Andover and New London Energy Committees Host Electric Vehicle Expo

Pecco and Gail Beaufays, owner-operators of Highland Lake Inn in East Andover, pose for a photo with their all-electric BMW i3. One of the most fuel-efficient vehicles on the market today, the car will be on display at the Electric Vehicle Expo in New London on Sunday, September 11. Photo: Larry Chase

All-electric cars such as the Tesla Model S, electric bicycles, and a hybrid automobile that has traveled 20,000 miles on three gallons of gas will converge in New London on Sunday, September 11, to showcase the future of transportation against a diorama of the past.

The New London Electric Vehicle Expo will take place on the grounds of the New London Historical Society on September 11 from noon to 4 PM. Admission is free to both the expo and the 19th-century village. Visitors who register online in advance are eligible to win a raffle prize. The event – one of more than 100 across the country promoting electric vehicle use – is part of the fifth annual National Drive Electric Week.

Experts and vehicle owners will gather in New London to talk about electric automobiles and bicycles. This car show of tomorrow will feature vehicles such as the BMW i3, Chevrolet Volt, Nissan Leaf, and Tesla Model S. Electric bicycles, including the EZ Pedaler T500, will show how motors can expand the utility of bicycles in a hilly New England setting.

A 1923 electric car and a Ford Model T from New London’s Ice House Museum will be featured mileposts from the long history of automotive innovation. These vehicles are in addition to the many classics found in the New London Historical Society’s collection.

“This will be a fun and fascinating look at how we’ll all get around in the future,” says David Harris of the New London Energy Committee. “It’s all the more interesting when you compare where we’re going to the rich history on display in the historic village.”

Owners will be able to give up-close looks at their vehicles and talk about their experiences. One driver of a BMW i3 has gone more than 20,000 miles while burning only a few gallons of gasoline. Others use solar panels on their homes to power their transportation needs.

The energy committees of the towns of Andover and New London are organizing the event. Primary sponsors of the New London Electric Vehicle Expo are Clarke’s Hardware, Energy Emporium, Grappone Automotive Group, New Day Energy, ReVision Energy, Snow Building Construction, and Unleashed.

Register to attend the expo by searching for “New London drive electric week” or visiting DriveElectricWeek.org and selecting “New London.”

The energy committees of Andover and New London are grateful to the New London Historical Society for allowing the expo to occur at the picturesque New London Historical Village, which occupies 10 acres along Route 114 between County Road and Newport Road. The New London Historical Society works to preserve the history of the New London area by collecting and conserving artifacts, offering educational and other programs, and collaborating with local and regional organizations.

E-mail questions about the New London Electric Vehicle Expo to WhyPumpGas@nullgmail.com, or call the New London Energy Committee’s Jamie Hess at 526-2429 or David Harris at 340-4128.