It’s National Drive Electric Week, and to celebrate, the Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management (DEM), Green Energy Consumers Alliance, and the Ocean State Clean Cities Coalition (OSCCC) are hosting Drive Green at the Park.

This family-friendly event will be held this Saturday, Sept. 30, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., near the park offices (the barn) at Colt State Park. Come take a test drive in an electric vehicle and chat with experienced electric car drivers while the kids enjoy face painting, a trunk-or-treat, and lawn games.

The transportation sector is responsible for approximately 40% of Rhode Island’s greenhouse gas emissions and is a major source of smog, particulate matter, and hazardous air pollutants. In May, Rhode Island became the eighth state to propose the adoption the Advanced Clean Cars and Advanced Clean Trucks standards to rein in carbon pollution. Once fully implemented, this policy will help RI achieve net-zero emissions by 2050. Transportation is also a primary driver of climate change.

National Drive Electric Week, held from Sept. 22 to Oct. 1 this year, is an annual, nationwide celebration to raise awareness of the many benefits of all-electric and plug-in hybrid cars, trucks, motorcycles, and more. Test drive type events are being held across the country, helping raise awareness and exposure to electric vehicles and plug-in hybrids.

Participating car dealerships will supply EVs for test driving.
If you wish to test drive, you will have to bring your license and sign a waiver at the time of the event at the registration booth. Test drive slots typically last 15 minutes.

EV owners are also welcome. There will be a car show comprising of EV enthusiast cars, not available for test driving, but welcome to participate in the trunk-or-treat. Candy and some decorations will be provided.

Consumers curious about EVs can learn more about rebates and incentives by visiting www.drive.ri.gov. View DEM's Electric Vehicles Map to see how many EVs are being driven near you and for locations of charging stations around the state.

For more details on this event and to register, please visit driveelectricweek.org/event?eventid=4050.