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National Drive Electric Week (NDEW) is designed to spread the word about the many benefits of electric vehicles.
EV owners consistently report significant cost savings on fuel and maintenance, while also raving about the enjoyable driving experience.
“Anyone who has ever driven an EV can tell you about pressing the accelerator and immediately being pushed back into your seat like you’re riding a rollercoaster,” said Dale Holden, a Mobile resident and co-leader of the Bay Area Chapter of Drive Electric Alabama. “That fun factor often overshadows the real-world economic benefits that EV owners enjoy. You save money and have fun at the same time.”
How much do EV owners really save when no longer buying gas? How far can an EV travel on a single charge? Where do EV owners charge their vehicles? And what exactly is “instant torque?”
All of those questions and more can be answered during a series of showcase EVents from Sept. 22-30 across Alabama, all of which are sponsored by Drive Electric Alabama, the state’s public education campaign for EVs.
Here’s a look at the Alabama events that are part of National Drive Electric Week:
1) Drive Electric Alabama Auburn Area NDEW EV Showcase
When: Friday, Sept. 22, 5:30 to 7 p.m.
Where: Jay and Susie Gogue Performing Arts Center, 910 S. College St., Auburn
2) Drive Electric Alabama Bay Area NDEW EV Showcase
When: Monday, Sept. 25, 5 p.m. to 9 p.m.
Where: Mardi Gras Park, 109 Government St., Mobile
3) Drive Electric Alabama Birmingham Area NDEW EV Showcase
When: Saturday, Sept. 30, 8 a.m. to noon
Where: The Market at Pepper Place, 2930 Third Ave. S., Birmingham
4) Drive Electric Alabama North Alabama Area NDEW EV Showcase
When: Saturday, Sept. 30, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Where: MidCity District, 5909 University Drive, Huntsville
A selection of EVs will be on display at all of the EVents, which are free and open to the public, and EV owners will be on hand for one-on-one conversations.
In addition, any EV owner who wants to showcase a vehicle can register online at driveelectricalabama.com, where separate links to each showcase can be found on the “Resources & Events” page.
The NDEW EVents continue positive momentum surrounding EVs in Alabama. In August, the Alabama Department of Economic and Community Affairs (ADECA) announced its third round of state grants to fund construction of electric vehicle (EV) charging stations, totaling $1.2 million. That’s in addition to previous rounds of grant funding totaling $4.1 million in 2021 and another $2.45 million in 2022 to build EV charging stations throughout the state.
“A large percentage of Alabamians have still never driven an EV,” said Michael Staley, president of the Alabama Clean Fuels Coalition. “The EV owners who participate in these showcases have made the transition to electric and use their vehicles to get their kids to school, or take them to soccer practice, or to make a quick run to the grocery store. Who else would you want to ask about EVs? These Alabamians are using them every day.”
