Electric vehicles in the spotlight at upcoming event 

Over 50 plug-in electric vehicles will be on display locally this weekend as part of a National Drive Electric public event.  

Greater Rochester Clean Cities, in partnership with the New York State Electric Auto Association, Rochester Institute of Technology and the local Color Your Community Green chapters will co-host the event that will be held from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday in Lot T at RIT.  

It is free and open to the public. 

This year’s event will not only feature cars, but there will also be an electric school bus and a hybrid electric bucket truck. 

David Keefe, coordinator of Greater Rochester Clean Cities, said there is growing interest in electric vehicles, adding all car manufacturers have been adding EV’s to their offerings.  

“It’s a movement that’s evolving,” he said. 

More people are buying electric vehicles, Keefe added, noting that Monroe County is among the highest in the state when it comes to EV purchases.  

As a result, more charging stations are being installed throughout the region, as well, he said. 

In addition to the vehicles onsite, the event will feature:  

• Information about the purchase of electric vehicles and electric vehicle charging equipment; 
• Demonstrations on the use of public charging stations, and 
• Networking opportunities with electric vehicle owners and charging equipment experts. 

Additionally, there will be food for sale and children’s activities.  

The event is held in conjunction with National Drive Electric Week, which takes place from Sept. 25 to Oct. 3. It is intended to heighten awareness of today’s widespread availability of plug-in vehicles and highlight the benefits of all-electric and plug-in hybrid-electric cars, trucks and motorcycles.  

Proponents of electric vehicles note they are less expensive and more convenient to fuel than gasoline vehicles, are better for the environment, promote local jobs and reduce our dependence on foreign oil. 

The Federal Government has set a goal to make half of all new vehicles sold in the U.S. in 2030 zero-emissions vehicles and to build a network of 500,000 chargers to help make EVs accessible to all Americans for both local and long-distance trips.   

Go to https://driveelectricweek.org/ for more information and to register.  

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