| SANTA BARBARA — The Los Padres Chapter Sierra Club and the Community Environmental Council (CEC) are proud to sponsor two local events during National Drive Electric Week (September 14-22). These free public showcases feature the latest electric vehicles and information on the benefits of driving electric.
The host organizations are actively seeking more electric car owners to showcase their vehicles, and those interested can register at the links below:
Solvang Electric Car Show – Saturday, September 14
10 a.m. – 3 p.m.
City Parking Lot 1
470 Alisal Rd.
Register at: https://driveelectricweek.org/1980
Goleta Electric Car Show – Sunday, September 15
10 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Camino Real Marketplace next to Sunday Farmer’s Market
7004 Marketplace Dr.
Register at: https://driveelectricweek.org/2027
These events offer the public a chance to get inside a wide variety of electric vehicles (EVs), from fully electric cars to plug-in hybrid SUVs, without the pressure of a car dealership. Information will be available about cash rebates, grants, tax credits and other incentives that significantly reduce the cost of used, new, or leased EVs.
Attendees can bring questions about EVs to the knowledgeable owners with the Santa Barbara County EV Advocates and the Community Environmental Council’s team of experts. Local EV owners will be available to share their experience and give guidance so others can find the perfect EV for their transportation needs.
‘Condor’ John Hankins from the Los Padres Sierra Club will is excited to spread the word about clean vehicle benefits, including his own experience driving electric. He said, “The electric car is the future. It is so quiet, the acceleration is amazing, and it drives better than any of the cars I’ve ever had. Hankins added, “The bonus is the satisfied feeling that most of my transportation comes from the sun, via solar panels on my roof.”
The public is also encouraged to take individual action toward climate goals before or during the events by signing a petition in support of streamlined permitting for EV chargers at https://www.electricdrive805.org/streamlined-permitting/.
“A rapid transition to electric vehicles requires a big infrastructure shift, and streamlined permitting will help our region compete for millions of dollars in new state funding to build more EV charging stations at public destinations, workplaces, and multifamily apartments,” stated Michael Chiacos, CEC’s Climate and Energy Program Director, who himself drives a Tesla Model S.
Chiacos continued, “Ultimately, the shift to electric vehicles is about creating a liveable climate and a sustainable world. Since most of California’s greenhouse gas emissions come from transportation, moving our cities and households to clean fuel cars is critical to meeting state and local climate goals.”
Sigrid Wright, CEO of CEC, added, “Along with clear pathways to cleaner air, financial savings, and climate action, electric vehicles offer key climate justice solutions. A swift move to clean fuel technology helps reduce the burden of pollution that rests disproportionately on those with lower income levels and communities of color.”
Chiacos and Wright also commented on how encouraging it is to see local governments taking note of the need for clean transportation. In recent months their organization, CEC, has led successful efforts with the Counties of Santa Barbara and Ventura and the City of Santa Barbara to take concrete steps to transition to electric vehicle fleets.
Those interested in learning more about moving their home, workplace, or city to clean transportation are encouraged to visit ElectricDrive805.org, a coalition led by CEC that works to increase access to electric vehicles. To stay informed about the latest in incentives, policies, and ways to help the movement, sign up at https://www.electricdrive805.org/contact-us/.
Other National Drive Electric Week events happening in our region include:
San Luis Obispo Electric Car Test Drive – Saturday, September 14
10 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Madonna Inn
100 Madonna Inn Rd.
Register at: https://driveelectricweek.org/1597
Ventura Electric Car Show + Test Drive – Tuesday, September 17
10 a.m. – 2 p.m.
County of Ventura Government Center
800 South Victoria Ave., Parking Lot G
Register at: https://driveelectricweek.org/1976
San Luis Obispo Electric Car Show – Thursday, September 19
6:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.
San Luis Obispo Farmers’ Market
Morro Street
Register at: https://driveelectricweek.org/1923
San Luis Obispo Electric Car Show – Sunday, September 22
9:30 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Channel Islands Harbor, West Channel Park
3600 Harbor Blvd.
Register at: https://driveelectricweek.org/1592 |
Car shows (Sept. 14-22) highlight cost-saving and environmental benefits of electric cars