DCAS and NYCPS Premiere ‘Batteries Included’ in Support of Electric Vehicle Education for City Youth | City of New York

Department of Citywide Administrative Services


Press Release


DCAS and NYCPS Premiere ‘Batteries Included’ in Support of Electric Vehicle Education for City Youth

April 25, 2024

Release of ‘Batteries Included’ coincides with DCAS reaching 5,000 EV milestone

NEW YORK - New York City Department of Citywide Administrative Services (DCAS) Commissioner Dawn M. Pinnock and New York City Public Schools (NYCPS) Chancellor David C. Banks today released ‘Batteries Included,’ an educational video that explains the value and environmental benefits of electrical vehicles for school-aged children. The video serves as a fun visual for public school students to familiarize themselves with electric vehicles as the City continues its transition to an all-electric fleet of the future – with DCAS surpassing 5,000 electric vehicles on the road, supportive of the City’s carbon emission reduction goals.

"As we unveil 'Batteries Included', our hope is that we spark a passion for learning among our city's students about the potential – and future promise – of electric vehicles,” said DCAS Commissioner Dawn M. Pinnock. “Education is key to fostering a sustainable future, and by providing engaging resources like this animated video, we are empowering our leaders of tomorrow to understand and embrace the possibilities of electric transportation."

“We are excited to see not only the advancement of electric vehicles as part of the City’s climate commitments, but also DCAS’ efforts to prioritize the direct educational connection to our school communities,” said Schools Chancellor David C. Banks. "Tangible examples of local climate action provide unique and engaging opportunities that spark interest and curiosity. 'Batteries Included' is a fun tool to help build even more momentum around school climate action and climate education.”

“Batteries Included” is an educational animated video that is aimed at introducing and educating school children in New York City and beyond about the promise and impact of electric vehicles. The video was created in partnership with DCAS and NYCPS and produced by artists and Minority and Women-Owned Business Enterprises (MWBE) vendors Patricia Kantzos and Kaya Sanan.

“At DCAS, we know electric vehicles are making great strides and offer a zero emission, reliable, and lower cost future of transport,” said DCAS Deputy Commissioner and NYC Chief Fleet Officer Keith Kerman. “It’s not enough for fleet professionals and experts to understand the possibilities – we need to share the news and promote electric vehicles with all New Yorkers including New York City’s students and youth for whom environmental progress is the most critical. “Batteries Included” is a fun way of doing just that. Thanks to New York City Public Schools and artists Patricia Kantzos and Kaya Sanan for taking this challenge on with us.”

"NYC government paves the road to the next block or borough and more importantly to a sustainable future,” states the artists Patricia Kantzos and Kaya Sanan. “As decades-long New Yorkers, we are proud to partner with DCAS and NYC Public Schools on “Batteries Included.” We were truly inspired by the brilliant thinking at the City government that made a huge fleet transitioning to zero emissions seem easy."

Through the premiere of “Batteries Included,” DCAS is presenting an educational video on how electric vehicles are safe, sustainable, easy to maintain, better for the air, and quiet. The animated video highlights the various types of electric vehicles that are in the city’s fleet including Parks cargo vans, an NYPD cruiser, an FDNY pick-up truck, a plug-in DSNY street sweeper, and an electric school bus. The two-minute film also includes fun facts about electrification, such as that automotive high school students are now learning how to repair electric vehicles, a DSNY mechanic is the holder of the world speed record for an electric vehicle, and that the city is leading the nation in transportation sustainability.

DCAS currently manages one of the largest electric fleets in the United States with over 5,000 units and nearly 2,000 charging ports, many available for public use. As the electric vehicle industry continues to advance -- with a nearly 43% increase since 2019, educating students on the benefits and possibilities of electric and zero emission vehicles is more important than ever.

In addition to “Batteries Included,” DCAS supports automotive high schools as students work to be the mechanics of the future. DCAS and partner agencies supply vehicles, equipment, and engines to support NYCPS automotive programs, and just last year completed a donation of 15 electric Nissan Leafs to six automotive high schools, also providing seven electric vehicles for use in driver’s education courses. Since 2019, over 400 students have been provided hands-on experience with paid internships in city fleet garages, with collaboration from agencies such as the New York City Police Department, Department of Sanitation, New York City Fire Department, New York City Department of Transportation, and NYC Parks.

About the NYC Department of Citywide Administrative Services

The NYC Department of Citywide Administrative Services (DCAS) makes city government work for all New Yorkers. Our commitment to equity, effectiveness, and sustainability guides our work providing City agencies with the resources and support needed to succeed, including:

Recruiting, hiring, and training City employees.

Managing 55 public buildings.

Acquiring, selling, and leasing City property.

Purchasing over $1 billion in goods and services for City agencies.

Overseeing the greenest municipal vehicle fleet in the country.

Leading the City’s efforts to reduce carbon emissions from government operations.

Learn more about DCAS by visiting nyc.gov/dcas or by following us on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn, and listening to the Inside Citywide podcast.

Contact:
Dan Kastanis
Director of Media Relations
communications@dcas.nyc.gov