PARIS — Western Maine has seen burgeoning electric vehicle adoption over the last nine years, with hundreds on the road and a growing EV charging network to serve the community and EV-driving visitors. The annual Solar & EV Expo hosted by the Center for an Ecology-Based Economy (CEBE) during National Drive Electric Week, has played a critical role in this transition, giving potential EV owners the opportunity to test drive a range of EVs and learn directly from the people who drive them.

This year’s Expo will continue building excitement and educating locals through viewing, riding in, and test-driving electric vehicles, riding eBikes, and attending workshops. Past Expos have included as many as 50 locally-owned electric vehicles and e-bikes and hundreds of test drives and rides. This year’s event will run from 12-4 p.m. on Sep. 30.

It will include seven interactive presentations, including information on CEBE’s expanded EV charging network, EVs 101, Solar 101, GoMaine: Maine’s carpooling platform, EV adoption and policy, a CEBE community solar co-op update, and rebates and tax credits for EVs eBikes, and solar. 

The Solar & EV Expo is free and will take place entirely outdoors in the parking lot of the Oxford Hills Comprehensive High School in Paris. Available models to drive or ride in at the Expo will include the Ford F-150 Lightning, Ford Mustang Mach-E, Chevy Bolt EUV, Chevy Bolt, Tesla Model X, Tesla Model Y, Kia Niro EV, Smart Fortwo, Nissan Ariya, Hyundai Ionic, Chevy Volt, and Subaru Solterra.

There are now estimated to be more than 3 million EVs on the road in the United States, with over 9,000 in Maine. The US has a goal of 50 percent electric car sales by 2030. There are now over 65 models available in the U.S., with many of the newer models having a range of 200-300 miles or more. Recent federal tax credits for buyers are designed to support domestic manufacturers.

This event is made possible with the support of the Natural Resources Council of Maine, Wheelers Insurance, Ripley & Fletcher Ford, Western Maine Steel, Pleasant Hill Property Services, The Nature Conservancy of Maine, UGE International, Renewal by Andersen, Lee Auto Malls, Sierra Club Maine, Maine Conservation Voters, and Maine Climate Action Now.

CEBE has installed 26 EV charging plugs in the area to help encourage EV adoption as everyday transportation. Limited charging will be available at the Expo with many more public chargers available in Paris and Norway. Founded in 2013, the Center for an Ecology-Based Economy works to engage the community in addressing the climate emergency.

It organizes, educates, takes direct action, and implements practical, ecological solutions for a just transition to a thriving, regenerative economy.

Additional information can be found at ecologybasedeconomy.org.

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