Test drive Tesla and latest EVs at Electric Vehicle Expo in Reno

Looking to take out some the latest electric vehicles on a spin and recycle your old electronics and batteries as well? 

Folks looking to do so can check out the Electric Vehicle Expo and Test Drive Event this Saturday. The event, which is hosted by NV Energy, will feature several Tesla models, a Jaguar iPace, a Volkswagen ID.4 and several more EVs for participants to try out.

More:Tesla co-founder’s battery recycling firm Redwood Materials doubles down on Reno area

The event is geared toward people interested in learning more about EVs, said Jennifer Schuricht, a spokeswoman for NV Energy.

“This event will give our customers the opportunity to test drive some of the latest electric vehicle models available and learn more about the benefits an electric vehicle can provide, including lower fuel and maintenance costs and improved air quality,” Schuricht said.

Carson City-based Redwood Materials will also have a booth at the event for taking old batteries and gadgets that owners want to recycle. The company, which was founded by former Tesla executive JB Straubel, recently signed a battery deal with Ford Motor Company and also broke ground on 100 acres at the Tahoe-Reno Industrial Center for a large-scale battery recycling plant. 

“We are also asking customers to bring their end-of-life batteries and rechargeable devices to the event and bringing them to the Redwood Materials booth, so they can sustainably recycle them for free,” Schuricht said. 

“This includes old phones, laptops, tablets, electric toothbrushes, power tool batteries, Bluetooth speakers, wireless headphones, and more.”

In addition to Redwood Materials, other exhibitors at the event include:

• Truckee Meadows Community College
• Envirolution
• Pededego Bikes
• NV Green Business Network
• Nevada Dept of Transportation
• Governor’s Office of Energy

The event runs from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., May 14 at Rancho San Rafael Regional Park on 1595 N Sierra St, Reno. The first 80 test drivers will also receive a free lunch.

People who want to test drive the cars must sign up at the official Electric Vehicle Expo event site. Attendees who simply want to view the vehicles or recycle their batteries and gadgets or check out the exhibits do not need to register.