Rising gas prices may have many Alabamians wondering what it is really like to own an electric vehicle. On Saturday, May 16, residents in both central and south Alabama will have an opportunity to get those questions answered directly from EV owners themselves.
Two EV showcases are scheduled for Saturday, with events planned in Millbrook and Mobile. Local electric vehicle enthusiasts are partnering with Drive Electric Alabama and the Alabama Clean Fuels Coalition to display a wide variety of EVs, including sports cars, pickup trucks, SUVs and sedans.
Attendees will also have the chance to speak one-on-one with EV owners about everyday topics such as driving range, charging, maintenance and potential fuel savings, giving visitors a firsthand look at what daily life with an electric vehicle is actually like.
These two events will give prospective EV owners the chance to see the vehicles up close and learn about them firsthand in a relaxed, low-pressure setting.
Michael Staley, president of the Alabama Clean Fuels Coalition, said, “With gas prices rising sharply, more drivers are taking a serious look at electric vehicles. EVs can dramatically cut fuel and maintenance costs, and there’s no better way to understand the benefits than by talking to people who drive them every day.”
The River Region EV Showcase will take place Saturday from 9 a.m. until 2 p.m. at Village Green Park in Millbrook as part of the fourth annual Millbrook Mayfest. Admission to the event is free.
The Bay Area EV Showcase is scheduled from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. Saturday at Greer’s Supermarket in Mobile. Admission is also free.
Organizers hope the showcases will help visitors better understand how EV ownership fits into everyday Alabama life, from commuting and road trips to long-term fuel savings.
“EV owners here in the Mobile area love the chance to meet people and share our experiences with driving electric every day,” said Dale Holden, a leader in the Bay Area chapter of Drive Electric Alabama. “Every time I drive past a gas station, I understand how much more I save today than I did at this time last year.”
The showcases also highlight Alabama’s growing role in the electric vehicle industry. Companies including Mercedes-Benz, Hyundai, Autocar and New Flyer are all involved in EV production within the state.
In addition, the Alabama Department of Economic and Community Affairs continues working to expand Alabama’s public EV charging infrastructure through grant programs, including a recent round of funding through the National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Formula Program.
Sherri Blevins is a staff writer for Yellowhammer News. You may contact her at [email protected].
