Orange & Rockland EV Test Drive Event

Orange and Rock​land Utilities held the first ​of a three-day event called ​"Electric Vehicle Ride and ​Drive​" in the parking lot at the Galleria Mall​ in the Town of Wallkill on Saturday. The events are free and open to the public.
O​&R spokesperson Jimmy Vasquez said the goal of the program is to familiarize customers about the benefits of electric vehicle ownership.
​"Some people are reluctant to change from their gas vehicle to an electric vehicle. We want the public to understand that it's not a drastic change," Vasquez said. "There are a lot of benefits that come with it and it's not going to be drastically different."
Saving money is one of the advantages of driving an electric vehicle. Vasquez provided tips for reducing the energy bill for electric car operators.
"If there are customers who like their current rate, which is just your standard residential rate, then there is no change no matter what time you charge," Vasquez says. "But if you want to take advantage of a lower rate​ by charging your vehicle during off peek ho​urs, it can save you a lot," he added.
​Kevin Vanbrakle of Middletown was about to take a test drive in a Mustang Mach​ E with over 400 horsepower. He's excited about future technology and how driving ​electric will help the environment. ​
"I just drove the Tesla Model 3. It was pretty cool. I liked it a lot​," he said.
When asked if he would purchase an electric vehicle, he said, ​"Definitely, because it's safe and it's more convenient than having a gas car.​ I would probably get one."
The test drive event continues Sunday, September, 29th, as well as Tuesday, October 1st from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.