NY Capital District EVA Delivers Joy, Service, and Clean Air This Holiday Season
By: New York Capital District EVA
The holiday season arrived early for the New York Capital District Electric Vehicle Association, whose members spent the final week of November delivering joy, community support, and zero-emission holiday spirit across the region. Through parades, food deliveries, and volunteer partnerships, the chapter demonstrated exactly how electric vehicles can seamlessly integrate into everyday life and make a meaningful difference along the way.
Kicking Off the Season in the “Electric City” – November 22
The chapter launched its holiday activities on November 22 by returning to the 56th Annual Schenectady County Holiday Parade, a beloved Capital Region tradition. EV drivers decorated their cars with festive lights, a 10 foot inflatable, bubble machines, and foam “snow,” creating a magical wintery trail for thousands of spectators.
The crowd quickly noticed something unique: the EVA’s display was the only one glowing with holiday lights—but producing no emissions at all.
On the cold November night, the difference was visible. While gas-powered floats produced swirling clouds of exhaust as they passed, With no engine noise to drown it out, parade-goers could easily hear the electric-themed playlist “Electric Avenue,” “The Electric Slide,” and more as EVA vehicles glided by, leaving behind only bubbles and clean air for the children watching from curbside seats.
Parade-goers were equally surprised by the technology powering it all many seeing, for the first time, how quietly EVs idle and how easily they can support lighting, sound systems, and décor without burning a drop of fuel.
Delivering 200+ Thanksgiving Baskets Across the Capital District – November 23
The following day, on November 23, the chapter shifted from celebration to service. Members headed to downtown Albany to help prepare and deliver more than 200 fresh Thanksgiving meal baskets to families across the Capital District.
Electric vehicles played a meaningful role in the day’s work. Frunks became staging areas for produce and meal kits. Hatchbacks and liftgates opened silently in driveways across the region. Many families receiving baskets had never seen a frunk before—and their reactions were priceless.
“This is running right now?”
“I thought electric cars were tiny—this holds so much food!”
Chapter members also volunteered in meal prep efforts for additional Thanksgiving Day deliveries, reinforcing EVA’s commitment not only to EV advocacy but to local community support.
Thanksgiving Morning With Allie B’s Cozy Kitchen – November 27
On Thanksgiving morning, the chapter returned to Albany to support Allie B’s Cozy Kitchen, a long-standing community program that prepares and delivers hundreds of homemade holiday meals.
EVA members helped with packing, transportation, and doorstep deliveries—once again using their quiet, emission-free vehicles to move food through Albany, Schenectady, Troy, Rensselaer, Saratoga and surrounding areas.
The event was made even more meaningful with the participation of New York Governor Kathy Hochul, who joined volunteers in serving meals and greeting families. Governor Hochul has been a strong supporter of New York’s EV transition through:
Drive Clean Rebate Program for point-of-sale EV incentives
Charge Ready NY and NEVI Program investments expanding charging access
Legislation removing barriers to home charger installation
Statewide plans to convert public and government fleets to zero-emission vehicles
Her presence highlighted how EV adoption, community service, and state leadership can work hand in hand to advance cleaner, more equitable transportation for all New Yorkers.
Why It Matters: Showing EVs in Real Life
Throughout the week’s events, one theme stood out:
People connect with electric vehicles when they see them woven naturally into everyday activities.
By participating in parades, food deliveries, and community outreach, the NY Capital District EVA helped residents:
See EVs performing the same tasks they do every day
Understand that EVs aren’t dangerous, inconvenient, or intimidating
Visualize how easily EV ownership could fit into their own lives
Experience the benefits firsthand, especially the absence of noise and exhaust
For recipients of Thanksgiving meals, for families watching the parade, and for volunteers working alongside EVA members, these events were often the first time they saw electric vehicles in meaningful action and an opportunity to connect with EV drivers to learn about their experiences..
And that’s where minds are changed, one real-world experience at a time.
A Holiday Season Powered by Service and Electricity
In just five days, the New York Capital District EVA showcased what the Electric Vehicle Association is all about: education, community engagement, and a commitment to a cleaner, healthier future.
From festive floats to frunk-filled food deliveries, the chapter demonstrated the power of EVs not only to move people but to uplift communities.
Happy Holidays from the New York Capital District Electric Vehicle Association!
