The nonprofit Plug In America designated Sept. 11 through Oct. 12 as National Drive Electric Month, and Ventura County residents will have several opportunities to see electric vehicles up close, talk with owners, learn about programs and incentives and even get behind the wheel.
“People can see the vehicles, ask questions about charging, costs, road trips and maintenance, and decide for themselves whether an (electric vehicle) might work for them,” said Kent Bullard, representative of Electric Vehicle Advocates of Ventura County. “National Drive Electric Month gives people a chance to get answers from actual owners instead of relying on rumors or internet debates.”
While many discussions about electric vehicles focus on passenger cars, electrification
is increasingly applied to larger vehicles as well. School districts throughout California are adding electric buses, and manufacturers are developing electric delivery trucks and work vehicles.
Locally, the Port of Hueneme is developing solutions for the challenge of charging heavy hauling vehicles. Ports are often a concentrated source of air pollution, but according to Giles Pettifor, director of environment and sustainability, the port is building zero-emission infrastructure with $42 million in funds from the U.S. EPA and $10.4 million from the Ventura County Transportation Commission and the Volkswagen Environmental Mitigation Trust.
Approximately $8 million of the grants will fund battery electric big rigs, and additional money will fund charging infrastructure to move cargo from the port over the next three years.
The port will display an electric truck at its Sept. 26 Banana Festival, with more information on how local trucking companies can benefit from the port’s electric charging infrastructure. From 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Banana Festival visitors will also enjoy food, entertainment, and port tours.
An electric vehicle showcase and educational booths staffed by volunteers from the Electric Vehicle Advocates of Ventura County will discuss ownership experiences and recent developments in electric transportation.
The largest local gathering for Drive Electric Month is expected to be the Ventura Harbor Electric Vehicle Showcase from 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. on Oct. 4 at Ventura Harbor Village at 1583 Spinnaker Drive. Organizers anticipate more than 100 electric vehicles representing a wide range of manufacturers and vehicle types.
Visitors may see everything from compact commuter cars and electric motorcycles to pickup trucks and commercial vehicles. The event will also include information about energy-saving programs, incentives and home charging options.
For those who want more interaction, Drive Electric Ventura, will be at Ventura Unified School District, 255 W. Stanley Ave. Ventura. On Oct. 17 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., the event will offer ride-and-drive opportunities, allowing participants to experience electric vehicles firsthand. The event will also feature a resource fair covering rebates, charging infrastructure, electricity rates, used EVs and leasing options.
Local events conclude on Oct. 18 at the Thousand Oaks Rotary Club Street Fair, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Moorpark Road between Hillcrest Drive and Wilbur Road. Electric vehicle owners will display their cars and discuss the benefits and challenges of ownership. Visitors can learn about available incentives and programs.
Of course, driving electric is only one part of the environmental equation. The most sustainable mile is the one never driven.
A lesson from the field of recycling is relevant to the electrification of transportation. Reusing products, repairing items, donating usable goods, composting food scraps at home, choosing durable products and not buying in the first place is even better than recycling.
Similarly, ridesharing, using a bus or train, combining errands and bicycling are better than driving a car of any type.
Environmental progress often comes from a combination of better technology and smarter choices.
David Goldstein, environmental resource analyst with the Ventura County Public Works Agency, may be reached at david.goldstein@ventura.org or 805-658-4312.
This article originally appeared on Ventura County Star: Locals can learn about EVs at Drive Electric Month events | Eco-tip
