Romeo Auto Group and Sustainable Hudson Valley Partner to Encourage Community to Drive Green

Lake Katrine, NY – On Friday, May 10th – Romeo Auto Group will host a “Drive Green” Event with Sustainable Hudson Valley to showcase what our community has to offer to support electric vehicles and sustainable living. The event will be an educational and community event and with food, music, kids’ activities, and test drives of electric and hybrid vehicles from Ford, Chevrolet, and Kia. Sustainable Hudson Valley will be offering seminars at 4:30 and 6:00 PM, and will be onsite during the entire event to answer questions.

A 2018 AAA survey found that 20% of Americans want their next vehicle to be electric.[1]

However, customers often have questions about the process of buying and owning an electric vehicle.

Sustainable Hudson Valley was awarded a grant in 2018 by the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority to partner with businesses and educate the public about the benefits of driving electric vehicles.

“As the Hudson Valley is moving forward on sustainable living and environmental issues, our goal at Romeo Auto Group is to be a leader in the field.

We are thrilled to partner with Sustainable Hudson Valley to showcase the many Electric Vehicles we have to offer at Romeo Ford and Romeo Chevy. Today is all about showing our community that the future is bright for electric vehicles,” said Joe Romeo.

“Sustainable Hudson Valley is working to help New York State realize its goal of getting one million electric vehicles on the road by 2025. Today’s event and this campaign is part of that effort to empower customers to choose vehicles that are right for them and for the environment. Romeo Auto Group has been a unique partner across their dealerships, with staffers who are taking the lead in learning about Ford, Chevy and Kia EV’s so they guide you in choosing an EV that’s right for you,” said Melissa Everett, Ph.D., Executive Director of Sustainable Hudson Valley.

“Electric Vehicles are a win-win for both drivers and the environment. Hearing about them is not the same as test driving – you experience the pickup, the quiet, the advanced technology first-hand.  Creating these opportunities to get people in cars and interacting is something we just love.” said Seth Leitman, Program Manager of Drive Electric Hudson Valley.

Romeo Ford was recently certified as a Ford Electric Vehicle Dealer. Ford is making an all-in push on hybrid-electrics, and intends to introduce hybrid versions, either traditional or plug-in, for every new SUV introduced.

Drivers of Electric Vehicles in New York State are eligible for a host of benefits and rebates. The Drive Clean Rebate offers up to $2,000 in rebates at the point of sale to New Yorkers who buy a new electric vehicle. In the first year after the program went into effect in 2017, more than 1,000 residents in the Mid-Hudson Valley took advantage of the Drive Clean Rebate. New York also offers the Green Pass discount program, which provides EV drivers with 10% discount on tolls with E-Z Pass.[i]

Electric vehicle drivers are also eligible for federal tax credits worth up to $7,500.[ii] EV drivers also save money long term in terms of fuel costs. NYSERDA estimates that EV drivers save 50-70% in operating costs per mile.[iii]