Future and past come together in Sanford: Electric vehicles showcased at Henry’s Depot
Have you been wondering what it’s like to drive an Electric Vehicle like a Tesla car, or an electric motorcycle or even to tool around on a battery-powered bicycle? On Saturday, Aug. 14, 2021 from 3-7 pm, EDF Action (advocacy arm of Environmental Defense Fund) will host an opportunity to do free test drives of Tesla’s and other electric vehicles and talk with representatives of environmentally-friendly companies at Henry’s Depot, 212 W. First Street in Historic Downtown Sanford.
Mary Linn, Climate Organizer for EDF Action in Florida, says the free event will be a great opportunity for those who want to make the leap to more sustainable transportation to try before they buy. Without the pressure to ink a deal, you can take a test drive and ask questions about the cars, motorcycles and bikes from experts and, perhaps, others who have already bought an electric vehicle.
“Electric vehicles produce no carbon dioxide emissions when driving. Electric cars give us cleaner streets making our towns and cities a better place to be for pedestrians and cyclists. In over a year, just one electric car on the roads can save an average 1.5 million grams of CO2. That’s the equivalent of four return flights from London to Barcelona. Electric vehicles typically require less maintenance than conventional vehicles”
In Florida alone, there are 28,000 electric vehicles on the road. Currently, there are almost 1,200 charging stations in the state, 29 of them are within 10 miles of downtown Sanford. Many electric companies, such as OUC and Duke Energy, will give you a rebate if you buy an EV. A tax credit up to $7,500 can also be claimed on EV purchases the year you acquire the vehicle.
If the tax incentive isn’t enough, consider these money saving motivators: The battery, motor, and associated electronics require little to no regular maintenance; there are fewer fluids, such as engine oil, that require regular maintenance; brake wear is significantly reduced due to regenerative braking.
Henry’s Depot is one of Sanford’s premiere gastro-destinations with eight unique restaurants with offerings that include vegan, seafood and specialty coffees and desserts. The food hall occupies the city’s original train depot and central terminus of Henry Plant’s Orange Belt line.
In addition to electric vehicle dealers, there will be vendors from solar power companies and other sustainability-minded organizations. Sign up for reminders and a link to do a free drive of an EV: https://www.mobilize.us/edfaction/event/399058/
