Plug in, Turn on, Drive off at 2nd Annual Electric Car Rally

The Westport Electric Car Club announces its second annual Electric Car Rally, a 40-mile event on Sunday, May 4.  

This event is open to the public. The Rally begins and ends at the Westport Saugatuck Metro-North train depot.

Registration will occur in front of the Steam Coffee Bar on the New Haven bound side, next to the 4 EV charging stations. There will be a mid-rally stopping point at the Wilton GoGreen Festival, and a free public event at the finish in Westport.

Rally registration begins at 9 a.m. and the rally will start at 10 a.m.  The public event will begin at 1 p.m. when the cars are expected to finish.  The public will have an opportunity to speak with EV owners, learn about EV technology, and visit sponsor tents, and enjoy snacks and drinks.

Last year’s rally was the first of its kind in CT and the largest in the country.

Entrants must be “plug-in” vehicles, either partially (plug-in hybrid) or fully electric.  It is not necessary to be a member of the club or to live in Westport to participate. Any and all EV drivers are welcome! Eligibility for entry this year has been expanded to include plug-in motorcycles and scooters.   Some of the newer models are expected to enter.

The club expected 20 entries for the 2013 rally and ended up with 33. The models entered were the Tesla Model S, Tesla Roadster, Chevrolet Volt, Nissan Leaf, BMW ActiveE, Smart Car EV, Ford C-Max Energi, Toyota Prius Plug-in, and Fisker Karma. This year the club expects between 50 and 100 vehicles to be entered.

Club President Leo Cirino says, “Electric cars are gaining traction in the marketplace as drivers learn that they are good cars, fun to drive, and practical. I have already had a number of interested participants reach out to me in advance of this announcement, as well as several local dealers who wish to participate. We welcome the public to come and learn about EVs, the efforts of the club, see the exhibits, and enjoy a fun, family-friendly event.”

Steve Smith, building official from the Town of Westport states, “The partnership between the Town and the Westport Electric Car Club began with the installation of 4 EV charging stations at the Saugatuck Metro-North depot parking area. We have continued to work together as we have expanded the number of charging stations locally.”

The 2013 winner, Bruce Becker, driving a BMW ActiveE says, “All the EV drivers had a great time participating in the rally last year and the community was super interested in the cars. I plan to drive a BMW i3 this year and look forward to meeting more people at the Wilton Town Green and the rally event in Westport."

John Shuck is returning as rally master, along with co-rally master Larry Liesner. To register a car, visit the club’s website.

Photos are available on the website. Visit the club’s Facebook event page for updates, as they are announced, and other news about EVs.

The mission of the Westport Electric Car club is to promote vehicle electrification and the supporting infrastructure in the service of reaching low or zero emission transportation.

The club welcomes for membership anyone with an interest in electric vehicles. It is not a requirement to be an EV owner or to live in Westport.

In fact, for anyone considering an EV purchase, the club is a great resource for information. Prospective members may join on the website.