Burlingame to Host Free Electric Vehicle Test-Drive Event

OAKLAND, Calif., Aug. 11, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- The "Experience Electric – The Better Ride" campaign will offer free test drives of some of the newest electric cars on Saturday, August 16, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. at the Burlingame on the Avenue festival in Burlingame.

The electric vehicle (EV) ride-and-drive event will feature the Cadillac ELR, Chevrolet Volt and Nissan Leaf as well as the Genze electric scooter. Licensed drivers can try out the various EVs on a first-come, first-served basis and feel the differences between driving with electricity versus driving a gas-powered car. Those taking test drives will receive a $5 gift card that can be redeemed for food at local restaurants.

"Test-driving at a dealer's showroom can be a bit intimidating, but there's no pressure or sales hype at our events," said Jordan DiGiorgio, Experience Electric project manager. "Most everyone has seen an EV on the road or in ads, but this is a chance to try one out, have some fun and feel the electric experience."

The two-day Burlingame on the Avenue festival runs from Aug. 16 to Aug. 17 and is hosted by the Burlingame Chamber of Commerce. The festival features a variety of art displays, music, home and garden exhibits, and children's activities. Admission is free.

Experience Electric is a joint initiative of MTC, the Bay Area Air Quality Management District and a consortium of EV organizations including the Center for Sustainable Energy, Plug In America and Charge Across Town. The campaign's goal is to increase EV adoption in the Bay Area's nine counties. Accelerating EV use is a key strategy for state and local governments to improve air quality and achieve goals for curbing greenhouse gas emissions. To learn more about Experience Electric and future events, visit www.facebook.com/thebetterride or www.energycenter.org/ExperienceElectric.

MTC is the transportation planning, coordinating and financing agency for the nine-county San Francisco Bay Area. The Bay Area Air Quality Management District is the agency chartered with protecting air quality in the Bay Area.

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SOURCE MTC