving ranges of 70 miles to more than 300 miles, and can be easily recharged at home or through the growing network of public charging stations. Plug-in hybrid vehicles generally provide electric power for most local driving, with the ability to offer extended ranges with a gasoline-powered motor, also using high capacity batteries to provide driving ranges of 15 to 50 miles before an on-board gasoline engine turns on to power the vehicles.

Current incentives offered for the purchase of electric cars include a $7,500 federal tax credit and rebates of up to $2,000 through New York State. Electric vehicle owners have access to preferred parking, HOV lanes, toll reductions and other benefits. Central Hudson customers can learn about and purchase electric vehicle home chargers at the CenHub Store by going to www.CentralHudson.com. Central Hudson also provides an incentive for fast charger deployment in the state and offers an electric vehicle time-of-use rate incentive.

Special Drive Electric Week events are taking place locally featuring electric cars and information to provide visitors with opportunities to test drive and learn more about electric vehicles, including:

• Saturday, Sept. 14 at the Ulster County Courthouse, 285 Wall Street in Kingston, N.Y. from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
• Saturday, Sept. 21 at the State University of New Paltz, New Paltz, N.Y. from 3:30 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.
• Sunday, Sept. 22 at Locust Grove (Samuel Morse Estate), 2683 South Road, Poughkeepsie, N.Y. from noon to 3 p.m.

More information about these events is available here.

Auto maker Nissan recently announced a special rebate of $5,000 off MRSP on the all-electric Leaf for Central Hudson customers, now through Sept. 30, 2019 or while supplies last. Eligible customers must be served by Central Hudson and are required to show a copy of their utility bill and the program flyer, available at www.CentralHudson.com. Complete rules are available through local Nissan dealerships.

For more information on the benefits of electric vehicles, visit www.CentralHudson.com/ElectricVehicles. For more about New York State’s rebates for electric vehicles, visit www.nyserda.ny.gov/All-Programs/Programs/Drive-Clean-Rebate/How-it-Works.

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Visit local events during National Drive Electric Week to learn more about electric vehicles, such as the plug-in hybrid Chrysler Pacifica minivan (above) that runs on electricity for most local travel, and offers extended range with an on-board gasoline motor.