Zip Around Town In An Electric Vehicle On Plug In Day

Have you seen or heard about plug-in vehicles but don’t know much about them? Plug In Day will give you an opportunity to learn more and take a test drive to see what the buzz is about.

Plug in Day is a nationwide celebration of cars, trucks and motorcycles that are fueled by electricity (storing all of their energy in batteries) or plug-in hybrids (using batteries as well as a gas engine). Plug in vehicles are less expensive to fuel and maintain, as well as better for the environment compared with those that use only gasoline.

Events will take place at 88 locations across the U.S., with two in the Tampa Bay region: September 28 in Temple Terrace and September 29 in Sarasota. At the national level, events are coordinated by Plug In America, Sierra Club and Electric Auto Association, with activities being coordinated by local partners.  

"Together these events really aim to draw attention to the environmental and economic benefits of the electric vehicle," says Britten Cleveland, conservation organizer for the Sierra Club in Tampa Bay.

The highlight of both events will be ride and drives, encouraging people to bring in their plug in vehicles for others to test drive, and see for themselves how beneficial the cars can be.

Plug in vehicles have a measurable reduction on oil use and air population, providing positive implications for health and the environment.

"It’s all about reducing our dependence on oil and reducing emissions from tail pipes," says Cleveland.

With the theme “Electrify the Island,” the Sarasota event will also feature a sustainability expo, food vendors and music.

The Temple Terrace event will feature green technology organizations, solar companies and other like-minded organizations.

Event partners include Mote Marine Laboratory and Aquarium, the City of Sarasota, Sarasota County, Tampa Bay Clean Cities Coalition and USF Patel College of Global Sustainability.

Writer: Megan Hendricks
Source: Britten Cleveland, Sierra Club