Oldsmar Gears Up For “Drive Electric Week”

Oldsmar will host its second annual National Drive Electric Week event on Saturday, September 12 from 10 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.

Oldsmar will host its second annual National Drive Electric Week event on Saturday, September 12 from 10 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.

For years, Oldsmar has been a leader in sustainability and “green” efforts, as evidenced by recent projects that include a neighborhood of energy-efficient homes, the state’s largest private solar array and an environmental education center that also harnesses the power of the sun.

But perhaps the most obvious example of the City embracing cleaner, more energy-efficient technologies can be found in its commitment to electric and hybrid-powered vehicles.

Four years ago, Oldsmar became the first community in the Tampa Bay area to install electric charging stations in town; today, at least five City vehicles are hybrids, and four fully electric carts are being utilized by leisure services department personnel.

And next month, the city will once against celebrate its commitment to electric vehicles when it hosts a one-day event in honor of National Drive Electric Week.

Oldsmar Drive Electric

An electric vehicle parked in downtown Oldsmar.

“Drive Electric Tampa Bay celebrates National Drive Electric Week with an exciting, one-day event presented by the City of Oldsmar in partnership with Nova Charge, TECO, Patel College of Global Sustainability, and Keep Pinellas Beautiful,” Sustainability Coordinator Estevan Baza told Oldsmar Connect.

“This event is part of the 5th Annual National Drive Electric Week, a nationwide celebration to heighten awareness of today’s widespread availability of plug-in vehicles and highlight the benefits of all-electric and plug-in hybrid-electric cars, trucks, motorcycles, and more.” 

The event will take place on Saturday, September 12 from 10 a.m. until 2:00 p.m. in front of the Oldsmar Public Library, located at 400 St. Petersburg Drive East.

Highlights will include a “green” street festival with dozens of Tampa Bay area sustainable businesses; an electric vehicle showcase with modern production vehicles, conversion vehicles and electric bicycles; dealership sponsored ride-and-drives; plus entertainment, special guests, interactive exhibits and sustainable local food and beverage vendors.

Oldsmar's 2014 Drive Electric Week event. Credit: Estevan Baza/City of Oldsmar.

Oldsmar’s 2014 Drive Electric Week event. Credit: Estevan Baza/City of Oldsmar.

Last year was the first time Oldsmar hosted the Tampa Bay event, and according to Baza, it was a huge success.

“Our event was the most successful in the State of Florida, with approximately 2,500 attendees, 67 electric vehicle owners, and 470 test drives given,” he said.

He said it’s no surprise so many people show up to events like Oldsmar’s, as the public is becoming more aware of the benefits electric transportation has to offer.

“Plug-in electric vehicles have enabled millions of miles of cleaner, oil-free driving, including here in the Tampa Bay area,” Baza said.

“These vehicles are fun to drive, are less expensive and more convenient to fuel than gasoline vehicles, are better for the environment, promote local jobs, and reduce our dependence on foreign oil.” 

For more information on Oldsmar’s National Drive Electric Week event, visit the Drive Electric Tampa Bay website.

Related content:

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *