When did this rally & show start? What is it all about?

This year is the 35 th annual rally and show; the biggest ever! In addition to the display of electric cars, we have several vendors on hand offering information on batteries, solar electricity, and two wheeled transportation in the form of electric bicycles, motorcycles and motor scooters.  Several drivers will compete in the electric car rally to see who can go the farthest on a single battery charge.

How many vehicles will be represented at the rally?

Due to last minute registrations, we don't have a precise figure. We expect over 50 electric vehicles this year.

 

What is the goal of the rally?

The goal of the rally is to show members of the public that Electric Vehicles are a viable transportation alternative that can meet most or all of their daily driving needs.  Electric Vehicles have zero emissions, are quiet, and eliminate dependence on foreign oil.  The rally participants are offering rides in their electric cars so that members of the public can experience these benefits first hand.

 

What has changed in the past year or so? Have you noticed an increased interest in electric vehicles? If so, in what way? Sales? 

The movie, "Who Killed the Electric Car?", released by Sony Classics in summer of 2006, has generated a lot of interest as have higher gasoline prices.  Announcements from independent electric car companies such as Tesla Motors have received much attention from the media and the public.  EAA membership has risen sharply and so has interest in Plug-in Hybrids, a concept that the EAA has long supported. This year we have over 300 pre-registrations for the 4 th Annual EV Conversion Workshop (held the day after the rally).

 

Have there been any breakthrough technologies to bring down the price? Increase the performance?

Advances in battery technology from companies such as A123, Valence and FireFly Energy have promised increased driving range for electric vehicles. ( www.a123systems.com    www.valence.com   www.fireflyenergy.com )

 

What are the major impediments to widespread acceptance of electric vehicles?

We are continually surprised by the large number of people that are unaware of the existence of electric cars.  No major auto manufacturers have any freeway capable electric cars for sale at the present time and the cars were very expensive and difficult to get when they were available a few years ago.  Limited driving range is also a reason many people mention when asked why the won't consider an electric car, although when questioned further they often admit that their daily driving distance (typically less than 40 miles per day) is well within the range of electric cars that have been available for the last 25 years.