Electric vehicle festival takes over Chattanooga State
CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) — The Chattanooga Drive Electric Festival took over Chattanooga State Saturday, September 30, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Car enthusiasts along with newcomers were able to experience electric vehicles for free.
“Sustainability is in our DNA. It’s not just the right thing to do for the planet, it’s the right thing to do for our economy here locally,” Mayor of Chattanooga Tim Kelly said.
Chattanooga State partnered with Drive Electric Scenic City and local EV operators to promote sustainability along with the college’s new EV programs.
Attendees were able to check out electric vehicles, including a wide range of plug-in hybrid and battery cars, trucks, motorcycles, and bicycles.
Chief Advocate Dave Graham of Drive Electric Scenic City shared some of the benefits of converting to electric vehicles.
“Electric vehicles utilize 60% less fuel costs than fully internal combustion engines. And that’s because it’s electric… I charge it [car] two or three times a month. My car goes about 250 miles on a charge. And my bill for charging my car every month with EPB is $10-15. So, however much gas you put in your car a month, equate that,” Graham said.
Participating organizations provided exciting and educational EV experiences for guests.
SWIN CAR gave free EV rides in their European vehicle.
The festival was held in celebration of ‘National Drive Electric Week.’
“This transition to electric is just common sense for our area. We don’t have any oil rigs around here if you haven’t noticed. We do have the opportunity however, to be the buckle of the battery belt and the supply chain that extends around the electric vehicle industry,” Kelly said.
Drive Electric Scenic City is a resource for people of all ages.
Graham mentioned that they extend their help to students, organizations, and people who are just interested in learning more about sustainability.
“My number one purpose, principle for doing this is to address climate change and global warming. I like the car, it’s fun to drive, I’m saving a lot of money… but it’s global change,” Graham said.
