PORT TOWNSEND — Do you have questions about electric vehicles?
The Chamber of Jefferson County aims to provide answers during its inaugural EV Expo from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Oct. 8 at the chamber office at 2409 Jefferson St., Port Townsend.
The expo is “designed to showcase your community’s commitment to sustainability and fabulous new technology, programs and plans along with great food and fun,” said Arlene Alen, chamber executive director, in a press release.
“People with interest in EVs will have an opportunity to learn more from the experts as well as real people who own and love their EVs,” she continued in the release.
A dozen to perhaps as many as two dozen vehicles will be on display for visitors to look over, Alen said during a Friday interview.
The vehicles won’t be only cars. Two trucks used in businesses also are expected, as well as e-bikes and trikes, an RV and camper, a tractor and a taxi, Alen said. The chamber also hopes to get a boat for the show.
“We will show what we have now,” she said.
Four panels of experts are planned.
One will be a collection of EV owners talking about their experiences both “in life and in business,” Alen said.
Another will deal with financing. A third will be devoted to “charging myths and miracles.”
And a fourth panel will address the carbon footprint and sustainability. The latter will be members of Local 20/20 “talking about how it makes a difference,” Alen said.
“They are a fountain of information,” she added.
Local 20/20 is one of the agencies that are partnering with the chamber to produce the event. Also involved are the city of Port Townsend, Jefferson County Public Utility District and Jefferson Transit.
In August, Gov. Jay Inslee announced Washington’s plans to phase out the sale of gasoline-powered cars by 2035. In preparation for the change, the state is taking on initiatives to make it easier for people to transition to using electric cars.
“The timing is perfect,” Alen said, adding that the expo is “aligned with the mission of the city and county.”
“Our state and others are demanding that we migrate in this direction.”
Visitors to the expo will receive information about how to choose the right EV and what it costs, to buy it, to charge it and to replace batteries.
Visitors also can ask about how EVs work and have any fears they may have addressed, Alen said.
“There are a lot of resources we’re bringing to the table,” she said.
“There are so many knowledgable people.”
Exhibiting and participating in informational panels will be representatives of Wilder Automotive, Power Trip Energy Corp, Frederickson Electric, The Recyclery, A Taxi Cab Company, ZEV Co-Op and other EV industry partners.
“It is the direction our universe is going, and it’s here now,” Alen said.
“This is a great opportunity to touch, feel and explore these new opportunities.”
For additional information, visit the chamber’s website at www.jeffcountychamber.org or phone 360-385-7869.
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Executive Editor Leah Leach can be reached at 360-417-3530 or at [email protected].
