San Jose to Host Free Electric Vehicle Test-Drive Event
OAKLAND, CA — The “Experience Electric – The Better Ride” campaign will offer free test drives of many of the latest electric cars on Sunday, July 27, from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Santana Row off Winchester Blvd. between Olin Avenue & Olsen Drive, San Jose.
The electric vehicle (EV) ride-and-drive event will feature the latest models from Tesla, BMW, Cadillac, Chevrolet, Fiat, Ford, Honda, Nissan and smart. Licensed drivers can try out the various EVs on a first-come, first-served basis and feel the differences between driving with electricity versus driving a gas-powered car. Those taking test drives will receive a free giveaway and a $10 gift card for nearby shops, restaurants and entertainment. The event is being held in conjunction with the Electric Power Research Institute’s Plug-In 2014 Conference, set for July 28-30 at the San Jose McEnery Convention Center.
“Experience Electric events have zero sales pressure or marketing hype," said Santa Clara County Supervisor Dave Cortese, who also serves as Vice Chair of the Metropolitan Transportation Commission (MTC). "As an electric vehicle driver myself, I am excited that others will have the opportunity to try one out.”
The Experience Electric campaign is a joint initiative of MTC, the Bay Area Air Quality Management District and a consortium of EV organizations including the California Center for Sustainable Energy, Plug In America and Charge Across Town. The campaign’s goal is to increase EV adoption in the Bay Area. Accelerating EV use is a key strategy for state and local governments to reduce emissions from gas-powered vehicles, improve air quality and achieve goals for curbing greenhouse emissions.
To learn more about Experience Electric and future ride-and-drive events, visit www.facebook.com/thebetterride or www.energycenter.org/ExperienceElectric.
MTC is the transportation planning, coordinating and financing agency for the nine-county San Francisco Bay Area. The Bay Area Air Quality Management District is the agency chartered with protecting air quality in the Bay Area.
Contact:
John Goodwin: (415) 778-5262