Electric vehicles: A bright idea gains ground in showcase

As many seek to alleviate climate change and promote a more sustainable future, electric vehicles (EVs) are a frequent topic of discussion

EVs are billed as helping the environment because they produce much less climate pollution, i.e., greenhouse gases and acid rain, than vehicles that run on gasoline. They also avoid engine noise and fuel spills that cause pollution.

Although EVs have been around since 1832, research and technological advances in recent years have boosted the industry at an unprecedented rate.

New EV models are constantly being unveiled. At one such event, on July 15, Closter Commons on Piermont Road showcased an array of state-of-the-art EVs, and the excitement was electrifying.

The show, sponsored by the North New Jersey Chamber of Commerce and The New Jersey Electric Vehicle Association (NJEVA), drew a crowd of hundreds from all over Bergen County. The event provided important information to potential EV buyers as well as the opportunity to experience new makes and models.

Several participating dealerships showcased EVs — DARCARS, Lucid, Lexus of Englewood, Benzel-Busch Mercedes, Prestige Collection Auto Group, Hyundai, Volvo, Polestar, Trinity Cadillac, Rivian and Lyriq.

Owners were also on hand to answer questions regarding their ownership experience with Tesla Model 3, Tesla Model Y, Chevrolet Bolt EUV, Ford Mustang Mach-E, Mini Cooper SE, and Volvo C40 Recharge Twin.

There was information on incentives, charging and career training provided by Bergen County Community College EV training program, Greenspot Charging Network, the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection, and PSE&G.

Adding to the festive atmosphere, DJ Scott Reddin played a variety of tunes throughout the show.

Several of the EV owners were eager to talk about the advantages and perks of their car.

Anthony Anuncion had a sign on his Volvo that said “60,000.” He said, “I can drive 300 miles before I have to recharge. Iʼve driven all the way to Maryland.”

Another Tesla EV, a Model Y, had a license plate that read “Nay2Gas” and was displayed with all the doors open so people could see the streamlined dashboar. Instead of the traditional rows of controls, everything can be accessed on one large touchscreen that can be voice-activated.

Clockwise from top left: Liam Oliver and dad,David,survey a Mustang Mach-E;a Tesla Model 3; Anthony Anuncion is proud of the mileage he gets on his Volvo C40 Ultimate;Anthony Anuncion is proud of the mileage he gets on his Volvo C40 Ultimate. Hillary Viders photos.

Another EV owner, who bought his first vehicle in 2012, said, “I havenʼt had to buy gas in 10 1⁄ 2 years!”

Next to Ionic 5 model Hyundai, Andi Sjamsu, from the NJEVA, demonstrated how its 120-volt outlet can power a variety of electronic equipment, like the DJ station being used by the showʼs entertainer without a generator buzzing away.

According to Siamsu, NJEVA hosts 36 events a year, all over New Jersey, that bring a total of 10,000 visitors.

Tony Witkowski said his Tesla Model 3 goes from 0 to 60 MPH in 3 seconds and can easily reach speeds of 150 MPH. “I also like the fact that there are charging stations at most places where I go.”

This model also displayed a poster listing the carʼs many advantages, such as a 500,000mile battery It said, “If you drive 15,000 miles a year, this battery will last 33 years.”

Another innovation in modern EV technology is that there is no idling or total reliance on brakes as there is in gasoline powered cars. By means of the regenerative system (REGEN), “one pedal” driving slows the car to a stop while regenerating energy to the battery. In this way, the brakes on some EVs can last 100,000 miles.

While dozens were examining the EVs, Paul Yarin from the Closter Environmental Commission spoke to people about his organizationʼs main focus, “to reduce carbon emissions in the atmosphere.”

He said, “A secondary advantage is that you pay only about one-third as much as you would for gasoline.”

From 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. the Closter EV showcase provided a valuable learning experience for many and it was exciting for youngsters. 12-year-old Liam Oliver, who had come with his dad, admired a Ford Mustang Mach-E.

Hillary Viders