Electric Vehicles Coming to Mercer Island for National Plug In Day

Mercer Island will host a regional National Plug In Day event highlighting the benefits of electric vehicles on Oct. 16 at Luther Burbank Park.

According to a city of Mercer Island press release, city Maintenance Director James Mason and the Mercer Island Green Ribbon Commission have coordinated with Plug In America to hold the event — the only one in Washington state — from 12-3 p.m. on Sunday, Oct. 16. The public is encouraged to stop by, look over some of the plug-in cars and ask questions.

National Plug In Day is a nationwide observance drawing global attention to the environmental and economic benefits of plug-in electric vehicles. In addition to Mercer Island, there will be 13 gatherings in cities around the county, where the latest generation of electric vehicles will be on display alongside representatives from manufacturers and local sales outlets.

A partnership between Plug In America, the Sierra Club, and the Electric Auto Association is responsible for coordinating this nation-wide event to promote the many benefits of "going electric." Local co-sponsors for the event include the , Puget Sound Energy, Seattle Electric Vehicle Association, and the Mercer Island Green Ribbon Commission.

This electric vehicle showcase is a natural fit for the City of Mercer Island where "going green" is a priority. The City Council and City Staff have worked to reduce their carbon footprint by participating in the 22 Ways Carbon Challenge, the Police Department drives three hybrid patrol vehicles, and the City will soon be installing public electric vehicle charging stations.

For additional information about the event, contact Mason at 206-275-7661 or james.mason@mercergov.org.