Electrifying Workplaces through Ride and Drives

Drive Electric Minnesota hosted two workplace Ride and Drive events in April at Uponor and Andersen Corporation. The events provided an opportunity for employees to participate in a low-pressure test drive of an electric vehicle (EV), learn more about the benefits of electric vehicles from presentations, and engage with EV owners. Jukka Kukkonen, founder of PlugInConnect, LLC presented to both groups and was happy to model off his Tesla Model S, which was a big draw at each event. Additionally, Stephanie Pederson of Dakota Electric Association shared the utility perspective at Uponor, and Eric Kruzan of Connexus Energy represented utilities at Andersen Corporation. Xcel Energy provided resources on EV rates for its customers as well.

We had great representation from dealerships at each event, including Rosedale Chevrolet, Stillwater Motors, Kline Nissan, Kline Volvo, and Walser Nissan. Test drive vehicles included the Chevy Bolt, Chevy Volt, Nissan Leaf, and Volvo XC 90 T8, offering employees plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV) and battery electric vehicle (BEV) options. All employees that test drove vehicles had great things to say about the vehicles, and they couldn’t believe how silent and powerfully the vehicles operated. Most said they would consider purchasing an EV in the future.

These events were made possible with funding provided by the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency and Minnesota Department of Commerce.

Drive Electric MN continues to offer Ride and Drives for workplaces and community partners. For more information on how to schedule an event, visit our Ride and Drive page.