South Valley residents curious about electric vehicles will have a chance to test drive some models and learn more about clean travel tech at Gilroy’s first EV Ride and Drive event on June 27.
The free event, organized by Silicon Valley Clean Energy and Breathe California, will run from 10:30am-2:30pm on the Gilroy Civic Center grounds, 7351 Rosanna St. in Gilroy.
Attendees will be able to drive a variety of electric vehicles, speak with local EV owners about their experiences and receive assistance applying for available rebates and incentives, says a press release from SVCE. The event will also include live music, food trucks, face painting for children and raffle prizes.
The goal of the event is to provide a low-pressure, family-friendly setting where residents can learn about electric vehicles and ask questions before making a purchasing decision, SVCE representatives said.
According to SVCE, transportation remains one of the region’s largest sources of air pollution, with gasoline-powered vehicles accounting for more than half of local air pollution emissions. The agency says switching to electric vehicles can help reduce those emissions while also lowering fuel and maintenance costs for many drivers.
Representatives from Breathe California will be available to discuss air quality and health benefits associated with electric transportation. Local EV owners are also expected to participate.
Silicon Valley Clean Energy is a community-owned public agency that provides electricity from renewable and carbon-free sources to more than 280,000 customers in 13 Santa Clara County jurisdictions, says the press release. Breathe California is a nonprofit organization focused on lung health, air quality and clean transportation initiatives.
For more information, visit svcleanenergy.org/.
