Ride and Drive an Electric Car at Sunday's Showcase

Last year, the New Jersey Electric Auto Association organized an event at Wagner Farm Arboretum that offered many area residents their first close-up look at some electric cars.

The event featured a Chevy Volt and several BMW electric cars, both of which drew praise from the visitors for their quiet and smooth rides, balanced with high power.

The group is hosting its second event at Wagner Farm—a "Ride and Drive"—from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. Sunday, and this time will be showcasing a smaller take on the electric car: the SmartEV.

Smart Center of Bridgewater, a dealer for Smart the popular commuter vehicles, is a co-sponsor of the event and invites readers to come and take one of their new models for a spin.

NJEAA President Michael Thwaite, of Warren, says that's not the only new electric model on display, however: the showcase will also have the all-electric Ford Focus, the popular BMW ActiveE sedan, and the reigning king of EVs, the Tesla S.

"Ever wondered what an EV is like? Talk to owners and drive an EV yourself," he said.