Neel Mehta
Secretary of Energy Stephen Chu is donning a top hat to serve as Master of Ceremonies in a parade of battery, hybrid and fuel cell powered vehicles through the streets of D.C. today.
The event marks Earth Week and kicks off the Electric Drive Transportation Association's annual conference. The parade is set to begin at L'Enfant Plaza Promenade at 10 a.m., winding its way through the street of D.C. to end at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center where the Ride, Drive and Charge event is open to the public.
“We are excited to show consumers and policymakers how many electric drive choices are available and how rapidly innovations are being brought to the market place,” said Brian Wynne , president of EDTA. “These cars and trucks, and the technology that supports them, are helping to reduce our nation’s dependence on foreign oil, reducing driving costs and pollution, improving our national security and creating advanced energy jobs.”
The conference will run through April 21 and offers the public an opportunity to view and interact with alternative energy vehicles and power stations. Secretary of Transportation Ray LaHood is slated to give a keynote address at the conference April 20. A panel of industry experts and government officials will discuss the evolving electric powered vehicle market and policies designed to further public adoption.
