SunCommon organizes annual ‘Sun CARnival’ Saturday in South Burlington

Sept. 24, 2021  |  By Waterbury Roundabout 

Dozens of electric car drivers will converge in South Burlington on Saturday to share their cars and experiences at the annual Sun CARnival event organized by SunCommon for National Drive Electric Week.

The Waterbury-based solar energy company has hosted these events since 2014 to “bring thousands of people together to celebrate Vermont’s transition to electric transportation options that can be powered by the sun,” according to the company’s announcement.  

Attendees will get to see and learn about various types of plug-in electric vehicles available and talk to vehicle owners, some of whom will give test rides as well. 

In addition, several local car dealers will have new electric vehicles to demonstrate. “There is a growing community of people passionate about electric vehicles. This event is about getting these people together to celebrate the transition away from gas cars while encouraging our neighbors across the state to check out electric driving for themselves,” said Jake Elliott at SunCommon, the event’s organizer. 

Organizers said at least 17 different electric vehicle models will be on-site as well as electric motorcycles, electric bicycles, and electric lawn care equipment. Vermont soul and blues musician Dave Keller will be there to play live music for the afternoon, too. 

Drive Electric Vermont and the Vermont Chapter of the Sierra Club are co-sponsors of the event. Both organizations work to educate and advocate for programs to accelerate the transition to electric driving, electric vehicle-charging infrastructure development, incentives, and other actions to transition away from fossil-fueled transportation. “Switching to electric driving is easier than ever,” said David Roberts with Drive Electric Vermont. “EV model availability continues to grow and incentives can reduce purchase costs by up to $14,000.”

Roberts and other EV experts will attend the event to answer questions. The CARnival will be held 1-5 p.m. on Saturday in South Burlington at 218 Hannafords Drive off Shelburne Road and across from Lowe’s. Attendance is free. More information is online at driveelectricweek.org.