Those eager to take an electric car for a spin have their chance this Saturday Sept. 17 as the region’s National Drive Electric Week hits Grapevine Mills.
Organizers hope to establish a record for the most electric vehicles in one location, a mark set at last year’s event, also sponsored by the North Central Texas Council of Governments and the Dallas-Fort Worth Clean Cities Coalition.
Texas ranks fifth in the number of electric vehicles sold, moving up a spot in the rankings since 2015, according to NCTCOG numbers. In Dallas-Fort Worth, more than 5,000 electric vehicles are on the roads, more than any other major metropolitan area in Texas, according to the most recent data available.
The Saturday event will provide answers to common questions regarding electric vehicles’ operation, reliability and future in North Texas.
Festivities begin at 10 a.m. and will provide attendees the opportunity to not only learn about electric vehicles, but also take one for a spin. Many different makes and models will be represented not only by manufacturers themselves, but also by owners.
Elected officials are expected to talk about the transportation and air quality improvements that could result from electric vehicles. State Rep. Giovanni Capriglione, R-Southlake, will discuss the importance of electric vehicles and sustainable business practices.
Colleyville City Councilman Mike Taylor, who serves on the Regional Transportation Council, will speak about the impact of ozone pollution on health, and the positive effect meeting the federal ozone standard could have on the economy and quality of life.
NDEW began in 2011 as National Plug In Day and expanded to involve an entire week in 2014 in response to the growing popularity of EVs.
More than 170 National Drive Electric Week events are scheduled to occur across the United States and Canada during the week of Sept. 10-18. The North Texas event is expected to be among the largest such gatherings in the nation. Denmark, Hong Kong, Croatia and New Zealand also are set to host NDEW gatherings, according to the National Drive Electric Week website.
More information and registration details can be found at www.dfwcleancities.org/ndew.