Councillor Paul West of East Riding of Yorkshire Council and Councillor Mark Ieronimo of Hull City Council with a range of electric vehicles at the Priory Park & Ride site, which will host the region’s first electric vehicle experience event in June
PROMOTING SUSTAINABLE TRAVEL: (L to R) Councillor Paul West of East Riding of Yorkshire Council and Councillor Mark Ieronimo of Hull City Council with a range of electric vehicles at the Priory Park & Ride site, which will host the region’s first electric vehicle experience event in June

Hull and East Riding – Let’s Go Electric!

Organised by Hull City Council and East Riding of Yorkshire Council, ‘Let’s Go Electric!’ will take place on Saturday 21 June, from 10am-3pm, and will showcase the growing range of EVs, both cars and commercial, that are now available and allow people from across Hull and East Yorkshire to explore some of the benefits of EV adoption and find out more about other sustainable transport solutions, including electric buses and eBikes.

Visitors will have the opportunity to test drive a range of exciting new electric cars and bikes, speak to dealers, ask questions and learn from industry experts about the latest advancements in EV technology, including charging infrastructure, to help support the transition to zero-emission, battery electric vehicles, whether for home or work.

Among those exhibiting at the event are electric vehicles from both local authorities’ fleets, the blue light services, an electric bus; courtesy of Stagecoach East Midlands; eBike try-outs and cycle repairs by R-evolution and an electric truck used by local contractor The Ashcourt Group.

An exciting range of electric vehicles will be on display from local dealerships with test drives available throughout the day.

The free event, which is being delivered with the support of Let’s Experience Electric, will take place at the Priory Park & Ride site, just off the A63, Clive Sullivan Way, between Hull and Hessle. The site offers ample free car and cycle parking as well as regular bus services to and from Hull City Centre (Stagecoach Service 20).

As well as being attended by dealers and exhibitors, the day will also include catering from a number of food and drink providers.

Councillor Mark Ieronimo, cabinet portfolio holder for transportation, roads and highways at Hull City Council, said: “Transport, especially road transport, is now the biggest emitter of carbon in the UK. By accelerating the switch away from fossil fuels to zero-emission vehicles, we have an opportunity to tackle the climate emergency and drive improvements in air quality that will benefit the health and economy of the city.

“Making your next car an EV won’t be right for everyone but the growing range of vehicles now available at different price points as well as the advancements in battery technology are making them increasingly accessible.

“This event is a chance to highlight what’s out there and an opportunity for people to explore whether it might be right for them.

“We are delighted to be working alongside Let’s Experience Electric who share our aspiration in breaking down barriers to EV ownership.

“I would greatly encourage anyone who has thought about switching to an EV or just wants to find out more to come down and test drive the future of travel.”

Councillor Paul West, cabinet member for environment and transport at East Riding of Yorkshire Council, said: “This event is a fantastic opportunity for anyone interested to find out more about electric vehicles and all the benefits they bring.

“They are much better for our local environment, cut down on carbon emissions, promote cleaner air and offer lower running costs.

“So come along and experience the latest technological advancements for yourself.”

Andy Lewis of Let’s Experience Electric said: “We look forward to seeing everyone on the day and to hosting as many test drives as they wish.

“If you have never driven an EV, come and try them out or, if you are an existing EV driver, come and see the latest vehicles.

“We encourage people to speak to the dealers and exhibitors, whether you want a full EV, a plug-in or hybrid, new or used, come along and find out what works for you.”

The event has been planned to align with both councils’ electric vehicle strategies, which seeks to facilitate the wider adoption of EVs across the region and tackle some of the current barriers slowing the transition to cleaner air and more sustainable means of travel.

To register your interest in a test drive, please complete the booking form on Eventbrite

Those taking part in test drives on  the day will need to bring:

  • Your valid UK photo card driving license
  • A printed copy of your Personal Driving License Check and your ‘GET A CODE’ reference, which you can create here
  • Your National Insurance Number

Test drives will be approximately 10 minutes long, with a designated route for drivers to follow, before returning to the EV pick-up area.