EV Fest in Boardman drives folks to check out electric vehicles
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BOARDMAN TWP., Ohio - At #1 Cochran and Brite Energy Innovator's EV Fest, popular EV's were on display at Debartolo Commons in Boardman.
"We have the Hummer EV, Chevy Blazer EV, Chevy Silverado EV, Chevy Equinox EV, Mustang Mach E which is a Ford. We also have a Cadillac Lyric, and Nissan AIRYA, Director of Marketing for #1 Cochran, Joe Zumpella said.
The EV Hummer is the most popular lease right now at #1 Cochran.
"We have some very low priced EV's such as the Equinox EV starting around $30,000. Relatively speaking you can get into a comparable EV at a relatively low price," Joe Zumpella, Marketing Director for #1 Cochran said.
Tax credits still exist on many models.
Sometimes that comes off the price depending on the model.
"There are many different models still getting federal tax credits and it definitely helps to offset the cost of the customers. When you come into any of our dealerships the product specialist and any of the managers will go over all of the details whether the vehicle qualifies or not. Sometimes it comes off the price then and there, so it depends on the model. We are happy to provide my details for anyone interested," Zumpella Marketing added.
When asked about the reluctance some drivers have about transitioning to an EV due to limited charging sites in the region, Zumpella said it's easier than drivers think.
"Eighty to ninety percent of EV owners are charging them at home. If your work is relatively close to home it fits. When you charge it at home you never need to fill up, " Zumpella emphasized.
Brite Energy Innovators says it has companies in its portfolios that are looking at how to make EV charging more accessible to businesses and municipalities.
Both the federal and state government are investing money.
"There are actually EV charges here at DeBartolo Commons, and our library downtown has EV chargers. A lot of local businesses and public facilities already have them or are in the process of installing EV chargers," Vicki Rusu, Director Strategic Partnerships Brite Energy Innovators said.
Brite Energy Innovators partners with companies and entrepreneurs to promote clean energy solutions to advance a clean energy economy.
The incubator serves more than 115 clean tech startups by providing free mentorship, guidance, and growth services.
Specialists from the dealership were on hand to also answer questions.
At the EV Fest drivers could look under the hood, inside vehicles, and test drive them.
They also were able to ask questions from EV drivers who love the driving experience, and technology in their EV's.
EV drivers believe with time the costs of EV's will become more and more affordable.
Drive Ohio has a website that provides information on EV charging sites in Ohio.
