Gilroy held its first-ever electric vehicle ride-and-drive event, drawing dozens of residents eager to experience the technology firsthand. Organized by Silicon Valley Clean Energy (SVCE) and Breathe California, the free event took place at Gilroy City Hall and featured test drives of multiple EV models including Tesla, Hyundai, Nissan, Ford, Volkswagen, and Chevrolet vehicles.
Attendees could drive vehicles such as the Tesla Model Y, Hyundai IONIQ 5, and Ford Mustang Mach-E, rotating across the models throughout the day. More than fifty people signed up ahead of time, with additional visitors joining on the day of the event. SVCE’s marketing lead emphasized that the goal was to provide a pressure-free environment for people to learn about EVs and how their technology works, rather than push immediate purchases.
The event also attracted veteran EV owners who shared their experiences. One volunteer ambassador who drove a 2022 Ford F-150 Lightning highlighted not only the environmental advantages but also the smooth, quiet driving experience and long-range capabilities. He noted that charging overnight at home significantly lowers fuel costs, while maintenance remains minimal compared to traditional vehicles, with few parts requiring replacement over several years.
An intriguing attraction was a 1953 Studebaker Champion coupe—a classic car retrofitted to electric power by its owner. The conversion involved a custom battery pack installation and took several months to complete, demonstrating the broader possibilities of electric technology beyond new vehicle models.
SVCE supports income-qualified customers through rebates and is actively expanding outreach in South County to raise awareness about EV options. The event’s success underscored growing public interest in cleaner transportation alternatives and offered a practical, hands-on approach to understanding electric vehicles in a community setting.