The UO Office of Sustainability is joining the city of Eugene and Eugene Water and Electric Board to offer free workshops on electric vehicles as part of the rEV Up! Eugene initiative.

Workshops will be offered April 18, April 23 and May 15 and will cover a range of topics from carbon emissions, electric vehicle fueling costs compared to gas powered vehicles, and charging options around Eugene. More information about the workshops, including specific times, a longer list of topics, and locations is available online.

In addition to free workshops, the Office of Sustainability also offers price incentives arranged with local dealers and utilities. The incentives are meant to motivate the campus community to make the switch to electric vehicles as part of efforts to accelerate clean transportation alternatives in Oregon.

Anyone who attends a workshop will receive exclusive discounts on electric vehicles from EWEB and local auto dealers. Last year hundreds of people attended the rEV Up! Eugene workshops.

“EWEB has been an early advocate of addressing climate change, and we see electrifying the transportation sector as an important part of our community’s low-carbon future,” said EWEB business line manager Juan Serpa Muńoz. “Although the cost of driving an EV can be significantly lower than a gas-powered car, we know that price of entry can be a barrier for some of our customers. We’re excited to participate in rEV Up! Eugene because the incentives can help make clean, electric transportation accessible to households in a range of income levels.”

UO sustainability director Steve Mital said replacing a gasoline or diesel vehicle with an electric vehicle is one of the most effective actions people can take to reduce household carbon emissions. The workshops are meant to help people make informed decisions about electric vehicles.

Once the workshop is completed, attendees have until June 15 to take advantage of the exclusive discounts offered locally. Registration for the free workshops is available online.