Attendees of this year's North American International Auto Show were lining up for the chance to test-drive some of the latest electric vehicles, including on an indoor track courtesy of Detroit Local 58 and the southeast Michigan chapter of the National Electrical Contractors Association.
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Local 58 Business Agent Andre Cook describes the attributes of a smart panel to a local news reporter.
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"Attending this show was a tremendous opportunity for us to meet with consumers who have every type of charging need," Local 58 Business Manager Paul VanOss said. "We were able to demonstrate and discuss all the different charging options available and explain how Local 58 works together with NECA contractors to provide the best support for EV charging infrastructure."
The Powering Michigan EV Experience track, co-sponsored by Local 58 and NECA, was one of multiple ride-along options at the annual auto show, one of the largest in North America. Participants were accompanied by a professional driver who took them on a ride that traversed through a serpentine track with an acceleration lane stretching more than 300 feet.
After the test drive, visitors could then explore the Powering Michigan EV Learning Center, where they got information on topics including electric vehicle chargers, battery storage and solar panels. The center also showcased a variety of EV charging applications from four manufacturers and included educational seminars, as well as experts on hand to field any questions.
"We had some meaningful conversations with potential new business partners," Local 58 Business Agent Andre Crook said. "Answering questions and helping consumers see and discuss all the various charging options we had on display was a great opportunity for us to grow our business."
For a number of visitors, the cost of electric chargers was top of mind, reported the Detroit Free Press.
"If you look at it, the cost isn't as invasive as people make it seem to be," Crook told the Free Press. "If you want to do something extraordinarily big and futurize your house, then it could get pricey. But if you just get an electric vehicle charger that comes along with your car, depending on your infrastructure in your home, it's not really costly."
Among those who stopped by the learning center was Detroit Mayor Mike Duggan.
"This is pretty exciting! The city is getting ready to roll out 100 charging stations throughout Detroit, and this just gives people a chance to see how does this work, how did it charge," Duggan said in an interview with local news station WXYZ.
Local 58 has more than 600 members trained and certified by the nationally recognized Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Training Program. They are actively installing charging equipment throughout Michigan for all market segments, from residential to public and fleet, said Jennifer Mefford, EVITP national co-chair.
"It's been a great team effort to provide education and options for EV charging support with Local 58 at the show," she said.