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"Ride & Drive" electric vehicle demonstrations are out there - go find your green car!

Kevin O'Brien 
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Picture of Larry Chretien Larry Chretien

Some years ago, the words “electric car” would make a lot of people scoff – either because they didn’t think it was ever going to be practical, or they had technical reasons or resignation that the car industry was not interested. Electric vehicles (EVs) are a reality now, and they are giving combustion engines a run for their money. Tens of thousands are on the road; the numbers keep rising, and every car company is jumping in the game. Models like the Chevy Volt, BMW i3, Nissan LEAF, SMART, Mercedes B-Class, Tesla and the Ford Fusion are just a few of the big names out there today. 

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Why ditch gas for electric? Well for one thing, EVs certainly look sleek, but they also help pave the clear path away from our overwhelming dependence on fossil fuels.  The US transportation sector (i.e. ALL our cars!) accounts for over a third of our country’s carbon emissions, so cleaning up our fleet is greatly important in achieving our carbon reduction goals. Some are still hesitant about electric cars, but advocates have been quickly clearing misconceptions and changing attitudes by “getting butts in seats” at Ride & Drive events around the country.  Offering a chance to hop behind the wheel of an EV at these events has shown even the most avid combustion engine enthusiasts that electric cars are actually pretty impressive. 

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Mass Energy/PP&L teamed up with the Sierra Club Massachusetts Chapter to offer EV “Ride & Drive” experiences at our renewable energy tour events. The first such opportunity was held at the Berkshire East Wind Festival on Sunday August 9th in Charlemont, MA. 

Folks experienced driving electric and saw renewable energy being produced first-hand by Berkshire East Mountain Resort’s 900kW wind turbine. The event also included lunch, discounts on zip-lining, and rides on Berkshire East’s new Mountain Coaster.

We believe that the widespread adoption of EV’s is an essential part of any strategy to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and to reduce our dependence on petroleum. It’s a fact that TODAY, carbon emissions from an EV running on the average New England electricity mix are less than those from a car running on gasoline. The US Department of Energy has a web site with a calculator allowing you to plug in your zip code and determine how much carbon dioxide you eliminate by running your car on the basic mix in your area.  And the difference will grow over time as emissions from electricity fall in response to state laws requiring more renewables each year.  Better yet, for those who make the switch to 100% green power for their electricity, the difference is, well, 100 %!

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When it comes to EV’s a concern for many years has been “range anxiety”, but that is giving way to “range confidence” as innovations in battery technology and performance continue to boost mileage. Stations are making electrified cross-country road trips a reality.  For many, charging at home is easy.  Federal tax incentives of up to $7500 help vastly reduce the cost to the consumer, and many states are offering rebates as well.  The Massachusetts MOR-EV program offers rebates up to $2500 on the purchase of a new EV on top of federal incentives.  $7500 or $10,000 knocked off the retail price should get your attention. 

Research shows these incentives are working, the events are spreading awareness, and consumers “get it.”  More people are buying electric vehicles than ever before, and the industry is responding.  We are at the cusp of a monumental shift in the way we transport ourselves and our goods.  Quickly infiltrating each pocket of transportation, electricity is proving itself superior to petroleum, and everyone is noticing.  Keep your eyes out for your neighbors’ new cars… they might be plugging in.

If you want to read about a personal experience buying an electric vehicle in 2014, check out our blog series “I want to buy an electric vehicle.”

See photos from past Berkshire East Wind Festival events.

Join us at more renewable energy tours. Click below to see upcoming tours!

Turbine Tours
Tags:
Electric vehicles/Transportation

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