REMC Celebrates Driving Electric with EV Event at NC Zoo Plug-in electric vehicle drivers, supporters, and intrigued visitors of the North Carolina Zoo attended a recent event hosted by Randolph Electric Membership Corporation to celebrate National Drive Electric Week.

“Randolph Electric is dedicated to making the central portion of North Carolina convenient for EV drivers by installing charging stations throughout our five-county service area.”

Several local and state dignitaries, Zoo executives and members of the public gathered at the Zoo’s North America parking lot for a ribbon cutting to celebrate the expansion of the Zoo’s electric vehicle (EV) charging stations and provide a hands-on opportunity for the public to learn about EVs.

“It was exciting to be part of this event and to educate the public on the advantages of electric vehicles,” said Zoo Director and CEO Pat Simmons. “The event highlighted the evolving electric grid options in our state and aligns with the Zoo’s commitment to sustainable green practices that reduce our impact on the natural world.”

Plug-in vehicles by Chevrolet, Ford, Nissan, Polestar, Tesla, and Volvo were on display for event attendees. Representatives from the Triad Electric Vehicle Association were also present with their EVs, along with other electric transportation options, including two-wheeled personal transporters, hoverboards, and electric bikes and golf carts.

This event also gave Randolph EMC the opportunity to share how the co-op is working with EV owners to evaluate their vehicles’ impact on the electric grid. The Randolph EMC Electric Vehicle Utility Program (REVUP) offers members of the cooperative a $500 rebate on a Wi-Fi enabled Level 2 EV Charger for their home, as well as a special time-of-use rate that encourages them to charge during off-peak hours when the demand for electricity is not as great.

“More of our members are asking about the benefits of EV ownership,” said REMC’s Director of Innovative Energy Solutions Michael Trent. “Randolph Electric is dedicated to making the central portion of North Carolina convenient for EV drivers by installing charging stations throughout our five-county service area.”

About 80 percent of EV charging is done at home, however people consistently report one of the top reasons they’re hesitant to switch from gasoline to electric is ‘range anxiety,’ or the fear that they’ll run out of power before they reach their destination. To make EV adoption truly feasible, drivers need a convenient and accessible charging infrastructure. That’s why Randolph EMC and the other 25 N.C. cooperatives are working together to create a network of charging stations throughout the rural areas of the state.