The second Annual Lakes Area EV Event will feature a Ride and Drive on August 12, at First Lutheran Church in Detroit Lakes. 

This regional event will host local utilities, including Detroit Lakes Public Utilities, Lake Region Electric Coop, Otter Tail Power, and Wild Rice Electric. Other entities supporting this event are the Izaak Walton League of America and the West Central Climate Action.

Fresh Energy will be the Keynote Speaker for the event. They will discuss the Inflation Reduction Act and how homeowners can apply for rebates through the IRA. 

During the event, people interested in learning about the benefits and performance of an EV will be able to test drive various models from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., in a non-sale, no-pressure setting. There will also be 10-15 EVs on site for people to view, sit in, and have conversations with the owners. 

Today’s EVs are a smart, environmentally friendly transportation choice. They cost less to operate than gas-powered cars. In fact, they can be three to five times cheaper to operate than gas-powered cars depending on gas and electric rates. Plus, their electric motors require less maintenance than traditional gas engines.

EVs can be charged at home with a standard 120V outlet, or a specialized 240V charger can be installed for quicker charging capabilities. EV range is typically around 80 miles to over 330 miles on a full charge. 

Fully recharging the battery pack can take four to eight hours, but a fast charge of up to 80% battery capacity only takes 30 minutes.

Test driving new EV models will allow people to feel how electric motors provide quiet, smooth operation and stronger acceleration than gas-powered cars. In addition, utility staff and energy experts will be able to answer EV-related questions without the pressure of a sales environment