Photos: Cape Canaveral’s EV Event Sparks Insights into Clean Transportation

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The City of Cape Canaveral, Florida, in collaboration with local partners, hosted an Electric Vehicle (EV) event during National Drive Electric Week on Saturday, September 30. The event, held at Manatee Sanctuary Park in Cape Canaveral, aimed to provide valuable insights into electric vehicles' functionality. Attendees had the opportunity to explore over a dozen car displays, gaining knowledge about the infrastructure required for widespread EV adoption.

The city showcased its commitment to sustainability by sharing information about its growing electrified fleet. The event facilitated real driver testimonials, allowing attendees to learn from first-hand experiences with various electrified makes and models. Visitors also had the chance for sit-in experiences and access to numerous resources for those considering electric vehicles in the future.

Given Cape Canaveral's historical significance with U.S.'s space program, the city aimed to position itself at the forefront of advancements in clean transportation technologies. The event served as an educational platform, offering the community a glimpse into the past, present, and future of electric driving technology.

A Clipper Creek charging station on locaton at Cape Canaveral's EV event.
Photo: Government Fleet

Robert Rupp, who owns this Chevy Bolt, said he uses solar to power his charging system keeping costs down.
"Theres a lot of stuff thats going to be coming out in the next two or three years and there's new battery technology that will be able to last longer than say a 10-year period," he said.
Photo: Government Fleet

A Tesla Model S. Steve Kempf, the vehicle's owner and a Full Self-Driving Beta tester, noted that while people may have misconceptions about the vehicle, they won't understand the vehicle's capabilities until they drive an EV, such as how far it can go on a charge.
"Range is not a problem, the car will navigate to where you want to go and tells you where to charge," he said.
Photo: Government Fleet

A Ford Mustang Mach E 4x. Nebraska, Police Department unveiled its first electric vehicle (EV). The Ford Mustang Mach-E has been a go-to for several police fleets switching to EVs.
Photo: Government Fleet

A Ford C-Max Energi, which is an all-electric version of the C-Max.
Photo: Government Fleet

Several Teslas were on display during the EV event.
Photo: Government Fleet

A Kia EV6 on display.
Photo: Government Fleet

A 2022 Tesla Model X on display for Cape Canaveral's EV event. Tesla's toutes this vehicles as having the "highest towing capacity of any electric SUV."
Photo: Government Fleet

The owner of this Rivian R1T explained that a big draw for him when it comes to EVs is the torque that’s available.
"There's 100% torque available at all speeds," he said. "While I still love internal combustion engines, with electric vehicles you don't have to wait for the engine to explode and transfer all that energy through the drive train, it's always available.”
Photo: Government Fleet

The frunk of a 2023 Rivian R1T is open for attendess to see it's carrying capcity. The vehicle's owner said he can go 335 miles without stopping.
Photo: Government Fleet

The EGO Z6 Zero Turn Riding Mower. Stephen New, uses the mower for his busienss, Solarpunk Lawn Care.
New noted that it can be difficult for large-scale operations to have 100% electric for lawn care due to cost and battery life.
“As a solo operator, just mowing residential properties, it works really well,” New said, adding that “It's hard to do; it's expensive to start up. And depending on where you are not everyone is super excited about the idea of electric…it's challenging for cities.”
Photo: Government Fleet

A Ford F-150 Lightning on display at the Drive Electric event. The city is currently putting in for a grant to purchase two Ford F-150 Lightnings.
Photo: Government Fleet

Cape Canaveral's Ford F-150, a hybrid used for code enforcment. The city plans to add more hybrids over the next fiscal year.
Photo: Government Fleet

Cape Canaveral's Nissan LEAF on display. The LEAF is one of two all-electric vehicles the city currently uses.
Photo: Government Fleet

The city of Cape Canaveral is working toward the goal to convert 100% of the fleet to low or zero-emissions AFVs by 2035
Photo: Government Fleet