Clean Fuels Ohio Hosts Electric Vehicle Ride and Drive as Part of 7-state Midwest EVOLVE Project

Clean Fuels Ohio, a nonprofit dedicated to promoting the use of cleaner, domestic fuels and efficient vehicles, will give consumers a chance to test drive some of the newest electric vehicles (EVs) at Grove City EcoFest this Saturday, Aug. 19.

The drives are a part of a recently launched three-year partnership between the American Lung Association and eight Clean Cities coalitions throughout the Midwest to demonstrate the performance and environmental benefits of EVs.

The project is called Midwest EVOLVE, which stands for Electric Vehicle Opportunities: Learning, eVents, Experience. At Midwest EVOLVE events like EcoFest, consumers receive a chance to learn about the environmental benefits of EVs and the ease of charging vehicles at home, at work or at public charging stations.

"Drivers are usually surprised by the outstanding performance and clean-air benefits of electric cars,” said Sam Spofforth, executive director, Clean Fuels Ohio. “There are many new models to check out. They save fuel and improve air quality, plus they are cool and fun, and also fit most peoples’ everyday driving needs.”

EcoFest is a celebration of Grove City, located near Columbus, as a healthy, eco-friendly community. The event takes place at the Grove City Town Center. There will be demonstrations of environmentally friendly products at Grove City’s “green” park.

Attendees of EcoFest will learn how green businesses and alternative energy production make Grove City more attractive, healthier and safer. Visit the Grove City EcoFest website for event updates and schedule of events.

The ride and drive is from Noon to 4 p.m. at Park Street and First Avenue. Registration is available on-site starting at 11:30 a.m. Participants must be licensed drivers and at least 18 years old. Attendees also are encouraged to visit the hydrogen fuel cell bus, sponsored by the Renewable Hydrogen Fuel Cell Collaborative.

Midwest EVOLVE launched in early 2017 with three automotive partners, Ford Motor Company, General Motors and Nissan, as well as more than 60 other partners, including Argonne National Laboratory, utilities, state agencies, municipalities, dealerships and dealer associations. By the end of 2019, more than 200 large and small Midwest EVOLVE events, including ride and drives, workplace-charging seminars, and other events, will be held at brand-neutral settings throughout the Midwest.

Clean Fuels Ohio is a U.S. Department of Energy affiliated nonprofit dedicated to promoting the use of cleaner, domestic fuels and efficient vehicles. Headquartered in Columbus, Ohio, Clean Fuels Ohio’s experienced staff have been a “go-to” resource for assistance with implementing alternative transportation and efficiency solutions. Throughout its 15-year history, the coalition has worked with numerous partners to produce significant results improving air quality, strengthening Ohio’s economy, and enhancing the nation’s energy security.

Clean Fuels Ohio recently launched Drive Electric Ohio, a new statewide initiative to promote the use of electric vehicles and improve access to charging infrastructure. For more information, go to CleanFuelsOhio.org.

Midwest EVOLVE is based upon work supported by the U.S. Department of Energy, Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy (EERE), under Award Number DE-EE0007743. To find events near you, visit MidwestEVOLVE.org or follow EVOLVE on Twitter, Facebook or LinkedIn.