By NYSSA KRUSE
For the Gazette
NORTHAMPTON — Anyone with a valid driver’s license will be able to test drive up to five different electric vehicles between 10:30 a.m. and 3 p.m. on Saturday during the Mass Drive Clean Car Expo.
The free, no-pressure-to-buy event will feature electric vehicles of different makes and models in the Northampton Radio Group parking lot at 15 Hampton Ave.
The event is affiliated with the state-sponsored electric vehicle test drive campaign, Mass Drive Clean, and is supported by National Grid, Northeast Solar, and Ford of Northampton.
Mark Lattanzi, promotions director for the radio station and organizer of the event, said he believes the community is interested in trying out these cars and test driving will give them a better idea of what the vehicles are like.
“In the abstract, an electric vehicle might seem limiting or intimidating,” he said. “After they drive one, people can see how it might make sense for them when they are ready for their next car.”
This is the second year for the event, which is one of several similar events held across the commonwealth. Lattanzi said that last year, the expo in Northampton was one of the highest-attended events of its kind in the state.
Cars present at the event will include both the Chevrolet Bolt and Volt, the Nissan Leaf, the VW e-Golf and the Hyundai Ioniq.
For those not interested in driving, the expo will also feature local solar energy vendors, Lattanzi said, and the Bistro Bus, a local food truck.