Residents and businesses in Westmorland and Furness can find out more about electric vehicles (EV) next month with the area’s first EV open day event.
Organised by Westmorland and Furness Council, ‘GO EV!’ – short for ‘Get Onboard with Electric Vehicles’ – will take place on Saturday 18 October, from 10am-2pm, and will showcase the growing range of EVs, both cars and vans, that are now available and allow people from across the area to explore some of the benefits of EV adoption.
Visitors will have the opportunity to test drive a range of exciting new electric cars and vans, speak to dealers, ask questions and learn from industry experts about the latest advancements in EV technology including charging infrastructure whether for home or work.
A range of electric vehicles will be on display from local dealerships with test drives available throughout the event.
The free event, which is being delivered with the support of Let’s Experience Electric, will take place at Kendal Leisure Centre on Burton Road. The site offers ample free car and cycle parking as well as regular bus services to and from Kendal and Oxenholme.
Register your interest in the event and taking a test drive.
Councillor Peter Thornton, Cabinet Member for Highways and ICT, said:
"Transport is changing rapidly and we want our communities to feel confident about embracing that change.
“GO EV! is a fantastic opportunity for residents and businesses to experience the latest electric vehicles first-hand and find out more about the growing charging infrastructure here in Westmorland and Furness. We’re pleased to be working with Let’s Experience Electric to help remove some of the uncertainty around EVs.
“I’d encourage anyone interested to come down and test drive the future of travel. This is a relaxed, informal event with no sales pressure, just a chance to explore, ask questions and discover more about electric vehicles in a friendly, welcoming setting.”
This event forms part of the council’s Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Strategy, designed to encourage the wider adoption of EVs by tackling barriers and supporting our shift towards cleaner air and more sustainable ways of travelling.
Councillor Giles Archibald, Cabinet Member for Climate, Biodiversity and Environmental Services, added:
“Transport, especially road transport, is now the biggest emitter of carbon in the UK.
“Switching to electric vehicles is a vital step in reducing carbon emissions and improving air quality across Westmorland and Furness. Events like this help demystify EVs and give residents and businesses the chance to see for themselves how electric vehicles can fit into their lives and work.
“By supporting this transition, we’re moving closer to our ambition of a cleaner, greener and more sustainable future for everyone.”
In order to participate in the EV Ride and Drive opportunities at the event you must have held a full UK driving license for a minimum of 2 years and be over 21 years of age.
On the day you will need to bring:
- Your UK photo card driving license
- A printed copy of your Personal Driving License Check and your GET A CODE reference which you can create online.
- Your National Insurance Number
Once verified you will receive a wristband which you can then show in the Ride and Drive area. Drivers will be informed of manufacturer specific requirements during registration.
Test drives will be approximately 10 minutes long, with a designated route for drivers to follow, before returning to the EV pick-up area.
Andy Lewis of Let’s Experience Electric, said:
“We look forward to seeing everyone on the day and to hosting as many test drives as they wish. If you have never driven an EV, come and try them out or, if you are an existing EV driver, come and see the latest vehicles.
“We encourage people to come along, speak to the dealers and exhibitors, and find out what works for you.”
