News Summary
Jacksonville recently organized a free electric vehicle show and student races aimed at promoting EV adoption. Hosted by JEA and Florida State College, the event featured over 25 electric vehicle models available for test drives and showcased the ingenuity of local students racing custom-built electric cars. With a focus on education and sustainability, the event emphasized the importance of transitioning to electric vehicles and highlighted potential savings for families. Additionally, Jacksonville is set to enhance its EV infrastructure with new charging stations to support growing electric vehicle usage in the community.
Jacksonville Hosts Free Electric Vehicle Show and Student Races to Promote EV Adoption
Jacksonville families had the opportunity to explore the future of transportation at a free electric vehicle (EV) car show and student races hosted by JEA (Jacksonville Electric Authority) and Florida State College at Jacksonville. The event was held at the FSCJ Cecil Center on Saturday, where attendees were introduced to the latest advancements in electric vehicle technology.
More than 25 of the newest electric vehicle models from eight different manufacturers were available for test drives during the event, allowing guests to experience firsthand the features and benefits of going electric. Approximately 20 school teams participated in the First Coast Electrathon Race, showcasing custom-built electric cars. These teams competed to see which vehicle could complete the most laps on a single charge, emphasizing student ingenuity and innovation in the electric vehicle space.
Logan, one of the student racers, underlined the significance of student engagement in the electric vehicle industry, highlighting the promising job opportunities in the rapidly evolving sector. The event served as a platform for education, aiming to inform the community on the potential cost savings of switching to electric vehicles. With electric vehicles representing a critical step towards sustainability, potential buyers were encouraged to consider the environmental benefits as well.
One aspect of urgency surrounded the federal tax credit for electric vehicles, which is set to expire on September 30. In response, JEA’s Program Manager, Dave McKee, reassured potential buyers that those who sign a contract and make a purchase or trade by the end of September would still qualify for this tax incentive. This tax credit can be a significant factor in reducing the overall cost of purchasing an electric vehicle.
McKee also noted that electric vehicles can contribute to lower transportation costs, which represent the second-largest household expense. Along with the economic benefits, transitioning to electric vehicles also supports environmental sustainability by reducing carbon emissions.
Additionally, Walmart has announced plans to install electric vehicle chargers at three Supercenters in Jacksonville. The proposals are currently under review, and the installations aim to convert existing parking spaces into EV parking stalls. The estimated costs of chargers, transformers, and the necessary civil site work at each location amount to $1.3 million. This initiative is part of Walmart’s broader goals to build a nationwide EV fast-charging network at thousands of its stores by 2030, complementing third-party charging options already available.
Jacksonville is one of 23 cities receiving funding to develop comprehensive electric transportation plans through Ameren Illinois, with a total of $675,000 dedicated to the state’s initiative. This funding will assist in creating a transportation electrification plan that aligns with Jacksonville’s community goals. The allocated resources can be employed to install electric vehicle supply equipment, enhance infrastructure in collaboration with businesses, and develop outreach programs focused on electric vehicles.
Illinois aims for a significant increase in electric vehicle adoption, targeting 1 million electric vehicles on the roads by 2030. As of April 2023, there were 135,482 electric vehicles registered statewide, with a notable concentration in Morgan County—58 out of 70 of the county’s registered electric vehicles are located in Jacksonville. This trend underscores the growing enthusiasm and commitment to electric vehicle adoption in the region.
The electric vehicle show and races provided an important opportunity for Jacksonville residents to learn more about sustainable transportation options, while also highlighting community initiatives that promote electric vehicle usage and education.
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Additional Resources
- First Coast News: Jacksonville Hosts Free Electric Vehicle Show
- Jax Daily Record: Walmart Installing EV Chargers at Jacksonville Stores
- The Cool Down: BP Electric Vehicle Charging Station on I-95 Jacksonville
- Wikipedia: Electric Vehicle
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Electric Vehicle
Author: STAFF HERE JACKSONVILLE WRITER
The JACKSONVILLE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREJacksonville.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Jacksonville, Duval County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Jacksonville Jazz Festival, Riverside Arts Market, and World of Nations Celebration. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Jacksonville Chamber of Commerce and JAXUSA Partnership, plus leading businesses in logistics, healthcare, and entertainment that power the local economy such as CSX Corporation, Baptist Health, and VyStar Credit Union. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREOrlando.com, HEREStPetersburg.com, HERETallahassee.com, and HERETampa.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Florida's dynamic landscape.
