Electrify Lewiston guests visited Gallo Coal Fire Kitchen to meet EV experts from around the region. 

Will your next car be electric?

If so, how far will you be able to drive it on one charge?

Where will you be able to find charging stations?

Does it handle like a gasoline-powered car?

All of these question and more were answered on Aug. 6 at Electrify Lewiston, a one-day event created by National Grid and Gallo Restaurants, where attendees met EV drivers, dealership representatives, charging installers, e-bike, and e-scooter vendors to learn about the future of transportation. 

“As an electric vehicle owner, I understand that it’s overwhelming with the amount of information available when you are exploring electric vehicles and deciding what’s best for you and your family,” said Michael Hibbard, owner of Gallo Restaurants who hosted the event at his 402 Center St. location.

In addition to Gallo Coal Fire Kitchen and National Grid, other businesses and organizations that participated in Electrify Lewiston include Fuccillo Hyundai of Grand Island, PPR Energy Solutions, Shared Mobility Inc., Sight See Rentals, Solar by CIR, Telsa Owners Club of New York State, and The Yummmm Truck.

New York State has set a goal to have 850,000 electric vehicles on the road by 2025 and all new passenger cars and trucks sold to be zero-emissions by 2035.
 

“Even as more electric vehicles hit our roadways, people still are looking for information to guide the decision-making process – whether they’re looking to purchase an electric vehicle for themselves or to install a charging station at home or their places of business,” said Whitney Skeans, senior program manager of National Grid’s EV Make-Ready Program, at left with Michael Hibbard. “By partnering with Gallo Restaurants for this event, we created a meaningful experience when it comes to electric vehicles.” 

National Grid’s Electric Vehicle (EV) Make-Ready Program provides incentives of up to 100 percent of the cost of the installation of charging for any business customer, including workplace, multi-unit residential buildings and retail stores, as well as parks and vacation destinations.

The company also offers a program for businesses looking to electrify their fleets, which can reduce greenhouse gas emissions, improve air quality, and help to meet New York State’s decarbonization goals.

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