How to Host a Covid-Safe In-Person Ride and Drive

National Drive Electric Week is on the horizon, from September 25 through October 3, 2021, and organizers are considering a move back to in-person events. Ride and drives, a popular type of National Drive Electric Week event, have been a way for the electric vehicle (EV) industry to promote the transition to EVs and for the public to learn about and experience what it is like to drive electric. Because of the pandemic, ride and drives shifted to the virtual world with pre-recorded test drives and virtual panels of EV owners. Now, using proper safety measures, it is possible to host outdoor events in-person again where people can get behind the wheel of an EV.

If you are interested in hosting in-person events, we suggest consulting the following resources for recommendations on how to hold a COVID-safe, in-person ride and drive event.

• The Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC): The CDC has guidelines on hosting community events, how to properly disinfect surfaces, and more.
  • The CDC also has more recommendations if you are in an area of substantial or high transmission. To check if your area falls under these conditions visit the CDC’s COVID data tracker.
• Your local and regional health departments:
  • Minnesota Department of Health
  • Find your local health departments here.

If after careful considerations of the safety regulations, you decide to go forward with planning an in-person event, Drive Electric Minnesota has compiled a planning checklist available to download.