UMass Electric Car Drive and Ride Day draws crowds of interested UMass and off-campus participants at a day-long event on April 24, 2019, during Earth Day week. Electric Vehicle test drivers, including UMass Amherst Chancellor Subbaswamy, took more than 160 rides in some of the newest electric vehicles on the market. They experienced the future of transportation behind the wheel of all-electric vehicles (EVs) and plug-in hybrids from Ford, Chevy, Hyundai, Mercedes Benz, Nissan, VW, and Tesla!
Over two dozen participants attended a special EV workshop on site as well to learn more about costs, mileage range, rebates and incentives like the 20% electric car discount in UMass parking fees and discounted use of UMass EV charging stations. With all the state, federal, and dealer incentives, the extended mileage range between charge, and reduced maintenance, the costs to purchase and drive EVs today is on par with gas- powered vehicles or sometimes less.
Nearly 20 other EV owners whose cars were on display also provided first-hand experience and knowledge to attendees. UMass employees were granted up to 2-hours of release time to participate in this EV day. The event was co-sponsored by the Partnership for Worker Education, UMass Transit Services, UMass Parking Services, Sustainable UMass, and the Pioneer Valley Electric Automobile Association.
What an electric car day at UMass Amherst Transit Services! See more photos here.