Fremont to Host Free Electric Vehicle Test-Drive Event

OAKLAND, CA -- Aug. 4, 2014: The "Experience Electric – The Better Ride" campaign will offer free test drives of the latest electric vehicles (EVs) on Saturday, August 9, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Pacific Commons Shopping Center at 43484 Boscell Road in Fremont.

The ride-and-drive event will feature the yet-to-be-released Volkswagen E-Golf and electric modified trucks and vans from Via Motors, as well as the Nissan Leaf, Fiat 500e and several EV models from Ford. Licensed drivers can try out the EVs on a first-come, first-served basis and feel the differences between driving with electricity versus driving a gas-powered car. Those taking test drives will receive a free giveaway and a free lunch from Firehouse Subs at Pacific Commons.

"Test-driving at a dealer's showroom can be a bit intimidating, but there's no pressure or sales hype at our events," said Jordan DiGiorgio, Experience Electric project manager. "Most everyone has seen an EV on the road or in ads, but this is a chance to try one out, have some fun and feel the electric experience."

The Experience Electric campaign is a joint initiative of MTC, the Bay Area Air Quality Management District and a consortium of EV organizations including the Center for Sustainable Energy, Plug In America and Charge Across Town. The campaign's goal is to increase EV adoption in the Bay Area's nine counties. Accelerating EV use is a key strategy for state and local governments to reduce emissions from gas-powered vehicles, improve air quality and achieve goals for curbing greenhouse emissions.

To learn more about Experience Electric and future ride-and-drive events, visit Facebook, the Better Ride or Experience Electric .