NORWAY — The Center for an Ecology-Based Economy and the Maine Electric Vehicle Association will hold their fourth annual Electric Vehicle Expo from noon to 4 p.m. Saturday, Sept., 15, at the Oxford Hills Comprehensive High School
Three solar-powered Level 2 electric vehicle chargers will be available, and many other chargers are available in the area.
Visitors will have the opportunity to drive the latest electric vehicles, as well as pre-owned electric vehicles with area car dealerships. They can also view and ride in privately-owned ones, including three Tesla models.
Electric-assist bicycles will be featured, provided by the Green Machine Bike Shop, Cyclemania and local eBike enthusiasts.
Thanks to the Natural Resources Council of Maine, test drivers and riders will be rewarded with a food voucher redeemable with Riverside Lodge & Pub or Worth the Wait Barbecue who will offering food for sale at the event.
Electric vehicle owners and experts will speak about their experiences, the statewide plan to increase charging infrastructure utilizing the Volkswagen Settlement Funds, and CEBE’s Western Maine Charging Network. The network has seen new chargers installed in Poland, Hebron and Bethel, and solar-powered charging in downtown Norway, as well as the area’s first public off-grid solar-powered charger at Roberts Farm Preserve. Additional chargers will be installed in Fryeburg, Buckfield and Bethel.
Prizes will be auctioned, including four Nokian Tires worth up to $1,000 depending on the car, including winter tires, and electric vehicle service vouchers from Paris Autobarn, which is sponsoring the event with Sierra Club Maine and Lee Auto Malls.
“I am excited about the dozens of new electric vehicles, either on the market now or coming to market soon,” said Adam Lee of Lee Auto Malls. “We now have electric cars that are affordable, fun to drive, and go over 200 miles on a single charge.”
Tony Giambro, owner and chief sustainability officer of Paris Autobarn, and Maine Electric Vehicle Association president, said, “Electric vehicles are the future. Not only do they reduce pollution in our communities, but electric vehicles are the best solution we have to combating climate change while maintaining our mobility, especially when you charge them with renewable energy. They are also less expensive to operate and require very little maintenance.”
“Last year we saw close to 300 people come out to the Expo,” said Zizi Vlaun, communications director at CEBE and one of the event’s organizers. “It’s a really fun day,” she added.
To learn more or to volunteer at the Expo, call CEBE at 207-739-2101 or contact them at info@ecologybasedeconomy.org.
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