Birmingham’s first National Drive Electric Expo – featuring a “dancing Tesla”
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Yesterday, Birmingham held it’s first National Drive Electric Week electric vehicle expo on the campus of UAB.
More than 30 electric vehicles were put on display for the community to learn more about the variety of electric vehicles on the market, charging stations, maintenance needs and costs, and incentives available for those who purchase them.
The event featured a “dancing” Tesla (by the 30 second mark focus on the doors and the rear-view mirrors – no one is in the car), and vehicles from Nissan, Mercedes, BMW, Chevrolet, Ford, Toyota, Tesla and Chevy, ZERO (motorcycles).
Hosted by UAB Sustainability, along with the City of Birmingham, Alabama Clean Fuels Coalition, Alabama Power Company, Southern Research and Birmingham’s Zero Emissions Owners Group, the event was attended by a couple of hundred electric vehicle enthusiasts on the UAB campus.
“This is the first time Birmingham has participated in the National Drive Electric Week. Events are being held across the country at 270 plus locations,” stated Mark Bentley, Executive Director of the Alabama Clean Fuels Coalition. “It provides a venue for folks to “kick the tires” and ask questions.”
Along with the cars, the coalition recognized Publix Store 1520 at Midtown and CCR Architecture and Interiors for their efforts in expanding electric vehicle infrastructure in Birmingham.
“When CCR Architects and Interiors designed 20 Midtown, they had the forethought to install electric vehicle charging stations in the parking deck for residents,” said Julie Price, coordinator of sustainability at UAB. “Publix Store 1520, which is also located at 20 Midtown, installed charging stations that are free for all customers. Efforts like this are helpful in increasing EV infrastructure so owners don’t have range anxiety when traveling and in increasing awareness about the availability of electric vehicles.”
The awards were presented by Birmingham City Councilors Sheila Tyson and Valerie Abbott.
Learn More
Alabama’s “go to” place for information about electric vehicles, charging stations and the future of alternative fuels is the Alabama Clean Fuels Coalition. Visit their website to learn about all the emerging technologies.
