On April 22 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., the Sierra Club, Montclair Climate Action, will host a Drive Electric Earth Day 2023 event at Crane Park.

Attendees will be able to gather everything they need to know about electric vehicles from federal and state tax incentives to the ins and outs of charging and driving. And BMW of Bloomfield will display and demonstrate the latest car and SUV EV models from BMW.

Drive Electric events are held across America, and are sponsored locally by civic and environmental groups. The events offer the public an opportunity to see electric vehicles and talk to their owners about their personal experiences with electric cars.

Electric cars are classified as Zero Emission Vehicles (ZEV) because they emit no tailpipe emissions. Replacing gas and diesel powered vehicles with all electric cars, trucks and buses is the best way to reduce greenhouse gasses that cause global warming. According to the NJDEP, 42% of the greenhouse gas emissions in the state derive from the transportation sector.

ZEV vehicles also eliminate smog causing pollutants. This is particularly critical in urbanized North Jersey, where auto and truck pollution results in high levels of asthma in children and adults.

There will be approximately 10 privately owned electric vehicles on display, including models from BMW, Tesla, Chevrolet, Mini Cooper, Ford, Hyundai, and others, as well as an electric bicycle. BMW of Bloomfield will also have two of their electric models on display.

Information on grants, tax breaks and charging stations will be available.

In addition, an ice cream truck and fire engine provided by the Montclair Fire Department will be on site to help entertain children while their parents car shop.

Sierra Club is a leading national environmental organization. The Gateway Group represents club members who reside in Essex County.

Montclair Climate Action is a local environmental organization which seeks to achieve greenhouse gases  reduction and climate change adaptation by the government and residents of the township of Montclair through organizing, education, outreach and lobbying.