Electric Vehicles Spark Interest at Gilroy’s First Ride-and-Drive Event
On June 27, Gilroy hosted its inaugural ride-and-drive event, offering local residents a unique opportunity to experience electric vehicles (EVs) firsthand. The event, organized at Gilroy City Hall, was a collaborative effort by Silicon Valley Clean Energy (SVCE) and Breathe California, aiming to familiarize attendees with the latest in EV technology.
Throughout the day, participants had the chance to test drive a variety of EV models, including popular choices like the Tesla Model Y, Tesla Model 3, Hyundai IONIQ 5, and many more. Vehicles were available for testing from 10:30 am to 2:30 pm, with over 50 pre-registered participants and numerous walk-ins.
SVCE’s marketing lead, Raul Hernandez, emphasized the event’s focus on education over sales pressure. “We wanted people to be able to just go and not feel pressured to buy something,” Hernandez stated. “It’s more about learning what this technology is and how it works.”
SVCE, which offers rebates for income-qualified customers, is actively working to expand its reach in South County, according to Hernandez. The event also attracted EV enthusiasts eager to showcase their vehicles and discuss the benefits of going electric.
Among the attendees was Mike Trapp from San Jose, a long-time EV driver and volunteer ambassador, who brought his 2022 Ford F-150 Lightning Platinum. Trapp highlighted the advantages of EVs beyond environmental benefits, noting the quiet and enjoyable driving experience. “If you’ve ever driven an EV, you don’t want to go back to gas; they’re just too much fun,” he said.
Trapp, who also drives for Uber and Lyft, shared insights into the cost efficiency of electric vehicles, explaining that he charges his truck overnight at home, offering a full 300-mile range at a fraction of typical gasoline costs. Additionally, he noted the minimal maintenance required for EVs, such as replacing wipers and interior air filters.
A standout at the event was George Stuckert’s 1953 Studebaker Champion coupe, converted from gas to electric. Stuckert, a member of an EV enthusiast club since 2006, completed the transformation in five months, investing approximately $25,000. The vehicle now boasts a 100-mile range powered by a lithium battery pack from CATL.
Stuckert commented on the evolution of EV technology, stating, “Back in the day, it was only crazy people like me doing this stuff. Now there are over 20 manufacturers making electric cars.”
In addition to test drives, the event featured booths from Breathe California and the City of Gilroy, highlighting air quality benefits and local community projects. Attendees also enjoyed live music, food trucks, face painting, and raffle prizes, with participation from Casa de Cultura y Arte, a local nonprofit supporting Latino youth.
Hernandez expressed hopes for future events, stating, “We want to make sure people know what options are available. We want to do more of these.”
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Original Story at morganhilltimes.com