As federal funding opportunities dramatically increase for new electric vehicle infrastructure, Old Dominion Electric Cooperative is committed to ensuring rural Virginia is not left behind. Today, more than 4,500 EVs are on the roads in the Greater Richmond region. If the state’s current EV sales trends continue, that number is likely to increase by 38% next year. To prepare its members for a more electrified transportation sector, ODEC held its second EV Ride & Drive Summit to highlight innovative technologies and discuss electric infrastructure upgrades needed to support the significant growth in future EV sales.
The invitation-only event was held Oct. 26 at Richmond International Racetrack. The Summit highlighted innovative technologies with guest speakers discussing electric infrastructure upgrades needed to support the significant growth in future EV sales. Speakers included Alleyn Harned, executive director of Virginia Clean Cities, and Shaun Tuyuri, senior technical leader EV infrastructure from the Electric Power Research Institute.
Participants were given the opportunity to follow the lead pace car in an EV either driving or riding. Members were able to experience the banked curves and straight-aways of a NASCAR racetrack and feel the power and performance of an EV. More than 65 members came out to the event and were able to test drive a variety of electric cars including Tesla, Audi, Mustang, Chevy, a shuttle van and school bus.
Click here to watch a video from the Summit.
– Report by Kirby Jordan, Director of Communications and Public Relations, ODEC