Electric vehicle mobile showcase stops in Astoria this Wednesday

ASTORIA, Ore. — North Coast residents looking to learn the latest about electric vehicles have a free opportunity coming this Wednesday when the Go Forth Mobile Showcase makes its inaugural stop in town. The showcase is made available through a partnership between Pacific Power and Forth, supported by the Oregon Clean Fuels Program.

The mobile showcase arrives at the Astoria Food Hub at 1152 Marine Dr. Astoria on Sept. 29 between 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Visitors can test drive a Tesla Model Y or a Volkswagen ID4, visit the mobile center outfitted with touch screen monitors showing public chargers around Oregon, and talk with on-site experts who can use an “EV Finder” tool designed to match drivers to their ideal EV, based on their lifestyle and budget. There is no cost to attend, although visitors wishing to test drive a vehicle need to sign up in advance to allow for COVID-19 safety protocols. Signups are available here.

“In honor of National Drive Electric Week, we’re giving North Coast residents a sneak peek of the brand-new Go Forth Mobile Showcase, ahead of our 2022 statewide tour,” said Steven Alaman, program manager with Forth, a nonprofit organization focused on EV education. “It’s a perfect opportunity to stop by to learn all about finding, driving and charging an electric car – in one convenient location.”

The project is funded through a $194,500 Pacific Power Oregon Clean Fuels Grant which supports the traveling learning center that is designed to reach the communities it serves throughout the state. It’s one of 11 in a series of grants already awarded by Pacific Power, totaling $1.3 million. 

“Pacific Power is helping our customers and communities move into the future of electric mobility, especially in the small towns we serve, like here on the North Coast” said Alisa Dunlap, Pacific Power regional business manager for the North Coast. “Through our electric mobility grants, we’re helping to support the growth and vitality of our communities and connect them to a 21st Century energy and transportation system and emissions-free living. We’re doing this in a variety of ways through electric school buses, bikes, tractors, as well as cars and EV charging.”