Tailgates and Transportation – Kicking Off National Drive Electric Month with EV Displays
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By: Caroline Gura, Event Planning Intern, Clean Transportation
Each year, National Drive Electric Month serves as a nationwide celebration of the various forms of electric transportation. To participate, the NC Clean Energy and Technology Center takes an unrivaled approach: EV demonstration events outside local college football games.
This year’s demonstrations took place Sept. 11 at the N.C. State vs. Richmond game, and Sept. 18 at the Wake Forest vs. Miami game. The Sept. 11 event included dazzling light shows from the Tesla Model Y and Cybertruck, and the Sept. 18 event was a full-on tailgate with food from Catawba College cooked on EV-powered electric griddles, both highlighting the fun side of electric vehicles.
Other vehicles displayed include a 2012 Tesla Model S, a 2023 Ford Mustang MachE GT, two Ford Lightnings, a 2022 Nissan Leaf, a Catawba GO Volkswagen ID. Buzz, and more!
As 2012 Tesla Model S owner Jon Strickland explains, “It’s important to increase local awareness, just to get [electric vehicles] in front of people and show them that they’re out there. I’ve had a lot of people still surprised that this is a 2012; they just don’t realize that EV’s have been out on the road for over 14 years. It highlights their longevity, knowing that people are using them and driving them.”
Volunteers from public agencies, private dealerships, and the general public all provided vehicles that serve them or their organizations. Passersby who were tailgating or heading into the football game got to speak with volunteers and learn for themselves how electric vehicles are practical not only for occasional driving, but for day-to-day use as well. One visitor, a student from Catawba College, noted: “It’s really cool that everyone can actually get a look at them firsthand!”
The Center hopes these displays and conversations allow attendees to take home a powerful message: with longer ranges, faster charging, and lower running costs than gas vehicles, EVs have become a smart, savvy, and fun choice for many drivers.
To get more involved in National Drive Electric Month, be on the lookout for more upcoming events across North Carolina! Our next event will be the NC State University Centennial Campus Ride & Drive on Oct. 7 in Raleigh. This event will feature a Ride & Drive portion, meaning attendees will be able to test out electric vehicles for themselves. This event is free and open to the public, so if you missed out on our other displays, be sure to stop by!
Click here to register!