Are you curious about all of the new electric vehicles (EVs) offered by car companies? Interested in finding out if an electric vehicle is right for you and your family? Now is your chance to learn more about EVs, as this year’s National Drive Electric Weekis here! The event, formerly known as National Plug-In Day, occurs from September 12-20, 2015. Over 160 events are planned across the country, highlighting electric vehicles through parades, vehicle showcases, ride-and-drive opportunities and awards galas.
Here are some highlights of EV-happenings in our region:
September 20: Don’t Miss Issaquah’s Drive Electric Week EV Rally
If you’re in Western Washington, stop by the XXX Root Beer in Issaquah for their Drive Electric Week event on Sunday, September 20. Over 50 EVs are expected to be on display, including Tesla Model S, Chevy Volts, Nissan LEAFs, BMW i3, among many others. It’s an excellent opportunity to check out EVs and learn more from current EV owners. Plus, there will be (electric) robots! This year’s National Drive Electric Week is shaping up to be the biggest yet, so don’t miss out!
West Coast Electric Fleets Launches Comprehensive New Website and Pledge Program
This summer marked the official launch of the West Coast Electric Fleets initiative. West Coast Electric Fleets helps fleet managers consider and adopt zero-emission vehicles. This voluntary program already has five fleets from Washington committed (all Western Washington Clean Cities stakeholders!), along with 15 from California, Oregon, and British Columbia.
The newly enhanced West Coast Electric Fleets website serves as a valuable resource for fleet managers to assess their current fleet, compare costs for adopting EVs, and find information about available incentives and resources. Another major component of the initiative is access to a network of fleet operators who are also in the process of implementing EVs in their fleet. Fleets that take the pledge have access to a valuable peer-to-peer network of other fleet managers to discuss challenges, lessons learned, and other industry best practices.
NRG EVgo Installs DC Fast Charging in Popular Shopping Centers
NRG EVgo is aggressively expanding its EV fast-charging infrastructure across the region (and country), doubling its network in just eight months.
Earlier this year, EVgo partnered with Simon Property Group to install new EV fast-charging stations at four local shopping malls. EV fast-charging stations can now be found at Tacoma Mall, Seattle Premium Outlet, North Bend Premium Outlets and Northgate Mall. These fast-chargers are able to recharge vehicles in 30 minutes or less, giving shoppers the comfort of knowing that they’ll drive away from the mall with a full charge, even if they’re stopping for a short time. Additional sites are in development – watch for news as those come online.
(Source: Inside EVs)
Kia Soul EV Goes on Sale in Washington
Another major automaker has decided to get in the EV game in Washington! The 2016 Kia Soul EV is slated to roll out in 20 Kia dealerships in Washington and Oregon. All 20 of the dealerships to sell theSoul EV are also installing Level 2 (240-volt) AC charging stations to offer free charging to customers, with 10 dealerships also installing DC fast-charging stations. The Kia Soul EV has an estimated driving range of 93 miles and touts excellent acceleration and drivability. Keep an eye out for these on a road near you in the coming months.
(Source: Green Car Reports)
With so much going on in the EV world, be sure to stay in touch with Western Washington Clean Cities for the latest news. You can find us on Facebook and Twitter as well. Happy Drive Electric Week!
- Western Washington Clean Cities