National Drive Electric Week
Auburn Drive Electric Week EVent
Auburn, AL
Sep 29, 2021

Event Report

Electric vehicles take center stage at Wednesday night EVent in Auburn

AUBURN, Ala. – Did you know a majority of Americans have little, if any, experience driving or riding in an electric vehicle?

Even as automobile manufacturers announce major investments in EVs, most motorists have questions about how far EVs can travel on a single charge, how often and where EVs are charged, and how much money is saved by switching from gasoline to electric.

EV owners answered those questions during Wednesday’s National Drive Electric Week EVent at Auburn University, which allowed one-on-one conversations with anyone wanting to know more and learn about them.

I’ve probably gotten gas a half a dozen times in the two years I’ve had this car,” said Auburn resident Charles Branch, who showed off his Honda Clarity plug-in hybrid. “I use it mostly for around town and charge it at night.”

David Radzieta, a Birmingham resident standing next to his Nissan Leaf, said he bought his first electric vehicle about a decade ago and estimates he saves $3,000 annually on gas and maintenance costs compared to when he drove a gasoline-powered pick-up truck.

Wednesday’s EVent was co-sponsored by the Alabama Clean Fuels Coalition, Auburn Sustainability, Alabama Power Company, Energy Alabama, Drive Electric Alabama and Auburn Parking Services.

Just this week, Ford announced an $11.4 billion investment to create new factories in Tennessee and Kentucky for EVs and batteries to power the vehicles.

Alabama automakers, led by Mercedes-Benz’s plant in Tuscaloosa, have announced an estimated $1.88 billion in new investments in advanced vehicle technology since 2018.

The EV revolution is coming, and NDEW EVents allow consumers to educate themselves about the next generation of cars and trucks on American highways.

Visitors to Auburn’s NDEW EVent saw a variety of EVs on display, including models from Tesla, Nissan, Honda, Volkswagen and Chrysler. A total of 16 EV owners participated in the EVent.

“It’s clear that EVs provide major cost savings for motorists because driving on electricity is cheaper than fueling with gas, not to mention the lower maintenance costs associated with EVs,” Alabama Clean Fuels Coalition Executive Director Mark Bentley said. “What most people don’t realize is how fun EVs are to drive because of their amazing pick-up and acceleration. We know it’s critical to educate people, especially students, about the many benefits offer by EVs as they become more commonplace in places like Auburn.”

Dozens of battery electric (BEV) or plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV) models are currently available. Manufacturers continue to roll out new models. For example, Ford plans to begin selling its F-150 Lightning pick-up in 2022 and Chevy’s Silverado EV model is expected to be available in 2023.

Newer EV models boast much longer range and better performance than the original models, and some battery (BEV) or plug-in hybrid vehicle (PHEV) models start in the mid-$20,000 price range and consumers can be eligible for a federal tax credit of up to $7,500.

“In a few years we will look back in awe at the dramatic growth of electric vehicles on our highways and byways, so now is the time to learn what it’s all about,” said Mike Kensler, Director of the Office of Sustainability at Auburn University.

Another NDEW EVent is scheduled for Saturday at The Market at Pepper Place in Birmingham from 8 a.m. until noon, when motorists will have another chance to kick the tires and learn more about EVs.

National Drive Electric Week, which runs from Sept. 25 to Oct. 3 this year, is a nationwide observance to raise awareness of the benefits of all-electric and plug-in hybrid cars, trucks, motorcycles and other vehicles.

Event Description

Registered Attendees

There are currently 92 attendees registered.

Owners of These Vehicles Have Registered To Attend

Registered attendees report 233,168 electric miles driven.