Are you thinking about buying or leasing an electric car, scooter, or bicycle, or interested in learning about the benefits of EV ownership? Come to the second annual Electric Car and E-Bike Fair on Saturday, October 3 from 1:00 – 4:00 pm at the Marlboro College Graduate School, 28 Vernon Street in downtown Brattleboro. A wide range of all-electric and plug-in hybrid cars, along with electric-assisted bikes, cargo bikes and electric scooters will be on display, with many available for test rides. Electric vehicle owners and local dealers will be on hand to answer questions, and table displays will provide information on electric vehicles. At 2:30 pm, local bike enthusiast Dave Cohen will offer a talk on the benefits of electric and cargo bikes.
Over half of all Vermont communities have plug-in electric vehicles registered. Owners spend the equivalent of $1 per gallon of gas to charge their vehicles, while saving $1,200 or more on annual maintenance costs. EV purchasers are eligible for up to $7,500 in federal tax credits. Electric vehicles accelerate faster than most equivalent gas-powered vehicles, and have increased traction for winter driving due to the weight of the batteries. EVs are quiet, produce zero tailpipe emissions, and can be powered with renewable energy. If all Vermont cars were electric, Vermont residents would save over $800 million in gasoline costs every year.
Electric bikes are unparalleled in their energy efficiency and profoundly expand the range, carrying capacity (children and cargo), hill climbing ease, comfort and the overall utility of biking. Additionally, a cargo bike with an e-assist system can be a replacement for an automobile for many local transportation needs. With the popularity of e-bikes and e-cargo bikes rising throughout the nation there is a growing recognition of the significant physical and mental benefits of being physically engaged in our transportation, as well as making our communities profoundly more livable . E-assist batteries are easily charged at home or in the office and can take a rider as far as 60 miles.
The Electric Car and E-Bike Fair is free and open to the public, sponsored by Brattleboro Climate Protection, VBike, the Brattleboro Energy Committee, and the Marlboro College Graduate School. Food and refreshments will be available.
