By Mark Gunderman, CVTC Communications Specialist
Interest in vehicles powered entirely by electricity is increasing in the Chippewa Valley, if the turnout at Saturday’s “Experience Electric Vehicles” event is any indication.
The event, at the Energy Education Center of Chippewa Valley Technical College (CVTC), drew some 200 people.
“It exceeded our expectations,” said Adam Wehling, CVTC’s dean of agriculture, energy, and transportation. “We were hoping for 75-100 people, and I think we can safely say we had around 200. And we had 18 electric cars here.”
CVTC co-sponsored the event with Eau Claire Energy Cooperative (ECEC), Chippewa Valley Electric Cooperative and Dunn Energy Cooperative.
Electric power gaining favor
Wehling noted that there is no doubt electric power as an alternative to gasoline engines is rising in popularity. CNN recently reported that in March electric vehicles outsold gasoline-powered vehicles for the first time in Norway, with 58 percent of the market.
“Here, half of new lawn and garden equipment sales are electric,” Wehling said.
“Our goal was to increase the awareness and feasibility of electric vehicles for the community,” said Monica Obrycki, chief administrative officer at ECEC. “We want our members to be able to use electric vehicles, but it’s a load management issue for us.
“In order to be financially beneficial to members and the co-op, we want to encourage off-peak charging. We have incentive programs to do that,” she added.
Re-charging vehicles a major concern
However, the frequency of electric vehicle re-charging, rather than the time of day, was what concerned many visitors, according to Randy Kruger of Marshfield, who was frequently surrounded by people curious to see his fully electric Model X Tesla with its falcon-wing doors.
“A lot of people want to know about the range,” Kruger said, noting that his vehicle can go about 250 miles between charges. “What people don’t understand is how well-designed the car is to maximize range.”
Kruger demonstrated planning a trip to Dallas, TX in the Tesla. The computer system maps out the route and indicates the location and duration of re-charging stops, which were typically under an hour.
“I have not been limited in my traveling, but I haven’t driven cross country,” Kruger said.
Breakout sessions gave further information
Travis Gay, Automotive Technician program instructor at CVTC, conducted breakout sessions on the technology as part of the event.
“Many of the electric vehicle systems are similar to gas vehicles, but where the electric vehicles differ is the motor and the battery,” Gay said. “The technology has come along to the point that ranges are increasing. It used to be about 100 miles; now it’s over 200. That’s the biggest concern to consumers.”
Gay added that in the long run consumers could save on vehicle maintenance with fully electric vehicles, as they never need oil changes.
Environmental concerns draw some attendees to the technology.
“This is a thing of the future. We have to do it,” said Millie Lenseling of Menomonie.
Mark Gunderman can be reached at gunderman1@cvtc.edu.