Thursday July 21, 2022, Colonie, NY – Pioneer, a leading financial institution in New York’s Capital Region, today reinforced its commitment to investing in its local community, supporting a sustainable environment, and boosting New York’s clean energy economy with the official opening of public electric vehicle (EV) charging stations at its Pioneer Plaza branch office and headquarters at 652 Albany Shaker Road in Colonie.
Elected and business leaders participated in a ceremonial plug-in to mark the launch of the innovative project, developed through a partnership between Pioneer, Livingston Energy Group, and First Columbia. Pioneer is the first bank branch in the Capital Region to connect public EV charging stations to a New York-based network, which supports the growth of local green energy jobs and strengthens the impact of New York’s expanding clean energy sector.
Electric vehicle drivers who bank or work with Pioneer, and employees and customers of tenant businesses, can use the Level 2 Charge Port stations at no cost, as Pioneer is covering the cost of electricity usage. Part of Livingston’s Charge Port Network, the charging stations are compatible with all types of electric vehicles and provide an average of 25 miles of range per hour. They operate with 99% uptime, offer 24/7 customer support, and provide unlimited over-the-air updates.
“We are excited to provide free, easy, and convenient access to EV charging technology for the growing number of Pioneer customers and employees, and our tenant partners, who drive electric vehicles,” said Tom Amell, President and CEO of Pioneer. “The installation of these public EV charging stations, powered by a New York network, reflects our commitment to investing in the people and communities we serve throughout the Capital Region. We appreciate the support and partnership of Livingston Energy Group and First Columbia in making this environmentally friendly amenity available for use.”
The charging stations are operated using the Charge Port App, which is available on Android and Apple devices, and can be downloaded through Google Play, Apple’s App Store, Livingston’s website at www.solution.energy, or by scanning a QR code at the station. After creating a free account, electric vehicle drivers can access the location, select the station number, and start charging.
The installation cost of the Charge Port charging stations was split between Pioneer and funding from National Grid. Livingston Energy Group will provide ongoing system monitoring, maintenance and support, and First Columbia delivered critical resources to make the project possible.
“Livingston Energy Group values their relationship with Pioneer and First Columbia and is proud to be a part of their on-going sustainability strategies,” said Kate Kruk, Director of Community Engagement at Livingston Energy Group. “Customers and employees are adopting e-transportation at record pace. Including EV charging within communities where people work, live and play provides EV drivers with opportunities to optimize their charging time and support area businesses.”
“We’re glad that Tom Amell and Pioneer share our vision of leadership in sustainable development for all of our facilities,” said Kevin Bette, President/Partner of First Columbia. First Columbia has added EV Charging Stations to many of its other commercial properties in its effort to support sustainable energy.
National Grid Regional Executive Laurie Poltynski said, “
The Alternative Fuels Data Center (AFDC), part of the U.S. Department of Energy’s Office of Energy Efficiency & Renewable Energy, tracks and maintains a repository of public EV charging stations nationwide. Of more than 600 sites in the Capital Region, Pioneer’s stations are among the first to be located at a bank branch – and the only ones to connect to an EV network based in New York.
“I’m thrilled to welcome the opening of these new EV charging stations, and I thank all involved for their commitment to a cleaner and greener energy future,” Congressman Paul Tonko said. “Investments in electric vehicle charging offer a golden opportunity to revolutionize our nation’s transportation infrastructure. As we continue to invest and promote innovation in this critical field, it is crucial that we work together, using forward-thinking partnerships like this, to help build out access to EV infrastructure that is convenient and accessible for our residents. I’m proud of my work pushing for strong federal support of this emerging industry, and am delighted to see that work paying dividends right here in our Capital Region.”
State Senator Neil Breslin said,
“Congratulations to Pioneer on partnering with Livingston Energy Group and First Columbia and making charging stations available for their employees, bank customers, and tenant employees and customers,” said Assemblyman Phil Steck. “As someone who drives an EV all-electric vehicle, I am especially pleased to see Pioneer’s forward-thinking model.”
“I want to commend Pioneer and their partners at First Columbia and Livingston Energy Group for their forward-thinking investment in EV technology,” said Albany County Executive Daniel P. McCoy. “It takes a partnership between public and private sector leaders to build out an EV network that will serve our residents, businesses, and visitors. We just installed our 23rd charging station on County property and believe the future is bright for clean transportation in Albany County.”