PENSACOLA, Florida – Nearly 20 years after Gulf Power first started demonstrating, promoting and researching electric vehicles, the energy company is again helping consumers get plugged in during “National Drive Electric Week” Sept. 10-18, an event focused on sharing the benefits of driving electric vehicles.
Events, hosted by the Northwest Florida Clean Cities Coalition with support from Gulf Power and the Northwest Florida Electric Vehicle Association, will take place across Northwest Florida to heighten awareness of today's widespread availability of plug-in vehicles and highlight the benefits of all-electric and plug-in hybrid-electric cars.
The first Pensacola Drive Electric “EV’ent” will take place Saturday, Sept. 10 from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. at the Drowsy Poet Coffee Company located at 86 Brent Lane. For those curious about electric vehicles, the event will give consumers the opportunity to talk with EV owners about the vehicles and the benefits, all in the effort to reduce dependence on fossil fuels in transportation.
The second “EV’ent” takes place in Destin, Florida on Friday, Sept. 16 from 4 until 8 p.m. at the Destin Commons near Uncle Buck’s Fish Bowl and Grill. This event is sponsored by JuicedCar and Destin Commons with support from Northwest Florida Clean Cities Coalition, Gulf Power, and the Northwest Florida Electric Vehicle Association.
“There’s an electric vehicle available to fit virtually any lifestyle and budget today with more makes and models becoming available every year,” said Rick DelaHaya, spokesperson for Gulf Power. “This is an easy opportunity for anyone who has been interested in going the all-electric or plug-in hybrid route to talk with actual vehicle owners and learn more about what is available on the market as well as what these vehicles can offer buyers.”
Once a high-tech novelty, electric cars are becoming increasingly common, as several models from mainstream brands have now been sold for years. The vehicles are becoming so mainstream, that according to Plug-In America, the 500,000th electric vehicle is expected to be sold during National Drive Electric Week.
“The environmental and economic benefits continue to grow each year as the range limitations and performance of these vehicles keeps getting better,” added DelaHaya.
Started in 2011 as a day in September to promote plug-in vehicles at simultaneous events across the country, National Drive Electric Week has grown into a weeklong event. It has also outgrown its "National" designation, with past events also held in several European countries, Canada, Hong Kong, and New Zealand.
Gulf Power has been involved in electric transportation research since the early 1990s, working with electric vehicle manufacturers and the Electric Power Research Institute to bring economically and technologically viable on-road electric transportation technologies to the marketplace.
Currently, Gulf Power residential customers are eligible for a $750 rebate for the purchase or lease of a new or pre-owned highway capable, plug-in vehicle, while business customers are eligible for a $500 incentive to install Level 2 (240 volt) electric vehicle chargers for their fleet or employee use.
Get more information about electric vehicles here.
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Gulf Power is an investor-owned energy provider with all of its common stock owned by Atlanta-based Southern Company. Gulf Power serves 450,000 customers in eight counties throughout Northwest Florida. The company’s mission is to safely provide exceptional customer value by delivering reliable, affordable and environmentally responsible electricity while strengthening our communities. Visit online at MyGulfPower.com or on the company’s Facebook page. News information can be found at GulfPowerNews.com.
News Media Contacts:
Jeff Rogers
External Communications & Brand Manager
850-444-6243, cell 850-572-5511
Rick DelaHaya
Media Relations Supervisor
850-444-6433, cell 318-294-2338
Natalie Smith
Media Relations
850-444-6784, cell 850-375-6123