Yes, there were plenty of Teslas at the September 25 Electric Mobility event, but there was so much more. This year the event, part of National Drive Electric Week and sponsored by the Napa Sierra Club, Récolte Energy, and MCE, was held at the American Canyon Walmart Supercenter. (PHOTO) Sierra Club Student Intern Eva Pelayo checks out an electric Avanti.
Napa Group Chair Nick Cheranich pedaled his E-bike down from Napa. He was joined by Rick and Ray who also rode down from Napa on E-bikes converted from non-electric bicycles. Ray did the conversions in 2015. “I didn’t expect to get the battery longevity, but they’re still running and we’re able to ride from Napa to St. Helena and back with cruise control.” (PHOTO) Rick and Ray with their converted E-bikes.
NVTA brought one of it’s bright and beautiful electric buses. They also brought information on V-Commute, a travel demand program that helps one get around without driving.
The City of American Canyon showed off a Ford E-Transit All Electric Cargo Van. Brian Materne explained that the van will be used for building maintenance. “The City also has 3 Ford Escape Hybrids and we’ve ordered 4 Ford Lightening F150 pick-up trucks.” (PHOTO) Brian Materne and Student Intern Pelayo with the electric Cargo Van.
Matt Hamel drove his 3-week-old Ford F150 Lightning to the event from Albany, OR, on the way to visit family. The $39,974 truck was a huge hit! “I love it”, Matt exclaimed. “It’s incredibly fast!” (PHOTO) Matt Hamel and Student Intern Pelayo with the Ford Lightning.
Francisco Rivas from Napa Ford Lincoln brought a brand-new Mustang Mach E. He said the car drove like a sports car gave a really comfortable ride.
And then there were the Teslas! These were such fun cars to check out. County Supervisor Belia Ramos brought hers and American Canyon City Councilmember Pierre Washington brought his. Ramos said “With my Tesla, all I have to check on are the tires and the air filter. The car requires next to no maintenance.” Gopal Shanker of Récolte Energy brought a map showing how he had just driven his Tesla across the country and back. (PHOTO) Sierra Club Executive Committee Chair Nick Cheranich, Student Intern Pelayo, and County Supervisor Belia Ramos with Ramos' Tesla.
Redwood Credit Union had a table to advertise their discounted loan rates for EVs and hybrids. They even offer loans for E-bikes. MCE had information on EV rebates and incentives as well as how to save money charging at home. (PHOTO - L to R) Napa Climate Now's Jim Wilson, American Canyon City Councilmember Mark Joseph, Napa Schools for Climate Action Co-leaders Allison Bencsik and Liliana Karesh, and Student Intern Pelayo discuss the importance in phasing out the fossil fuel infrastructure.
It was fun to see the excitement around driving, cycling, and bussing with zero emissions! (PHOTO) Sierra Club Executive Committee member Chris Benz and American Canyon City Councilmember Pierre Washington.