Join us online for the 2020 National Drive Electric Week

Virtual Solar & EV Expo!

Due to the ongoing pandemic, the expo will be virtual in format this year, still including many opportunities to learn about and celebrate electric vehicles and solar in western Maine. All events are free, and donations are gladly accepted. Register ahead for events held on Zoom to receive the link by email. Content will also be available here and on Facebook, posted throughout the week.

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Sunday, Sept. 27th: EV 101 and Chevy Bolt ride along

Come ride along with us, and get virtually behind the steering wheel of a Chevy Bolt. Video will be available here and on Facebook.

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4pm: EV 101 with Travis Ritchie, Zoom

Travis Ritchie, EV expert and long-time EV driver, will guide you through the basics of electric vehicles. Expect up-to-date information about costs and savings, maintenance, advantages and disadvantages, how and why they work, and the environmental impact of making the switch. Scott Vlaun, CEBE's Executive Director, will also cover western Maine's charging network, and what it's like to drive an EV in our region. Bring your questions!

Travis grew up in South Paris and began researching alternative energies including electric vehicles, biodiesel and hydrogen fuel while still in high school. After obtaining a bachelor's degree in Space Studies from American Military University, he worked 15 years in the automotive industry, including at Paris Autobarn, a solar-powered auto dealership and garage that specializes in electric, hybrid, and fuel efficient vehicles where he also co-founded the Maine Electric Vehicle Association. Travis is currently a public educator teaching science, technology, engineering and mathematics while he continues his work in sustainable energy and transportation, and of course still drives his EV.

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Monday, Sept 28: Solar 101 and E-Bike ride along

Experience riding an electric bicycle, or as close as we can get via video - available here and on Facebook.

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7pm: Solar 101 with Fred Garbo and Don McLean, Zoom
Join Fred Garbo of Garbo-Kane solar installers and Don McLean, solar homeowner, for an introduction to home-sized solar. Learn about the costs and return on investment, different set-ups available, and the most current technologies. Bring your questions for the experts!

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Tuesday, Sept 29: Community Solar Update, EV Charging Etiquette, and Smart Fortwo ride along

Learn the do's and dont's of charging your EV in the community, and join us for a virtual test drive of a Smart Fortwo. Videos will be available here and on Facebook.

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7pm: Community Solar Update, Zoom

Meeting Maine’s greenhouse gas emissions goals and powering an increasingly electrified transportation system will require a dramatic increase solar capacity. Mike Dunn of CEBE's Energy Working Group will facilitate this discussion about the latest developments in Community Solar and CEBE’s project with the town of Norway in the wake of the recent change in state policy. This is a great opportunity to learn about how Community Solar can benefit homeowners and businesses who may not be well-situated for installing their own panels. Q & A will follow the presentation.

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Wednesday, Sept 30: Solar Site Tour and Kia Niro ride along

Take a virtual tour of a local solar installation, and ride along with Seal in her Kia Niro. Videos will be available here and on Facebook.

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Thursday, Oct 1: Solar Site Tour #2, Nissan Leaf ride along, and 2030: A Vision for Electric Mobility in Western Maine

Check out another local solar installation from the comfort of your couch, and get the virtual driving experience of a Nissan Leaf. Videos will be available here and on Facebook.

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7pm: 2030: A Vision for Electric Mobility in Western Maine, Zoom

54% of Maine’s greenhouse gas emissions come from the transportation sector. Join Scott Vlaun, CEBE's Executive Director, for a participatory look at the current realities of EV and alternative transportation in western Maine and beyond, and what the science requires by the end of the decade to avoid the worst climate change scenarios. Share your perspective as an EV driver or a potential EV driver, cyclist, or public transportation advocate. What are the next steps our community can take to lower our transportation emissions? What other solutions should be part of western Maine in 2030? Bring your big ideas, questions, and challenges!

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Friday, Oct 2: VW E-Golf and Tesla Model X ride along

Join us to experience the Volkswagen E-Golf and the Tesla Model X. Videos will be available here and on Facebook.

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2019's expo brought together nearly 40 electric vehicles, and included solar for the first time. Every year CEBE hosts the Solar&EV Expo as part of National Drive Electric Week. This is a great opportunity to drive electric cars, ride electric bikes, get involved in CEBE's Community Solar project, learn about Maine's new solar policy, meet solar installers and more! Don't miss this one. Electric mobility powered by renewable energy is the future. It's here now in Maine's Western Foothills. Don't miss your chance to learn all about it!

Thank you to our sponsors!