Between noon and 3 p.m. on Sunday, Oct. 16, the City of Mercer Island is co-hosting a National Plug-In Day event at Luther Burbank Park as part of a nationwide gathering of plug-in vehicles.
The event will take place in the north parking lot of Luther Burbank Park on Mercer Island.
Speakers will begin presentations at 1 p.m. in the park amphitheater, and some of the cars will be parked along the walking path in the adjacent meadow.
The event, according to organizers, “is to show America that electric vehicles are here and viable — so buy one already.”
During the same weekend there will be local gatherings in 15 cities, organized by Plug In America, Sierra Club and the Electric Auto Association. Over 50 plug-in vehicles are scheduled to be at the event.
There are several home conversions and interesting projects, but the vast majority are factory electric vehicles. There will be some representatives from local electric utilities and makers of charging stations as well.
Most Americans still have not even seen a modern electric vehicle, much less ridden in one. This is a chance to see the cars and maybe try a few out.
At the event people can see: 24 Nissan Leafs (some giving rides), 14 Tesla Roadsters (some giving rides), eight home conversions, four vehicles from the 90s California program, three other factory vehicles like Chevy Volt, Wheego LiFe, Lectric Leopard.
Electric cars offer a smooth, quiet ride; the torque and instant throttle response; and the low maintenance and operating costs.
The cars are finally here; incentives and ordinances are in place — consumer demand will be the critical factor in the very near future.
Sponsors of the event include: Puget Sound Energy (sponsor), City of Mercer Island (sponsor), Plug In America (organizer), Sierra Club (organizer), Seattle Electric Vehicle Association (the Electric Auto Association is an organizer), Charge NW, with a Coulomb Chargepoint charging station. Representatives from a few local plug-in dealers are: Stadium Nissan, MC Electric, Go Green and UW, which will bring information on a special project.
To learn more, visit www.pluginamerica.org/pluginday.
