GREEN ISLAND, N.Y. — The Lion Electric Co. (Lion) opened a second educational facility on Thursday, this one in New York state.

Lion launched its first Experience Center in Sacramento, Calif., last fall. That facility, which offers training programs to help educate districts and companies about electrification, pushed the electric vehicle (EV) manufacturer to expand its education program to a second location, according to a news release from Lion.

The electric school bus manufacturer’s second Lion Experience Center is located in Green Island. Similar to the first center, the Green Island facility will help educate school districts, truck fleet operators, and transit bus operators on EV capabilities, charging infrastructure, available funding, and will provide vehicle tours.

In New York state, nearly 40% of greenhouse gas emissions come from the transportation sector, according to the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority’s (NYSERDA’s) website. To reduce these emissions, the state recently relaunched the New York Truck Voucher Incentive Program, which is administered by the NYSERDA. The program provides point-of-sale rebates to reduce the cost for businesses and municipalities that want to purchase new electric vehicles. This program prompted Lion to plan a second Experience Center in New York, the company said in the news release.

"Lion is dedicated to the New York market and we are taking another step towards accelerating adoption of heavy-duty, zero-emission vehicles by opening a Lion Experience Center here in the heart of this great state," said Marc Bedard, Lion’s founder and CEO. "Our Experience Center will continue to serve many purposes, but will be a space where the EV community can gather primarily for teaching, learning, training, and education purposes."

Alicia Barton, NYSERDA’s president and CEO, said that converting the state’s transportation system to electric power is a priority in meeting Gov. Andrew Cuomo's goal to reduce greenhouse gases in the state.

“To accomplish our energy goals, we must look for opportunities like the Lion Experience Center to educate businesses and decision-makers on the benefits electric vehicles provide not only to their bottom line but to the environment and health of our communities across the state," she added.