Bay Meadows

Ever take a spin in a Tesla? Or get behind the wheel of a Nissan Leaf? You just might have your chance on September 12^th as the City of San Mateo hosts its Electric Vehicle Expo for the Fifth Annual National Drive Electric Week. Learn more and register for free here >

Join hundreds of other area residents from 1:00 to 4:00 pm on that Saturday at the Franklin Templeton Campus at Saratoga Drive and Franklin Parkway, next door to Bay Meadows. With enthusiasts showing off their polished treasures, it’s like an ol’ fashioned car club event, but with a twist.

The Electric Vehicle (EV) Expo, presented in conjunction with Plug in America, is geared to those interested in a more sustainable, climate-friendly lifestyle. The latest EV makes and models will be on-display and – in some cases – available for driving or riding in. Watch for Mercedes, BMW, Ford, Fiat, Nissan and Volkswagen.

Not into getting around on 4-wheels? The new electric scooters from EcoReco, a variety of e-bikes and the electric motorcycle used by the San Mateo Police Department will also be on display.

“For people considering making the switch from carbon-polluting fossil fuel to a more sustainable electric car (or bike or scooter), the Electric Vehicle Expo is a great place to test out all the climate-friendly choices,” said Diane Bailey, Executive Director of Menlo Spark, a nonprofit helping to coordinate the event.

San Mateo is one of only a handful of Bay Area communities participating in National Drive Electric Week, so it’s a great opportunity for people from throughout the region to learn more. With the City’s recently adopted Climate Action Plan, San Mateo has a laser-focus on sustainability and reducing greenhouse gasses.

“The state has mandated that every community needs to reduce its emissions by 15% by the year 2020,” noted Kathy Kleinbaum, Sustainability Manager with the City of San Mateo. San Mateo has been a leading municipality in its sustainability efforts in order to achieve and, possibly, exceed the State’s goals.

Kleinbaum noted that San Mateo’s Climate Action Plan “touches on every aspect of sustainability – from transportation choices to energy use to waste … and we evaluate everything holistically across the community.” In addition to raising awareness of alternative transportation modes, the City’s policies encourage opportunities for living in compact communities where taking transit is easy, such as at Bay Meadows.

“Electric cars are an excellent way to reduce air pollution and oil-dependence. Here is an opportunity for anybody to learn about the currently available cars in a fun and friendly environment,” said Dave Atherton, the National Drive Electric Week City Captain for San Mateo.

What else to expect at the September 12^th EV Expo?

• Dozens of raffle prizes, including gift cards to local restaurants and free charging sessions from vendors.
• A shaved-ice truck
• A place to show off your own shiny Electric Vehicle
• Meeting your friends and neighbors

Where else to celebrate National Drive Electric Week?

• Cupertino – Saturday, September 19^th, 10-4 at DeAnza College, Parking Lot B
• Palo Alto – Sunday, September 13^th, 1-4 at 314 Stanford Ave.
• Richmond – Thursday, September 17^th, 10-4 at City Hall Parking Lot
• Novato – Saturday, September 19^th, 9:30-4 at Vintage Oaks Shopping Center

Bay Meadows is a family-friendly neighborhood with lots of green space to enjoy all year long. Whether its growing your own vegetables in a gorgeous community garden with expert guidance, playing a game of pick-up basketball after work, team building over bocce and beers, or picnicking in the parks with friends and family on warm summer nights, there’s no shortage of green space to explore. If you have little ones, don’t miss Momdays on Mondays in Paddock Park!