Birmingham electric vehicle owners answer questions at NDEW EVent

Extract from the Tribune staff reports

BIRMINGHAM – National Drive Electric Week, which runs from September 25 to October 3 of this year, is a nationwide celebration aimed at raising awareness of the benefits of cars, trucks, motorcycles and other all-electric and plug-in hybrid vehicles. Three NDEW events have taken place in Alabama this year – today in Birmingham, last Wednesday in Auburn and Saturday, September 25 in Huntsville.

EV owner Adrian Gonzalez (left) talks about his Tesla during the National Drive Electric Week event at Market at Pepper Place in Birmingham on Saturday, October 2, 2021. (Photo by the Alabama Clean Fuels Coalition)

Adrian Gonzalez often hears questions about charging his Tesla.

Gonzalez provided extensive answers on charging and other electric vehicle (EV) topics during the National Drive Electric Week EVent on Saturday at Pepper Place Market in Birmingham. He was one of some two dozen electric vehicle owners who spoke one-on-one with visitors and showed off their cars.

“There are a lot of questions about the range – where you charge, how you charge, how long you need to charge,” said Gonzalez, a Birmingham resident. “This seems to be an issue that is on everyone’s mind. “

Gonzalez, like most EV owners, charges almost exclusively at home and rarely needs a booster outside the home, which most motorists don’t know, he added. .

Nissan Leaf owner Tony Nichols said he often talks about “misinformation” about electric vehicles, especially vehicle horsepower. For example, most people don’t realize that electric vehicles have instantaneous grip and acceleration.

“This is what makes the car fun to drive,” said Nichols, a Birmingham resident. “When I’m at a red light, I think no one has beaten me, except maybe the Tesla.”

Gonzalez added, “This instant couple is what surprises people. It’s like a roller coaster. I saw people get into my car and they screamed like it was a roller coaster.

Birmingham-based Autocar showcased one of its new electric terminal tractors during the National Drive Electric Week event at Market at Pepper Place in Birmingham on Saturday, October 2, 2021. (Photo by the Alabama Clean Fuels Coalition)

Testimonials from Gonzalez and Nichols illustrate why NDEW events can be beneficial for anyone considering an electric vehicle, said Mark Bentley, executive director of the Alabama Clean Fuels Coalition. Research shows that most Alabamians have never driven an EV, but many want and find EV owners to be the most reliable source of information.

Visitors to Birmingham’s NDEW event drove through a variety of electric vehicles on display, with owners showcasing models from Audi, BMW, Chevrolet, Kia, Nissan, Volvo and Volkswagen. The cars on display have covered more than a million kilometers driven, according to the organizers of the event.

“Nothing really replaces talking to real electric vehicle owners who can talk about their real experiences of driving an electric vehicle every day, how and when they charge them and how much money they save,” he said. said Bentley. “It is essential that we continue to educate people about the many benefits that electric vehicles offer as more and more of them are on the roads of Alabama. “

Birmingham-based Autocar, one of the world’s leading heavy-duty truck manufacturers, also showcased one of its new electric terminal tractors, and Max Transit showcased an all-electric bus.

Saturdays EVent was co-sponsored by the Alabama Clean Fuels Coalition, UAB Sustainability, Alabama Power Company, City of Birmingham, Drive Electric Alabama and the Zero Emissions Owners Group (ZEOG).

A Chevy Bolt was one of the cars on display at the National Drive Electric Week event at the Market at Pepper Place in Birmingham on Saturday, October 2, 2021. (Photo by the Alabama Clean Fuels Coalition)

Most automakers have embraced the electric vehicle revolution and announced major investments in electric vehicle technology and manufacturing. End of September for example, Ford announced $ 11.4 billion investment to create new factories in Tennessee and Kentucky for electric vehicles and batteries to power vehicles. Ford also plans to start selling its all-electric F-150 Lightning pickup next year.

Alabama automakers, led by the Mercedes-Benz Tuscaloosa plant, have announced an estimated $ 1.88 billion investment in advanced automotive technology since 2018. Additionally, Alabama executives include the growing popularity of electric vehicles, especially ADECA’s latest efforts to significantly expand electric vehicle infrastructure.

Dozens of battery electric vehicle (BEV) or plug-in hybrid (PHEV) models are available. Newer electric vehicle models offer longer range and better performance than the original models, and some start in the average price range of $ 20,000, and consumers may be eligible for a federal tax credit of up to $ 20,000. go up to $ 7,500.

About the Alabama Clean Fuels Coalition

Alabama Clean Fuels Coalition serves as the primary focal point for clean fuels, alternative fuels and advanced technology activities in Alabama. The ACFC was incorporated in 2002 as an Alabama 501c3 nonprofit, received the Clean Cities Program designation from the U.S. Department of Energy in 2009, and was renamed in 2014. A national network of nearly 100 Clean Cities coalitions brings together stakeholders from the public and private sectors. deploy alternative and renewable fuels, idling reduction measures, fuel economy improvements and emerging transportation technologies. To learn more, visit www.alabamacleanfuels.com.

Comments are closed.