Learn More About Electric Cars at 'Geek Ride' Information Event

Energy conscious residents, car enthusiasts, and those who are just plain curious will have an opportunity to learn about electric vehicles (EVs) and charging options at an event to be held in in West Hartford this weekend.

Connecticut Electric Car and have teamed up for what they are calling the first annual "Let You Geek Ride Rip" event. Representatives from dealerships that sell electric cars and the Department of Transportation will also be on hand for this "green day."

Ed Ingalls, owner of Connecticut Electric Car, which is a division of Newington Electric Co., installs electric car charging stations in homes and commercial properties.

"In the last year or so, the demand has really increased," Ingalls said. His company has installed at least 75 units, including two in the Lexicon Garage at 75 Isham Road in Blue Back Square, since they founded the division a year ago.

"There seems to be a lot more advertising on TV, educating people. There's a lot more awareness," Ingalls said.

He anticipates that many homeowners, curious about the technology and the workings of an electric car, will attend Saturday's event. "They're interested in 'kicking the tires' of this new product," Ingalls said.

The most popular electric vehicles are the Chevy Volt and Nissan Leaf, Ingalls said. His company has contracts with dealerships that sell these vehicles all over the state, and the dealers call Connecticut Electric Car whenever someone purchases a vehicle and needs a charging station. He said the company has just recently partnered with BMW as well.

A "turnkey" residential electric car charging station costs about $1,100, Ingalls said. That includes the equipment, labor, and necessary permits.

Although there are three types of charging stations, Ingalls said that about 95 percent are "Level 2" – and use a 220-volt receptacle which is available in most homes and businesses. It takes about 4-5 hours to completely charge a vehicle in a Level 2 station, Ingalls said.

A Level 1 station uses a 120-volt receptacle, like a regular household appliance, but and takes 8-10 hours to charge a vehicle. Level 3 takes much less time and uses 480 volts, but according to Ingalls that technology has not yet been fully perfected.

Let Your Geek Ride Rip will take place on Saturday, July 14, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., in Trout Brook Park, 101 Trout Brook Dr., behind Whole Foods Market at 50 Raymond Road in Blue Back Square. The rain date is July 21.

Current electric car owners are urged to attend to show off their "cool rides" and learn more about charging stations.

Learn more about Connecticut Electric car by visiting www.ctelectriccar.com