All-electric Ride-and-Drive slated for Dearborn, MI

Smart, efficient and fully charged electric vehicles are the coming thing, and they will be on display – and ready to drive at a conference at the Center for Automotive Research. The event at the Hyatt Regency in Dearborn will include an exclusive ride-and-drive, offering attendees the opportunity to drive several production EVs. The test track will feature hairpin turns, acceleration lanes and a slalom course, thus providing a fully electric driving experience. In addition conference presenters and exhibitors will be on hand to answer questions and explain the technology.

Included in the ride and drive aspects of the event will be models of the Chevrolet Volt, Nissan Leaf, Ford Transit Connect Electric, Mercedes ML350 EV and an electric Saturn Sky provided by AMP Electric Vehicles, a Vauxhall Vivaro provided by Protean Drive as well as additional vehicles yet to be announced.

Conference participants can also view several types of charging stations, on display and in operation, in addition to hearing from dozens of industry experts during panel discussions and technical sessions. Planned session subjects include Changing Perspectives: PEV Partnerships in a Changing World, illuminating the evolving landscape for automakers and suppliers, and Consumer Insights, addressing early consumer response and stakeholder reaction.

The conference will offer access to information from nearly 50 exhibitors, automakers, charging station providers and other stakeholders.

The full event agenda is available at bpiconference.com/agenda. The conference will provide a forum for collaboration in solving the challenges of the global market and a will offer early registration discounts through next Wednesday, Aug. 31.

About The Business of Plugging In
The Business of Plugging In was launched in 2009 with a grant from the Michigan Public Service Commission. It took place in Detroit, MI, to cultivate discussion among key stakeholders about developing a business model and infrastructure to support the introduction and future growth of plug-in electric vehicles. For more information about the center, visit cargroup.org.