Annapolis Celebrates Electric Vehicles

By Kathy Knotts 

Annapolis Green is encouraging drivers to #KickGas as part of National Drive Electric Week Sept. 26 through Oct. 4. This nationwide celebration aims to raise awareness of the many benefits of all-electric and plug-in hybrid cars, trucks, and motorcycles. Over the last seven years, the Annapolis environmental organization has brought in-person EV showcases to city streets, giving visitors a chance to see these vehicles up close and talk to the people who drive them.  

This year’s showcase will be its own hybrid of in-person and virtual experiences. 

On Sept. 30, EVs will be parked along Maryland Avenue’s recovery zone (6-8pm), while it is closed to car traffic but open for outdoor dining. Vehicle owners will share their personal experiences using electric cars as well as how their use helps mitigate climate change. Annapolis Green states that the vehicles are “becoming pretty normal now and are less expensive than you think, stylish and convenient.” And we hear there’s also a performance of the Electric Slide in the works, because why not? 

That same night a fundraising dinner will be held at Galway Bay Irish Restaurant (4-10pm) to benefit Annapolis Green. 

Thursday, Oct. 1, a virtual showcase of electric vehicles will be available via Zoom (8-9:30pm), from the Michael E. Busch Annapolis Library on West Street. See over 40 plug-in vehicles, hear from owners and take a virtual test drive. Viewers will learn about the BGE partnership that led to the installation of charging stations in public areas such as the library and watch a ribbon cutting to officially inaugurate them. Anne Arundel County Executive Steuart Pittman and Annapolis Mayor Gavin Buckley and Maryland Secretary of the Environment Ben Grumbles will open the event. Pittman will discuss his recent initiative to convert the county fleet to all electric in the next 15 years.  

Then on Friday, Oct. 4, a different selection of EVs will be parked along West Street’s recovery zone for viewing (4-9pm).  Masks are required at all in-person events. Learn more at: https://annapolisgreen.com/drive-electric/.