The Dalles’ first EV Ride & Drive - Try out electric cars, trucks, bikes and more

Back in 2021, locals gave this Volkswagen ID.4 electric vehicle a run in an EV Ride and Drive near Franz Bakery on West Sixth Street in The Dalles. The car’s driving range was between 250 and 300 miles depending on driving conditions.

By David Skakel

Want to test drive an electric car, truck, van or motorcycle? Or take an electric cargo bike for a spin? Or learn about the electric car share program in The Dalles? Come to the free "Ride & Drive" event on May 9 from 2-6 pm at The Dalles Area Chamber. You can learn about incentives to set up home charging. Or kick the tires on a driver-optional electric tractor or utility terrain vehicle (UTV.)

The Ride & Drive will be at The Dalles Area Chamber of Commerce, 404 W. 2nd St. on May 9.

“We want folks to have the opportunity to try electric vehicles for themselves and have their questions answered,” notes Mosier resident David Skakel who organized the event. “Many people who go electric enjoy the smooth and silent ride.”

The event is part of a USDA-funded educational program focused on developing EV charging infrastructure within Wasco County. Forth, a nonprofit that advances clean and equitable transportation, is leading this effort in Wasco County with assistance from Wy’East Resource Conservation and Development.

“Electric vehicles are a rapidly emerging technology. That’s why we’re excited to bring a diverse array of electric vehicles and equipment to try. We are bringing along technical experts too,” says Skakel who works for Forth.

There will be over a dozen electric vehicles to test drive and demonstrations of electric farm equipment, such as an electric tractor, a F-150 Lightning, a Polaris UTV, off-road electric motorcycles, and several low-speed GEM cars as well. E-cargo bikes will also be available for test drives.

Utility companies, dealerships and EV experts will be on hand to answer questions about the technology and financial incentives. There will be hot pizza and cold ice cream. So come feed yourself and your curiosity on May 9.

This event is sponsored by the USDA, Wasco Electric Cooperative and Wy’East Resource Conservation and Development.

Updated information here: forthmobility.org/events/dalles-ride-drive.