Test drive variety of electric vehicles, build and race solar model cars at Talent ride and drive event
TALENT, Ore. — Have you ever wondered what it’s like to drive an electric vehicle? Now is your chance to find out. Join Talent Maker City – a nonprofit community makerspace, Rogue Valley Clean Cities Coalition and Pacific Power for a free electric vehicle ride and drive event on Jan. 18 at the Talent Maker City building located at 304 E Main St. Attendees will have the opportunity to test drive a variety of electric vehicles and learn how Pacific Power is connecting Oregon electric vehicles throughout the state with new fast chargers.
“We’re excited to partner with Talent Maker City and Rogue Valley Clean Cities Coalition for this event so people can experience electric vehicles first-hand and learn about our state-wide electric vehicle charging station initiative,” said Christina Kruger, regional business manager for Pacific Power. “More electric chargers make it more convenient for drivers to go electric, and that’s the on-ramp to lower carbon emissions. At Pacific Power, we’re increasing our investments in renewable energy and vehicle electrification to ensure we’re meeting the clean energy and transportation needs of our customers.”
In November, Pacific Power awarded a $100,000 grant to the City of Talent to help build new Level 2 charging stations and Level 3 fast chargers. The chargers will be located in downtown Talent on Seiber St.
Kids can get in on all the buzz around electric vehicles too, according to Ryan Wilcoxson, executive director for Talent Maker City. “People learn best through hands-on activities and that’s one reason we’re looking forward to helping kids build solar vehicle models at the ride and drive event. This activity incorporates each element of STEAM and is a lot of fun to do. Building the solar cars then racing them on the track we’ll have available is a great way to learn the science behind sunlight converting to electricity.”
The Grotto Pizzeria will have complimentary light refreshments available for attendees.
Event information
Pop-Up Electric Vehicle Ride & Drive Event
Talent Maker City (304 E Main St., Talent, Ore.)
Saturday, January 18, 2020 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Sponsored by:
- Talent Maker City
- Rogue Valley Clean Cities Coalition
- The Grotto Pizzeria
- Pacific Power
Event partners:
- Southern Oregon Hybrid Electric Vehicles Association
- TC Chevy
- Rogue Valley Transportation District
- Forth Mobility
- 3Degrees
- City of Talent