Events offer Oxfordshire residents free experience of electric vehicles
A series of free events are coming to Oxfordshire this year to give residents an opportunity to explore the world of electric vehicles (EVs).
Starting later this month, Go Electric Oxfordshire events are happening in every district to allow residents to learn about EVs and explore the wide range of vehicles and charging solutions that are currently available.
The events are open to all and are organised in partnership between Oxfordshire County Council and Oxfordshire’s city and district councils, with support from Let’s Experience Electric.
Councillor Ben Higgins, Oxfordshire County Council’s Cabinet Member for Future Economy and Innovation, said: “These fabulous, free events are part of our overall programme to provide a confidence boost to drivers looking to switch to EV and build on our leadership in this field.
“Alongside hugely expanding Oxfordshire’s public EV charging network, we also want residents to simply feel better informed and more familiar with the types of electric vehicles that more of us will be driving in the near future.”
The series kicks off on Saturday 21 March at the Woolgate Centre in Witney from 10am - 3pm. To register your interest visit the Eventbrite website.
Attendees can test drive models from a range of local dealerships, receive tips from experts and explore options such as car clubs and leasing. There will also be e-bikes to try and lots of practical information on things like renewable energy and energy efficiency.
Councillor Andrew Prosser, West Oxfordshire District Council’s Executive Member for Climate Action and Nature Recovery, said: “I’m thrilled to see a large scale event like this coming to Witney and helping give our residents real world experiences with electric vehicles.
“I’d encourage West Oxfordshire residents to visit and discover how it feels to drive an EV and explore the various ways it might be more viable than you think to make the switch.”
Free EV test drives will be available across a wide range of vehicles of all shapes and sizes and to suit all budgets.
Attendees can also find out more about Oxfordshire’s plans to expand the public EV charging network and to explore other charging options such as charger sharing and cable channels.
Further events are planned for Abingdon, Banbury, Oxford and Didcot later this year. More information is available at www.oxfordshire.gov.uk/goelectric
Funding for these events comes from a combination of Local EV Infrastructure (LEVI) grant funding from the government and contributions from local car dealerships and other stallholders.
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