On May 20, the Centralina Clean Fuels Coalition (CCFC), in collaboration with the City of Charlotte, hosted the Alternative Fuels Ride & Drive: an engaging, hands-on event that brought together alternative fuel vehicle vendors and fleet managers from across the region.
The event provided local government staff with the opportunity to explore a wide array of alternative fuel vehicles, including electric and hybrid models. Attendees drove vehicles, asked questions and collected key information to help determine whether these technologies could be a viable fit for their municipal fleets.
In addition to showcasing the latest in vehicle technology, the event emphasized education and peer learning. Participants heard firsthand from organizations that have already incorporated alternative fuels into their operations, gaining valuable insights into implementation strategies, cost-saving opportunities and common challenges.
A highlight of the day was the “Electric Vehicle Emergencies for First Responders” course, hosted by Central Piedmont Community College. Offered in two sessions, the training addressed the unique risks electric vehicles pose in emergencies, including fire response, hazmat incidents and patient care. First responders received both classroom and hands-on instruction to help them better prepare for and respond to EV-related incidents.
The Ride & Drive event reflects a growing regional interest in cleaner transportation options and supports local governments in making informed, sustainable fleet decisions.
Interested in learning more about clean fuels? Contact CCFC Director Megan Upchurch.
Featured image courtesy of City of Charlotte.
