This guest blog was written by Dr. Dan Zhu, Ph.D., LEED GA, Chief Climate Officer with the City of Gainesville, FL; and Jennie Ford, an Environmental Planner with the City of Gainesville’s Department of Sustainable Development.On Friday, October 25, Gainesville accelerated its commitment to reaching net zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2045 with an electric vehicle (EV) Ride and Drive event hosted in partnership with the Southern Alliance for Clean Energy. This event provided city leaders, elected officials, and staff the unique opportunity to test drive a Tesla Model 3, immersing them in the benefits of EV technology while highlighting Gainesville’s ongoing efforts in transportation electrification. Transportation electrification is a key priority in Gainesville’s Climate Resilience Plan, with the city’s EV Steering Committee hard at work developing a comprehensive plan for electrifying both city and bus fleets, along with public charging infrastructure across the city.
The test drives offered more than just a thrilling ride—they were an opportunity to learn about the technology directly, with a knowledgeable EV driver in the passenger seat. Dory Larsen, Senior ET Program Manager with the Southern Alliance for Clean Energy, brought expertise and patient guidance to the experience, ensuring participants fully understood the benefits and mechanics of EVs, as well as available tax incentives. Alongside her, city staff shared information on Gainesville’s recent initiatives to increase EV adoption, enhancing participant engagement and bolstering support for the city’s electrification goals.
“Driving a Tesla showcases the remarkable range and seamless technology of electric vehicles—it’s a glimpse into a cleaner, smarter future.”
Participants from various city departments—including Human Resources, Fleet, Public Works, Parks, Housing, Communications and Sustainable Development—joined, as did an elected official, including a representative from the Alachua County and City of Gainesville Joint Water and Climate Policy Board. For many, this was their first time behind the wheel of a Tesla, and the experience was met with enthusiasm and appreciation for the support provided by the Southern Alliance for Clean Energy.
This event not only fueled excitement around EVs but also reinforced Gainesville’s dedication to creating a sustainable, resilient future for all. Together, we’re embracing a cleaner, greener path forward.
“Taking Tesla’s autonomous driving for a spin, we’re showcasing how effortless and impactful the switch to electric vehicles can be for our community and our world.”
The Southern Alliance for Clean Energy’s Electrify the South program leverages research, advocacy, and outreach to accelerate the equitable transition to electric transportation across the Southeast. Visit ElectrifytheSouth.org to learn more and connect with us.
The post Gainesville Embraces Electrification: City Leaders and Staff Test Drive Tesla Model 3 at EV Ride & Drive Event appeared first on SACE | Southern Alliance for Clean Energy.
There really are threats to human civilization that seem to be mounting in intensity:
• World fascism. (If it can happen in the U.S., it could conceivably happen anywhere.)
• Environmental collapse.
• Malicious use of AI.
• Pandemics, as misinformation on vaccinations spread and the frozen tundra melts, releasing pathogens never seen by humans.
• Nuclear war.
Addressing the point made at left, is there any scenario in which world governments agree to cooperate so as to stave off the end of an organized society here on Earth? One supposes so, though it sounds far-fetched in today’s world in which the leaders of most of the 200+ sovereign nations are trying so desperately to cling to power.
Obviously, James Carville has been wrong before, but it appears that he’s onto something here.
An ever-increasing number of Americans are realizing that Trump is criminally insane, and is leading this nation to destruction.
It’s a pleasure to see that Dr. Brian Cox has people so popular, having joined the ranks for Neil DeGrasse Tyson, Bill Nye, and a few others. This phenomenon of celebrity physicists if one of very few bright spots in our modern world.
I would qualify what he says at left as follows: the only people who hate the economics here are those invested in fossil fuels. Clean energy and transportation are already huge industries, and they’re growing at an amazing pace–even in the face of heavy suppression by Big Oil and Donald Trump.
-
Greenhouse Gases7 months ago
Guest post: Why China is still building new coal – and when it might stop
-
Climate Change7 months ago
Guest post: Why China is still building new coal – and when it might stop
-
Greenhouse Gases2 years ago嘉宾来稿：满足中国增长的用电需求 光伏加储能“比新建煤电更实惠”
-
Climate Change2 years ago
Bill Discounting Climate Change in Florida’s Energy Policy Awaits DeSantis’ Approval
-
Climate Change2 years ago嘉宾来稿：满足中国增长的用电需求 光伏加储能“比新建煤电更实惠”
-
Climate Change Videos2 years ago
The toxic gas flares fuelling Nigeria’s climate change – BBC News
-
Carbon Footprint2 years agoUS SEC’s Climate Disclosure Rules Spur Renewed Interest in Carbon Credits
-
Renewable Energy5 months agoSending Progressive Philanthropist George Soros to Prison?