The new, fully electric Chevy Bolt is one of the latest entries in the fifth annual Electric Car Rally set for Sunday, May 7, starting at the Metro-North Westport train station in Saugatuck northbound lot, organizers said.
The 2017 Chevy Bolt will be highlighted at the rally. Contributed photo
The rally, a 35 to 40 mile trek from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., is sponsored by the Westport Electric Car Club (WECC), which in the past has showcased innovating electric vehicles (EVs) including the Tesla Model X and the second generation Chevrolet Volt.
The new, long-range, mid-priced Bolt, courtesy of Karl Chevrolet of New Canaan, is the first of its kind to be shown in Connecticut, according to organizers.
“EV sales have continued to increase despite a prolonged period of low gasoline prices,” said Leo Cirino, WECC president, who noted that Westport has 19 public charging stations.
Sales of plug-in vehicles in 2016 were 37 percent higher than 2015, and sales were up 47 percent in the first quarter of 2017, Cirino said.
“Advances in battery chemistry continue to lower costs and enable improved range,” he said.
“This year sees the national rollout of the first two cars in the segment of affordably priced, long-range battery EVs, namely the Chevy Bolt and Tesla Model 3 … our rally helps to get the word out that there are many options for stylish and fun-to-drive EVs.”
This year’s program has been expanded to include electric bicycles, as the WECC has partnered with Pedago Electric Bikes of Norwalk, creating a separate rally course for cyclists, Cirino said.
“Pedego Electric Bicycles is excited to partner with the Westport Electric Car Club in their new expanded format,” said Mike Heslin of Pedego.
“…The compact battery is there when you need it to provide an emission-free boost.”
There is a $50 entry fee for both cars and bicycles. Registration, check-in, driver instructions and continental breakfast start at 10 a.m.
For further information, email the club at .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
