National Drive Electric Week events planned in Hilo, Waimea

Many Big Island electric vehicle drivers and enthusiasts will gather to highlight the clean air benefits and cost savings of electric cars on Sept. 14 and 21 in Waimea and Hilo, respectively.

The events are part of the annual National Drive Electric Week. The EV drivers will be joined by local leaders, electric vehicle dealers, renewable energy providers, Hawaii Electric Light Co. and the Citizen’s Climate Lobby. Representatives from the Mayor’s Office also will be in attendance to proclaim Sept. 14-22 Drive Electric Week in Hawaii County.

Hawaii Island’s events are among more than 310 happening throughout the country and around the world, during which electric vehicle owners and their neighbors will have electric car parades, “tailpipe-free” tailgate parties, recognition of leaders promoting EVs, launches of new public EV charging stations and other public events.

The Waimea event is slated for 9 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 14, in the Waimea Center parking area behind KTA. The Hilo event will be at 9 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 21, at The Home Depot.

All kinds of electric vehicles, including the latest from Nissan, Kia, Tesla and Chevy, will be on display. There also will be unusual cars such as the Tesla Roadster. Participating dealers will offer rides or drives.

The Big Island Electric Vehicle Association is organizing the Hawaii Island events. Ulupono Initiative and Blue Planet Foundation are local sponsors. Plug In America, the Sierra Club and the Electric Auto Association are national organizers. The Nissan LEAF is the exclusive national automotive sponsor.

For more information about Hawaii Island’s Drive Electric Week, visit www.bigislandev.org/events/list/.