New electric vehicle roadshow comes to Bristol on Friday 19th of October

Increased concern about air quality and fuel prices are just two reasons why there are now more than 170,000 plug-in vehicles on the UK roads. And with the government’s first ever Green GB Week starting next week, a special electric vehicle (EV) motorshow will land in Bristol on Friday (19 October), giving local businesses and the public a chance to interact with the most advanced, environmentally friendly and cost effective models.

The need to go green

Throughout next week, Green GB Week – an initiative of the Department of Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy (BEIS) – will showcase the benefits clean growth will bring to all parts of society. According to Bristol City Council, air quality in the city is currently breaching legal standards for NO₂, and with around 300 deaths a year linked to air pollution there is no better time to think about investing in cleaner car technology.

Bringing the best plug-in cars to Bristol

As part of the BEIS campaign, a brand new Electric Vehicle (EV) Roadshow will tour the country next week, visiting Bristol’s Harbourside Amphitheatre on Friday 19^th October. Showcasing the very latest in electric and plug-in vehicle technology to local businesses and consumers, everyone can learn more about the world’s leading models.

The Amphitheatre will be transformed into a ‘Mini Motorshow’, with test drive opportunities allowing the public to experience the technology first-hand. The top EV manufacturers will be present, including Audi, BMW, Hyundai, Mini, LDV, Renault, Kia, Lexus, Mercedes-Benz, Tesla, Toyota and Volkswagen (list will be edited once confirmed).

Demonstrating the benefits to businesses

In addition to the public motorshow, Bristol City County will be sharing with the city’s businesses the benefits of switching their fleets to EVs through an exclusive seminar on the morning of 19 October at We The Curious (formerly At-Bristol).

According to the Green Alliance, a half of all new vehicle sales are made up of private fleets and plug-in cars could save drivers up to £7,400 over three years. A recent EON/GreenFleet poll also suggests that nine in 10 fleet owners are actively looking at EVs as a viable option for their businesses.

“Clean electric transport is critical to improving air qualityand the health of residents and visitors.  With funding from the Office of Low Emission Vehicles the local Council’s are doubling the number of public electric charging points right across the region so people can be confident of being able to charge up their car.

Local councils are purchasing 100 new electric vehicles to provide a wide range of services from meals on wheels to carpenters – showing that they are a practical business tool. Electric vehicles are rapidly becoming an important part of our transport system, whilst offering drivers cheaper motoring and reducing pollution.

I am excited that this roadshow is coming to Bristol so that people and businesses from across the West of England will be able to see which electric vehicle would be best for them and to test drive a range of them.”

Cllr Kye Dudd

The GB Green Week EV Roadshow will take place in four major UK cities, for more information please visit http://www.evroadshow.co.uk/.