Pierce Pepin Cooperative Services (PPCS) joined forces with St. Croix Electric Cooperative (SCEC), the University of Wisconsin-River Falls Office of Sustainability, and Hope for Creation to host the second annual Powered by Electricity event on Saturday, September 24.  Their collaboration brought together local vendors, electric vehicle (EV) owners, and non-profit organizations to celebrate all things electric.

The event ran from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the North Hall parking lot on the UW-River Falls campus. There were presentations from three industry experts on the topics of community solar installations, beneficial electrification, and the buildout of EV charging infrastructure. EV drivers participated in two roundtables to discuss their experiences and attendees also had the opportunity to test-drive two Chevrolet Bolts owned by PPCS and SCEC and a Tesla Model 3 on loan from Eau Claire Energy Cooperative.

“We were excited to expand our program this year by partnering with SCEC, UW-River Falls, and Hope for Creation,” said David Chavie, PPCS manager of energy innovation and operational technology. “As utilities continue to increase generation through renewable sources, electric vehicles and tools become a cleaner way to travel and get things done.” 

The EV showcase included Tesla models S, 3, X, and Y, Ford Mustang Mach-E’s and F150 Lightning, Chevy Bolts, a Rivian R1T, Mini Cooper, Hyundai Ioniq 5, Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV, and an Audi plug-in hybrid. Electric bicycles were also available for test drives, as well as an electric tractor, motorcycle, and snow glider.

Prize drawings were held for a Milwaukee M19 FUEL 16” Chainsaw Kit (SCEC members only), a DeWalt 2X20V MAX 21.5” Brushless Cordless Push Mower (PPCS members only), and an EGO Power+ 21” Single State Snow Blower Kit (public).