Solihull Council is hosting its first Electric Vehicle (EV) Experience Event, “Solihull Going Electric”, in Solihull town centre on Saturday 5 April. The open event will showcase the growing range of EVs now available and allow residents to explore some of the benefits of EV adoption.
Visitors will have the opportunity to test drive a range of exciting new electric cars and bikes, speak to dealers, ask questions and learn from industry experts about the latest advancements in EV technology. Exhibitors confirmed for the event include: BYD, Vauxhall, BMW, Citroën, Mercedez Benz, Skoda, Smart, Peugeot, Fiat and Tesla, while many more are set to be announced in the coming weeks.
Organised in partnership with Let’s Experience Electric, the free event will be taking place in the town centre with displays along the High Street and across the Council House car park on Manor Square.
Cllr Andy Mackiewicz, Cabinet Portfolio Holder for Climate Change, said:
“Road traffic currently accounts for nearly 40% of the borough’s overall greenhouse gas emissions. By accelerating the switch away from fossil fuelled vehicles we have an exciting opportunity to tackle this while also driving improvements in air quality that will benefit the health and economy of Solihull.
“As an EV driver myself I know the benefits, but I also recognise that making the switch can be a daunting, and sometimes confusing, step to take.
“Making your next car an EV still won’t be right for everyone but with a growing range of vehicles now available at different price points and advancements in battery technology they are becoming increasingly accessible. I hope this event is chance to showcase what’s out there and an opportunity for people to explore whether it might be right for them.
“We are delighted to be working alongside Let’s Experience Electric, who share our passion to break down the barriers to EV ownership and bring us closer towards a cleaner and more efficient age of road transport.
“I would greatly encourage anyone who has thought about switching to an EV or just wants to find out more to come down and test drive the future of travel in Solihull.”
The event, in April, has been planned to align with the Council’s Electric Vehicle Strategy which seeks to facilitate the wider adoption of EVs across the borough and tackle some of the current barriers slowing the transition to cleaner air and more sustainable means of travel.