Innovation and future technology were all on display at a family-fun event that celebrated Drive Electric Week on September 25!
More than 25 area companies were on hand to share information about their products, technologies, and the various uses of electric vehicles, including public transportation, construction, and recreational use. Attendees test-drove electric vehicles and saw various demonstrations of electric backhoes, e-bikes, and scooters. Here are some pictures from the event.
BUFFALO – As part of National Drive Electric Week 2021, Erie County is spreading the word about environmental responsibility and encouraging residents to learn more about electric vehicles by signing a proclamation that declares Sept. 25 to Oct. 3 Drive Electric Week in Erie County.
“Electric Drive week overlaps with Climate Week, which starts today, and that is no coincidence. Electric Vehicles are part of the solution as we work to reduce greenhouse gas emissions,” said Bonnie Lawrence, Deputy Commissioner of the Erie County Department of Environment and Planning.
In Erie County the week – which coincides with National Drive Electric Week – will begin with Electrify Buffalo, a community ride-around event on Saturday, Sept. 25. Buffalo Niagara Medical Campus is hosting this innovative event, which is sponsored by National Grid, in the parking lot at the Buffalo Niagara Medical Campus Innovation Center, located at 589 Ellicott St.
The free event runs from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Attendees can test-drive electric vehicles and learn more from various demonstrations of electric backhoes, e-bikes, and scooters. The event will include food trucks, raffles, and a kids’ zone. More information, including event registration, is available here.
“Sustainability is at the heart of the work that we do here on the Buffalo Niagara Medical Campus,” said Matt Enstice, President and CEO of the BNMC. “We were the first site in Western New York to install vehicle charging capability, and we continue to add to and upgrade our sustainable infrastructure. We are delighted to host events that highlight both the importance and growth of technology in the field.”
“Events such as Electrify Buffalo are natural fits for National Grid because we offer several programs, including electric vehicle programs that are for customers who can save up to 100 percent of the costs related to infrastructure installations, like the ones at the medical campus and so many across western New York; we also offer services for those with electric fleets,” said National Grid Regional Director Ken Kujawa. “The event also nicely aligns with National Grid’s Project C initiative, National Grid’s community commitment designed to accomplish many goals, including connecting our communities to clean and sustainable energy, and delivering a resilient, clean energy future.”
If you’re thinking about making the switch to an electric car, you might be nervous about winter driving. Not to worry! Here are some quick truths and tips about driving your electric vehicle (EV) through a New York winter, with tons more info here.
TRUTHS
Your range will decrease in the winter. Because batteries operate less efficiently when they’re cold, your EV will get fewer miles per kilowatt-hour in the winter. However, the range for gas powered cars also decreases by as much as 22% in the winter!
Snow and ice are not usually a problem for EVs. Because the battery often makes up the floorboard of the vehicle, EVs have a low center of gravity and evenly distributed weight, which makes them stable and easy to maneuver, and increases traction on snow or icy terrain.
TIPS
Precondition your vehicle. Warm up your car while it’s still plugged in so that you don’t deplete your battery’s reserves. Getting into a warm car also means you don’t have to crank the heat as much once it’s unplugged!
Use the special heating features for your vehicle. If your car offers heated seats and steering wheels, use them! They will use less energy and allow you to comfortably keep the cabin temperature slightly lower.
Drive efficiently. Use regenerative breaking to capture any energy that might otherwise be lost and avoid speeding as it increases drag, which decreases mileage.
Park and charge somewhere warm. If you must park outside, try to find a sunny spot to keep your battery warm.
To learn more about the ins and outs of driving your electric vehicle in the winter, please visit drivegreen.nationalgridus.com/learn/winter.
There are lots of reasons to switch to an electric car: they’re more fun to drive, cheaper to fuel, and way better for the environment than gas guzzlers. You already live or work near a charging station, but if you’re still waiting for a sign to make the switch to electric, this is it.
From November 1st until the end of the year, National Grid customers in upstate New York who purchase an electric car are eligible for a $500 Visa gift card as a special bonus!
This $500 is enough to cover charging for 12,000 driving miles, jump start the installation of your own at-home charging station, or go for a wintertime getaway in your brand new electric car. Learn more and wp-contently for your gift card here.
Curious about electric cars but don’t know where to start? Drive Green with National Grid is a program to help you learn everything you need to know about driving on electricity. Whether you’re planning on buying a new car soon or you’ve still got plenty of life left in your old gas guzzler, your next car should be electric!
For more information about Drive Green with National Grid, or if you have any questions about electric cars and this special end-of-the-year offer, please call us at 1-800-287-3950 x7, or email us at drivegreenuny@greenenergyconsumers.org.
Need a new car, or thinking about going electric for your next car purchase? Join us for a free webinar about electric vehicles to get your questions answered and learn how to get one!
What: Drive Green with National Grid Webinar
When: Thursday, December 5th, 12 pm or 7 pm
Get tickets: RSVP here
The folks running the webinar are Green Energy Consumers Alliance, the non-profit organization working with National Grid to bring you Drive Green with National Grid. If you have any questions, you can reach them at drivegreenUNY@greenenergyconsumers.org.
In short, electric vehicles are a blast to drive – and you should check one out! Since National Grid helped us install charging stations that you can use at work, you can test-drive an electric car (and then purchase or lease at a discount) through Drive Green with National Grid. Learn more here.
Over the past couple of months, we’ve sent you lots of content about how awesome electric cars are: information about cost savings, environmental benefits, available incentives, and how easy it is to charge. But don’t just take it from us! Hear directly from hwp-contenty electric car drivers by checking out our Testimonials page!
Electric cars have some of the highest consumer satisfaction rates of any vehicle: people love how quiet the cars are, how quickly they accelerate, their high-tech features, and, of course, the fact that they require way less maintenance than gas-powered cars! Nobody misses filling up the tank or getting yet another oil change.
Read more about what electric car drivers think here and then get your own electric car at a discount through Drive Green with National Grid at drivegreen.nationalgridus.com.
Over the past couple of months, we’ve sent you lots of content about how awesome electric cars are: information about cost savings, environmental benefits, available incentives, and how easy it is to charge. But don’t just take it from us! Hear directly from hwp-contenty electric car drivers by checking out our Testimonials page!
Electric cars have some of the highest consumer satisfaction rates of any vehicle: people love how quiet the cars are, how quickly they accelerate, their high-tech features, and, of course, the fact that they require way less maintenance than gas-powered cars! Nobody misses filling up the tank or getting yet another oil change.
Read more about what electric car drivers think here and then get your own electric car at a discount through Drive Green with National Grid at drivegreen.nationalgridus.com.
We’ve recently shared many benefits of electric vehicles: how they are environmentally-friendly, easy to charge, and offer cost savings for the consumer. But did you know that there are several financial incentives available to help you get one? Here are three important incentives you should know about:
Federal tax credit: Plug-in electric vehicles qualify for a federal income tax credit of up to $7,500. The full amount of the tax credit depends on the battery size of the vehicle and other factors; how much you can claim is limited by your personal tax liability.
State rebate: The State of New York offers Drive Clean rebates of up to $2,000 for electric vehicles. The rebate is wp-contentlied at the point of sale and therefore only available at participating Drive Clean dealerships.
Drive Green with National Grid: National Grid has partnered with the non-profit – Green Energy Consumers Alliance – to build a network of upstate New York car dealerships offering fixed discounts on electric vehicles. All of the dealers participating in the program are also Drive Clean dealerships, so you can combine all three incentives to start driving green: the dealer discount, the state rebate, and the federal tax credit. To get started, click here.
To learn more about these three incentives, visit the Drive Green with National Grid Purchase and Lease Incentives page. And remember, when you get your electric car, you can charge at work!
As you may know, the BNMC recently partnered with National Grid to install electric vehicle charging stations for your use. We’re really excited about this commitment to sustainability and hope to see more and more drivers switching to electric vehicles and using the stations. We know that a lot of you have questions about the charging stations or electric vehicles, so we’re providing an upcoming informational webinar just for you!
What: Drive Green with National Grid Webinar
When: Tuesday, September 10, 2019, 12 pm or 7 pm
Why: To answer all your questions about electric vehicles, charging, incentives, and more
To get your free ticket, simply RSVP here. The webinar is hosted by Green Energy Consumers Alliance, the non-profit organization working with National Grid to bring you Drive Green with National Grid. If you have any questions, you can reach them at drivegreenUNY@greenenergyconsumers.org.
Electric vehicle owners love their cars because they’re fun to drive, easy to fuel, and cheap to maintain. However, one of the top reasons drivers choose electric cars is for their environmental benefits.
The bad news: In New York, 41.3% of total greenhouse gas emissions (which contribute to climate change) come from the transportation sector, more than two times more than any other sector. Gas-powered passenger cars are a big part of the problem.
The good news: Switching from a gas-powered car to an electric car significantly cuts your transportation emissions. In fact, according to data from the Union of Concerned Scientists, switching from the average gas-powered car to a plug-in hybrid charged on the power grid in upstate New York cuts your transportation-related emissions by more than half, and switching to an all-electric car cuts them by about 85%! That’s not to mention reductions in other pollutants (like particulate matter and sulfur and nitrogen oxides) that impacts public health. When it comes to transportation, individual decisions can have a lasting impact.
That’s why BNMC has partnered with National Grid to install charging stations for employees and visitors and is bringing you Drive Green with National Grid, a program that provides you with (a) useful information about electric cars, and (b) discounted deals from New York dealerships. Check it out at drivegreen.nationalgridus.com.
This page on the Drive Green with National Grid website has more information about the environmental and public health impacts of electric vehicles.
Content from our partners at DriveGreen with National Grid. Electric vehicles (EVs) are a great choice for today’s drivers not only because they’re fun to drive and protect the environment, but because they’re cheaper to operate than gas-powered cars:
Get the details at: drivegreen.nationalgridus.com/learn/benefits
As a reminder, BNMC has partnered with National Grid to install electric vehicle charging stations around the Buffalo Niagara Medical Campus for you to use. To make it easier for you to navigate EV offers and get into an EV, Drive Green with National Grid provides a website with accessible educational materials and discounted deals from local dealers. Check it out at: drivegreen.nationalgridus.com.
Many people are interested in electric vehicles because of their performance, as well as their environmental and consumer benefits. But knowing how and where to charge an EV can be confusing.
The good news is, charging an EV at home and on the Buffalo Niagara Medical Campus is easy!
As someone who works on the Medical Campus, you are in luck – you can also charge at work! The BNMC team has installed EVCS in many of its parking garages and lots, including 12 dual charging stations at 854 Ellicott Street, ten ECVS at 134 High Street*, and four EVCS at 589 Ellicott*, plus two curbside stations across from the Innovation Center at 640 Ellicott Street*, with the ability to charge 40 vehicles at one time. View this map to see locations of our current charging stations. * Scheduled to be upgraded in 2019.
We are committed to ensuring that our infrastructure supports sustainable transportation, everything from making it easy to charge electric vehicles, to installing hundreds of additional bike racks, to providing reduced-rate transit passes. We are building an innovation district known for accessible, environmentally-forward ways for everyone to get here.
All modern EVs sold in the U.S. use a standard charging port for Level I (120-volt) and Level II (240-volt) charging for EVs, the J1772 port. Most EV owners charge at home, either (a) using the plug that comes with the vehicle to plug into a normal 120 volt outlet to add around 5 miles of range per hour of charging, or (b) installing a 240-volt charger to add 10-25 miles of range per hour charging. There is also more public charging available than many people think. You can learn more about charging at home and on the go at drivegreen.nationalgridus.com/charging.
Considering getting an EV? Check out discounts from local dealers through the Drive Green with National Grid program at drivegreen.nationalgridus.com.
Did you know? Upstate NY customers can reduce their costs with the voluntary time-of-use rate by charging their electric vehicle during the off-peak hours of 11pm to 7am. Most EVs can be easily programmed to charge during these hours using an onboard timer, mobile wp-content, outlet timer, or EV charging station.
This content is provided to the BNMC through our partnership with National Grid’s Drive Green program.
We are very excited to announce a new electric vehicle discount program, Drive Green with National Grid! We have partnered with National Grid on many projects over the years, including infrastructure upgrades, developing an energy master plan, an innovative community solar program, and installing the first electric vehicle charging stations on the Medical Campus back in 2011.
As we look to a cleaner, greener future, National Grid has partnered with the non-profit Green Energy Consumers Alliance to build up a network of local car dealerships who offer everyone who works on the Buffalo Niagara Medical Campus fixed purchase discounts and great lease deals on a monthly basis. Stay tuned each month as we highlight new information on the program and deals that you can take advantage of.
Right now, there are great deals on the all-electric Chevrolet Bolt and plug-in hybrids such as the Chevy Volt, Honda Clarity, and Mitsubishi Outlander, with more coming soon! The Drive Green with National Grid discounts are in addition to the New York State Drive Clean rebate (up to $2,000) and the federal tax credit (up to $7,500). The Drive Green with National Grid website has a wealth of information about the cars, incentives, charging, environmental impact, and more. Check it out here. To qualify for the program discounts, all you have to do is fill out this form.
We hope you’ll drive green soon! If you have any questions, you can email drivegreen@greenenergyconsumers.org.
Did you know that the BNMC has installed more than 30 electric vehicle charging stations (EVCS) across the Medical Campus, with the ability to charge almost 50 vehicles? We are committed to ensuring that our infrastructure supports sustainable transportation, everything from making it easy to charge electric vehicles, to installing hundreds of additional bike racks, to providing reduced-rate transit passes. We are building an innovation district known for accessible, environmentally-forward ways for everyone to get here.
With so much talk about electric vehicles and charging station infrastructure, we thought we should help answer some questions we hear often. What is an electric vehicle, what isn’t, and why should I care? Here’s a quick Electric Vehicles 101.
Your basic conventional car runs on an internal combustion engine: you add gasoline, it ignites and releases energy that is translated into motion. In the process, however, the vehicle releases carbon dioxide, one of the greenhouse gases contributing to climate change. In the United States, the transportation sector is responsible for 28% of our greenhouse gas emissions, more than any other sector (hint: this is part of why you should care!). Learn more about how our team is a part of the national conversation.
An electric vehicle (EV), in contrast, runs on an electric current. There are three main types of vehicle commonly called “electric”, and it’s worth knowing the difference:
The more you know!
WASHINGTON – September 26, 2018 –A prominent national transportation commission, including the Buffalo Niagara Medical Campus (BNMC), released a new report today and launched a campaign to cut U.S. transportation energy use by 50 percent by 2050 (dubbed the “50×50” goal) while also improving mobility. Read the column on this initiative in today’s Buffalo News.
Amid rapidly evolving transportation trends like ride-sharing, electrification, autonomous vehicles, and other technologies, the Alliance to Save Energy’s 50×50 Commission on U.S. Transportation Sector Efficiency issued consensus recommendations calling on policymakers – at all levels of government – to act urgently in a coordinated manner to lead a successful energy efficiency transformation of the transportation sector.
“As the U.S. transportation system continues to evolve, it is critical that we develop an integrated, leading-edge wp-contentroach connecting technology, urban planning, and optimization,” said Matthew K. Enstice, CEO, Buffalo Niagara Medical Campus, Inc. “Our goal is to improve broad community access to an equitable and sustainable transportation system, with an eye on reducing energy use and meeting future mobility needs. From supporting infrastructure and technology to increase electric vehicle use and piloting autonomous vehicles to integrating artificial intelligence and improving streetscape design, we are building the system of the future.”
The 50×50 Commission is a diverse coalition of leading vehicle manufacturers, utilities, environmental and consumer groups, unions, technology companies, and public officials, including Pittsburgh Mayor William Peduto (D) and Fort Worth Mayor Betsy Price (R). The group says the U.S. could fall behind foreign competitors if federal, state, and local policymakers don’t act to adopt the policy recommendations.
Transportation represents roughly one-third of U.S. energy consumption and recently displaced electricity generation as the leading source of U.S. greenhouse gas emissions. It’s also the second biggest daily expense for American families. Demand for transportation services is set to rise significantly in the future, potentially increasing congestion on U.S. roads, and putting more stress on the already overburdened public transportation systems. But these challenges can be overcome. The 50×50 Commission united to develop a policy agenda that seizes the opportunities of new transportation technologies and business models to transform mobility for passengers and goods while using energy more efficiently.
“Right now, we have the chance to shape the future for the better, achieving multiple goals at once. We can simultaneously unlock innovation and new technologies and make mobility easier, faster, and better, all while using dramatically less energy,” said Jason Hartke, president of the Alliance to Save Energy, which convened the Commission. “Charting the right path now will help us avoid unpredictable fuel costs, rising greenhouse gas emissions, and lost American competitiveness. These policy recommendations set the course to make transportation more accessible and convenient for all while cutting our energy use dramatically.”
The Commission’s report, released at a forum in Washington, D.C., on Wednesday morning, provides recommendations to policymakers focused on three themes, including:
Transform. Policymakers should not only seek to enhance the energy efficiency of vehicles and components, but also to capitalize on new technologies to transition to an efficient, integrated, and improved “transportation services” model. Transportation services should be allocated efficiently, affordably, and effectively according to geographic and service needs, with policies encouraging consumers to select the most efficient transportation modes.
Innovate. The U.S. should prioritize its leadership in pursuing research, development, deployment, and demonstration for efficient transportation innovation opportunities. Congress and federal agencies should continue to support the development of electric vehicles, which are currently the most efficient vehicles on the market. Federal agencies should maximize their impact through measures including public-private partnerships that stimulate research into market-transformational technologies.
Invest. Policymakers should focus on improving the efficiency of all vehicle types by promoting fuel economy standards and accelerating vehicle turnover and incentivizing the deployment of and infrastructure for energy-efficient vehicles, especially electric vehicles (battery-electric vehicles and hydrogen electric vehicles), plug-in and non-plug in hybrid vehicles, and highly efficient vehicles running on renewable natural gas. Policymakers should support electric vehicles, which are highly efficient, through standardization of adaptors and customer experience, the promotion of practices to ensure optimal grid stability, and the redesign of the Highway Trust Fund to ensure the growth of efficient vehicles is balanced with equitably-funded infrastructure investments. Such solutions should take equity and jobs into account by ensuring low-income and under-served consumers have access to improved mobility and ensuring a well-prepared workforce through the sector’s transitions.
The 50×50 Commission includes Scott Keogh, President, Audi of America (co-chair); Dean Seavers, President, US, National Grid (co-chair); Melissa E. Adams, Chief Corporate Social Responsibility Officer, WGL Holdings/Washington Gas; John Di Stasio, President, Large Public Power Council; Bruce Edelston, VP, Energy Policy, Southern Company; Matt Enstice, President & CEO, Buffalo Niagara Medical Campus; Jack Gillis, Executive Director, Consumer Federation of America; Thomas R. Kuhn, President, Edison Electric Institute; Eric J. McCarthy, Senior Vice President, Government Relations, Public Policy and Legal Affairs, Proterra; Arlen Orchard, CEO & GM, Sacramento Municipal Utility District; Giovanni Palazzo, CEO, Electrify America; Thomas S. Passek, President, Copper Development Association; Gil C. Quiniones, President & CEO, New York Power Authority; Norman Saari, Commissioner, Michigan Public Service Commission; Kevin B. Self, SVP of Strategy, Business Develop & Government Relations, Schneider Electric; Paul Skoutelas, President & CEO, American Public Transportation Association; Lonnie Stephenson, International President, International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers; Rhea Suh, President, Natural Resources Defense Council; Dan Turton, VP, North America Public Policy, General Motors; Bert Van Hoof, Partner – Group Program Manager, Microsoft; Ted Walker, Managing Director, Navigant; and Greg White, Executive Director, National Association of Regulatory Utility Commissioners.
The Commission’s recommendations were informed by the work of more than 100 experts from across the country serving on technical committees. The committees issued five “sector baseline” reports evaluating a wide range of transportation sectors and technologies. The technical committees were chaired by Robert Chapman, Vice President, Energy and Environment, Electric Power Research Institute; Robert Horton, Vice President, Environmental Affairs, DFW International Airport; Roy Kuga, Vice President, Grid Integration & Innovation, PG&E Corporation; Dr. Philip Lavrich, Director, Strategy and Advanced Technologies, Ingersoll Rand; and Patricia Monahan, Program Director, Transportation, Energy Foundation.
The 50×50 Commission’s full report and biographical information for all Commissioners is available at: www.50x50transportation.org. Quotes from Commissioners and Technical Committee Chairs are included below, followed by press contacts for all Commission organizations.
About the BNMC
The Buffalo Niagara Medical Campus, Inc. (BNMC) is a multi-anchor social enterprise focused on driving innovation in partnership with our community. As the non-profit charged with addressing shared issues among our member institutions, the BNMC plays a significant role in driving positive change that builds a vibrant, innovative environment. We focus on improving infrastructure, managing our transportation system, creating a culture of health and wellbeing, driving innovation, and working with our partners to continue to build an innovative district that reflects the best of our community. Learn more at bnmc-old.local.
About the Alliance to Save Energy
Founded in 1977, the Alliance to Save Energy is a nonprofit, bipartisan alliance of business, government, environmental and consumer leaders working to expand the economy while using less energy. Our mission is to promote energy productivity worldwide – including through energy efficiency – to achieve a stronger economy, a cleaner environment and greater energy security, affordability and reliability.
Contact: Kari Bonaro, BNMC, kbonaro@bnmc-old.local, 202-904-7034
The energizeBNMC partnership between National Grid and the Buffalo Niagara Medical Campus (BNMC) is designed to transform the Medical Campus into a global leader in energy innovation. As a part of energizeBNMC, BNMC has partnered with AAA of Western and Central New York, New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA), Clean Communities of Western New York, the Global Energy Institute, and the US Department of Energy (DOE) to initiate the effort to become a leader in New York State electric transportation.
There are currently 21 EV stations installed throughout the BNMC. The goal of this project is to lower vehicle emissions into the environment and the overall operating costs that come with petroleum-based vehicles, offering alternative transportation fuels like electricity and natural gas.
Below are some facts that will answer common questions in regards to the EV charging stations:
What prompted the installation of the cutting-edge EV charging stations?
A major focus for the BNMC institutions right now is planning for our short-term and long-term growth, in particular our transportation and energy needs across the campus. As it is rapidly growing, the BNMC is dedicated to creating a sustainable campus for the future. The EV charging station installations are a part of the vision to create a sustainable Medical Campus that is environment-friendly.
Where did the funding for this project come from?
With a grant of $150,000 awarded by Clean Communities/DOE/NYSERDA, the BNMC and AAA of Western and Central NY were able to complete this $300,000 project to implement the installation of the EV charging stations.
Where can the Electric Vehicle Charging Stations (240-volt GE DuraStations) be found throughout the BNMC?
The EV charging stations can be found at the following locations (See Virtual Tour for visual locations):
–589 Ellicott Street Parking Lot.
–880 Ellicott Street Parking Garage at Ellicott and Goodrich Streets.
–134 High Street Parking Garage – This employee-only garage will open at the end of March.
-Ellicott Street right of way, near 589 Ellicott Street Parking Lot – these will be operational when the street goes two-way as part of the ongoing streetscape project.
Do I have to pay to charge my vehicle in one of the garages or parking lots?
If you work on the BNMC and have a parking pass for one of the BNMC-managed lots, you can charge at no cost. If you are a visitor to the Medical Campus, talk to the attendant at either the 589 Ellicott Street lot or the Ellicott Goodrich Garage if this is not your primary parking destination. Currently, the use of the EV charging stations is being provided at no cost to patients, visitors, and members of the community. Parking fees are charged at the daily rate.
Is charging availability on a first-come, first-serve basis?
Yes, this is currently hwp-contentening on a first-come, first-serve basis. As demand grows, we will adapt this strategy.
How long will I be able to leave my vehicle charging in a parking lot or garage on the BNMC?
As long as you are parked there. Parking hours and rates vary across the BNMC.
Are there other EV charging stations in WNY?
AAA of Western and Central New York has installed EV charging stations at 2 of its AAA Car Care Plus locations, one at 8120 Main Street in Clarence (716.932.3900), and the other at 2131 Eggert Road in Amherst (716.362.0562). For more information on how to access their EV charging stations, contact each location.
Will I be able to leave my vehicle charging at one of the EV charging stations located along the right of way on Ellicott Street near the Innovation Center without getting a parking ticket?
No. As stated above, these chargers were installed knowing that Ellicott Street will go two-way at the completion of the federal streetscape project. Until then, these chargers are not to be used. Please pull into the parking lot at 589 Ellicott Street and access those chargers.
Help us build our EV community – Contact us at 716.854.BNMC (2662) or e-mail us and provide your contact information.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Thursday, December 1, 2011 at 11:00 a.m.
Contact Information:
Kari Bonaro, BNMC, tel 716.218.7157, cell 202.904.7034, kbonaro@bnmc-old.local
Diana Dibble, AAA, tel 315.453-5904, cell 315.345.3664, ddibble@nyaaa.com
Buffalo, NY – Today the Buffalo Niagara Medical Campus, Inc. (BNMC) and its partners unveiled 21 electric vehicle charging stations installed across the Medical Campus and two at AAA facilities in Amherst. This project is a joint effort between BNMC, AAA Western and Central New York, National Grid, Clean Communities of Western NY, NYSERDA, the Global Energy institute, and the US Department of Energy.
“A major focus for the Buffalo Niagara Medical Campus institutions right now is planning for the future growth of this campus, in particular taking into account our short- and long-term transportation and energy needs to accommodate the large-scale growth we are anticipating over the next decade. We were thrilled to be able to partner with AAA and NYSERDA on this important project, as part of our ongoing initiative energize BNMC (building new model communities),” said Matthew K. Enstice, President, Buffalo Niagara Medical Campus, Inc.
The AAA and BNMC partnership were awarded and successfully implemented a $300,000 project with a $150,000 grant awarded by the DOE/NYSERDA for the turnkey installation of 21 Electric Vehicle Charging Stations (240-volt GE DuraStations) throughout the Campus parking areas, including the parking lot at 589 Ellicott Street, the garage at Ellicott & Goodrich, the garage currently under construction at 134 High Street, and in the right of way along Ellicott Street.
“The rapidly growing BNMC continues to set the global standard as an efficient, modern, high quality Medical Campus that integrates vital scientific initiatives that meet health care needs,” said Mayor Byron W. Brown. “With charging stations on campus, we hope more organizations follow suit to increase energy efficiency in Buffalo, and protect our environment.”
In addition, AAA has installed EV Chargers at its two AAA Car Care Plus locations – 8120 Main Street in Clarence and 2131 Eggert Road in Amherst (near Niagara Falls Boulevard).
“AAA is pleased to be a part of this initiative and on the cutting edge of automotive technology that positions us to serve the ever-changing needs of our AAA members,” said Tom Chestnut, President/CEO of AAA Western and Central New York. “We thank the Buffalo Niagara Medical Campus, NYSERDA, and Clean Cities for the opportunity to be on board with electric vehicle charging stations at our AAA Car Care Plus locations in Amherst and Clarence for all motorists to access.”
Barry Carr and Bill Pauly, representing the U.S. Department of Energy’s Clean Cities Program proclaimed, “This is a wonderful boost to Western New York as these charging stations will allow our citizens to take advantage of the latest all electric and plug in hybrid vehicles. Use of these vehicles will significantly lower vehicle emissions and provide Western New York residents with the opportunity to charge their vehicles while away from home. We wp-contentreciate the leadership taken by BNMC, AAA, and National Grid in wp-contentlying for this Recovery Act Funding to create commerce here in Western New York”.
Focused on a wide array of public and retail destination stations, Electric Vehicle Supply Equipment (EVSE) has been deployed throughout New York State in an effort to reduce dependence on petroleum-based fuels. All major vehicle manufacturers are now selling all electric or plug in hybrid vehicles that can dramatically lower operating cost and emissions. The 23 EVSEs unveiled today, a first of its magnitude for the Greater Western New York region, will be followed by units located at local and super regional shopping centers and malls, open area lots, covered garages, parks, neighborhoods, and municipal and business offices.
“Across New York State, federal stimulus funds are helping to build a transportation system that emits fewer harmful emissions and is less dependent on imported petroleum,” said Linda Hardie, Project Manager at NYSERDA. “This project represents a key step in making Buffalo and all of New York State a leader in electric transportation. NYSERDA commends BNMC, AAA, National Grid, and Clean Cities for the vision and commitment they have shown in bringing this project to fruition.”
“Electric vehicles offer our society a path for a fundamental change in moving our transportation systems away from being oil dependent towards increased electrification. Electrification of the transportation sector means significant flexibility in using a diversified portfolio of energy sources, which may include clean and renewable sources. And this in turn may drive down transportation costs, improve our climate due to less pollution, and in general make our economy stronger,” said Dr. Alex Domijan, James Clerk Maxwell Professor of Electrical Engineering and Director of the Power Center for Utility Explorations at the University at Buffalo, and President and CEO of the Global Energy Institute at the BNMC. “We are excited to lead this effort at BNMC and find ways in which we can make EV’s part of our everyday lives. The experimental studies we will conduct will include use patterns, charging and storage techniques, and many more related efforts to benefit our community as the BNMC urban platform is ideal for considerations in setting an example for other communities nationally to emulate.”
“National Grid and the Buffalo Niagara Medical Campus recently launched Energize BNMC, a historic partnership designed to transform the campus into a global leader in energy innovation and the installation of the electric vehicle charging stations throughout the campus is a perfect complement to fulfilling the vision of this partnership,” said Dennis Elsenbeck, Director of Community & Customer Management for National Grid in Buffalo. “National Grid supports the development and utilization of alternative transportation fuels like electricity and natural gas. These fuels are clean, economical and domestic, and their adoption will help strengthen the economy and protect the environment. As part of our partnership with the BNMC we are striving to develop new solutions and cutting edge wp-contentroaches on everything from energy efficiency to renewable energy to smart technologies and what better way for the campus to build on this vision than making the campus electric car friendly through the efforts of NYSERDA , and the US Department of Energy.”
“We are excited and proud to see the GE DuraStation become a central component of Buffalo Niagara’s clean, green environment,” said Gary Arnott, General Manager of sales and global distribution for GE Energy Industrial Solutions. “By positioning chargers across the campus, the BNMC now offers a leading example of the importance of a viable, sustainable EV infrastructure.”
For Electric Vehicle owners interested in utilizing BNMC’s new Electric Vehicle Charging Station Network please contact us at 716.854.BNMC to learn more. More information on AAA’s EV Charging Stations is available by calling AAA Car Care Plus in Clarence at 716.932.3900 or Amherst at 716.362.0562.
Initially, use of the EVSE will be provided at no cost to the public in an effort to foster increased use of battery electric and plug-in hybrid vehicles. The grant funds for this effort were a part of a $30 million dollar award through NYSERDA and five of the US DOE Clean Cities Organizations in NYS.
About the Buffalo Niagara Medical Campus
The Buffalo Niagara Medical Campus is a consortium of the region’s premier health care, life sciences research, and medical education institutions, all located on 120 acres in downtown Buffalo, New York. The BNMC is dedicated to the cultivation of a world-class medical campus for clinical care, research, education, and entrepreneurship. BNMC member institutions are the University at Buffalo, Kaleida Health, Roswell Park Cancer Institute, Hauptman-Woodward Medical Research Institute, Buffalo Medical Group, Buffalo Hearing & Speech Center, Olmsted Center for Sight, Upstate New York Transplant Services, and the Center for Hospice and Palliative Care.
The BNMC has:
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