Want to get off gas? Learn how at Drive Electric Month events across the US

If you have been curious about electric cars but haven't gotten around to test-driving one, this month gives you plenty of chances. Drive Electric Month, an annual event now in its 16th year, is running more than 150 events across most US states (and one in Canada) through late September and into October. The events are organized locally, so they range from small parking-lot meetups to large festivals with food, music, and dozens of cars on display. The idea is to let people talk directly with EV owners, rather than through a dealership, and to take test rides or drives.

Local events cover a wide range of interests. Some focus on specific vehicle types, like RVs or trucks; others pair EVs with topics like using them as backup power during outages, or getting cheaper off-peak electricity rates from a local utility. A few, run through electric cooperatives, include information on rebates for buying an EV. If you can't find one nearby or would rather not go in person, there are online webinars in September and October covering EV ownership basics, charging, and getting money back through incentives.

To find something near you, check the event map and list online, then look at each event's page for details on what will be there and how to RSVP or volunteer. Given how high gas prices have climbed lately, this is a low-pressure way to see what switching to an electric car might mean for your own driving and budget.