ECW Holds Electric Vehicle Test Drive in St. Andrews

ECW has received $71,560 in 2022 from the federal government to hold electric vehicle information sessions throughout Southwest New Brunswick over the next two years. These sessions will raise awareness on EV's and new technologies to help combat the climate crisis.

ECW is holding its latest electric car show at the WC O'Neill Arena parking lot in Saint Andrews on Saturday, August 27, 2022 beginning at 9am and ending at 4pm. There will be electric vehicles on site, including a Tesla, for members of the public to test drive. 

"It's all about getting the public to have a better understanding of electric vehicles," sais Rose Umlas of ECW. "It's a whole day of learning and hearing from people who own electric vehicles, so people can hear first-hand about what it is like to operate and own an electric vehicle in this part of the world in all four seasons. There will be opportunities for members of the public to also test drive all the electric vehicles on site for 30 minutes per car."

"Primarily, people's biggest concern about electric vehicles is their range," said ECW's Briana Cowie. "The intention of this event is to educate people and to build up their confidence and address things like range anxiety."

Existing government funding programs have helped to address barriers to purchasing and using electric vehicles. Research notes a large deterrent for the overall EV transition process is public lack of awareness regarding how zero emission vehicles work and benefit the environment.

There is still a learning curve challenge for electric vehicles and electric vehicle infrastructure. ECW is hopeful that the non-profit organization's learning sessions and opportunities in southwestern New Brunswick will make an impact on the use of electric vehicles particularly rural community groups.

ECW's Project: Village Car Share initiative will launch across Charlotte County this fall making electric vehicles more accessible to all.