It’s the most wonderful time of the year. No, I’m not talking about fall foliage and pumpkin spice everything. I’m talking about National Drive Electric Week (Sept. 14-22) – a coast-to-coast celebration of plugging in your ride and reveling in all the benefits of doing so. Cities across the U.S. will be holding EV-centric events like ride-and-drives and public forums, filled with passionate EV owners, curious consumers and – if you’re lucky – some pretty great food.
It’s like Christmas for EV enthusiasts, and Bolty and I will be diving into the fun full-throttle – or rather, non-throttle. I’ll be taking the Bolt to five events in four cities over six days, traveling more than 725 miles to do so.
I. Am. Amped.
I will, of course, be blogging about my adventures, but here is a preview of where you’ll be able to find us during the week:
September 14
University of North Dakota Potato Bowl Parade
Grand Forks, N.D. /// 10 a.m.
What better way to kick off National Drive Electric Week than a parade? Potato Bowl week is a UND Football tradition, and hundreds of people from around the region spill into Grand Forks for the parade before the big game. I better be sure to stock up on candy to give out…
September 15
Rydell Benefit Car & Bike Show
Grand Forks, N.D. /// 11 a.m.-4 p.m.
In the midst of hundreds of hot rods and classic cars, the Minnkota Bolt and I are going to stand out – in a great way. We had a blast at this community-boosting car show last year, and I can’t wait to chat with gearheads once again about electric vehicle technology. Plus, all the proceeds of the event will go to Grand Forks Foundation for Education this year, so come out and show your support.
September 17
Beltrami Electric Ride & Drive
Bemidji, Minn. /// 4-7 p.m.
We will be joining other area electric cooperatives, utilities and EV owners at a ride-and-drive event hosted by one of Minnkota’s member-owners, Beltrami Electric Cooperative. They are home base to one of the few DC fast chargers in northern Minnesota, and that always makes for a nice, easy trip in the Bolt. I’ll be helping to hand out some sweet, free t-shirts – so be there!
September 18
Bismarck, N.D. /// 3-5 p.m.
Wednesday will be a trek out west to the state capital for a DriveElectricND-hosted roundtable chat on the future of electric vehicles in North Dakota. I’ll be joining policymakers, utilities and local EV owners in a deep discussion about the state’s next steps to expand EV adoption. It’s going to be great!
September 19
Cass County Electric EV Tailgate Party
Fargo, N.D. /// 4-7 p.m.
The Bolt and I will wrap up our Drive Electric Week journey in Fargo at Cass County Electric Cooperative’s annual EV blowout. We attended the tailgate last year and had an amazing time, and I had some free food truck tacos that were next-level incredible. I’ll also be giving out shirts again, so swing by the co-op and grab one.
If you see me out and about during National Drive Electric Week, please come say hello. I will have a pair of EnergizeYourDrive.com sunglasses waiting for you.
- Kaylee Cusack, Minnkota communications specialist