Annual EV Event Lets You Learn, Touch, Drive Latest Auto Tech

The Michigan Electric Auto Association, Schoolcraft College, and the CleanEnergy Coalition announce the 3rd Annual Electric Vehicle Show and Rally, to be held from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, June 11 at Schoolcraft College, 18600 Haggerty Road, Livonia.

Last year's event drew more than 1,000 people and 35 EV's, including a Chevy Volt, a Tesla Roadster, a Ford PHEV, a Think, two Wheegos, and a 1916 Detroit Electric, as well as a broad variety of conversion EVs, scooters and bikes, and EV1-era OEM production electric vehicles.

The most popular segment of the show last year was the Sportscar Club of America-sponsored EV Solo Autocross, where EV drivers raced around a closed course against the clock.

The event is free again this year, and show organizers expect a much bigger crowd, with 60 EVs of all kinds, including Chevy Volts, a Tesla, a Nissan Leaf, a Ford PHEV, an Electralite Roadster, a SmartcarED, and a Bright PHEV, along with production scooters, a couple of Segways, unique EV conversions, motorcycles, and competitive tractor-pull tractors, plus older production OEM EVs, a Citicar or two, and of course, the classic 1916 Detroit Electric.

Also, 20 exhibitors will show off EV related equipment and services, and Schoolcraft College will show off their four new Coulomb charging stations.

As a Ride and Drive event, the public should come prepared to take test rides and drives in many different kinds of EVs around the large Schoolcraft campus.

At 11 a.m., there will be a panel of experts answering questions about EV technology and infrastructure, EV ownership and driving experience, and EV economic and environmental impact.

At 1 p.m., Michigan State Sen. Glenn Anderson (D-Westland) will say a few words and then lead the "Parade of EVs" around the campus and autocross course, in a made-in-Michigan Chevy Volt.

At 2 p.m., 20 EVs will compete in the Solo Autocross, and at 4 p.m., completing the day, there will be a ceremony presenting awards for the Autocross and for EVs in several categories.

"Our EV show is the largest event of its kind in the Midwest," said Larry Tuttle, president of the Michigan Electric Auto Association. "It's an event where, all in one place, the public can learn about all kinds of electric vehicles, talk to people who own and drive EVs every day, take test rides and drives in a broad range of EVs, and watch EV's compete in an exciting Solo Autocross."

More information is available at http://michiganevshow.org.