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Dozens of electric vehicle (EV) owners showcased their cars and discussed the advantages and cost savings associated with the vehicles at EV showcases in two Alabama cities on Saturday, Sept. 28.
A variety of EVs, including SUVs and full-sized pick-up trucks, were on display at showcases at The Market at Pepper Place in Birmingham and Tropic Falls at OWA in Foley. EV owners talked one-on-one with people interested in learning more about EV technology, costs and charging infrastructure at both EVents.
John Givan showed off his Ford F-150 Lightning pick-up at the EV showcase in Birmingham and said “not buying gas” is the biggest advantage of driving electric.
“I just drive right on by those gas stations,” said Givan, an Adamsville resident. “You press the pedal, and it’s pedal to the metal. It’s getting it. It’s the perfect vehicle for driving around town.”
Givan parked his truck next to a Kia EV6 owned by Homewood resident Bhavesh Patel at the Birmingham showcase. Patel listed a number of advantages to driving electric.
“The best thing? It’s quiet,” Patel said. “It’s cheap to use on a daily basis. There’s the acceleration, the quickness, all the tech. I’d never go back to gas.”
A fourth EV showcase is also scheduled for Wednesday, Oct. 2, at Auburn University’s Jay and Susie Gogue Performing Arts Center. The free EV showcases celebrate National Drive Electric Week (NDEW), which is designed to educate Americans about the many benefits associated with electric vehicles.
“The best way to truly learn about EVs and whether one might be right for you is to talk to an EV owner,” said Michael Staley, president of the Alabama Clean Fuels Coalition, an organization that helped plan the EV showcases. “I’ve been attending these showcases for several years now, and I can’t tell you how many misconceptions have been cleared up with these simple, face-to-face conversations. It’s always good to see people getting honest information about EVs. Knowledge is power.”
Staley owns an all-electric 2024 Chevrolet Silverado pick-up truck and displayed itSaturday in Birmingham and plans take part in Wednesday’s showcase in Auburn.
“This electric truck is the best vehicle I’ve ever owned, and it’s fun to show it to people who may be considering making the switch to electric,” Staley said.
Another EV showcase, scheduled for Saturday in Huntsville, was cancelled because of weather concerns associated with the remnants of Hurricane Helene.
The number of EVs on Alabama roadways has risen in recent years, as virtually every automobile manufacturer has electrified its fleet and a wider variety of EVs are available.
EVs remain important to Alabama’s economy. Alabama-based automobile manufacturers shipped $11.5 billion in cars, trucks and SUVs all over the globe in 2023, including all-electric vehicles made by Mercedes-Benz in Tuscaloosa, Hyundai in Montgomery, Autocar in Pinson and New Flyer in Anniston.
Alabama’s business community has taken notice of the EV revolution and has developed EV-related programs. Alabama Power, for instance, offers an discounted overnight rate for EV owners from 9 p.m. to 5 a.m., as well as a $500 rebate for EV owners who install a Level 2 charger at home.
“An electric vehicle isn’t for everyone, but with so many EV models now available and more EVs on the road, it makes sense for everyone to know more about them,” Staley said.
