508-698-1200 | solutions@ene.org

EV Ride & Drive Guide: How to get the most out of your experience

Aug 20, 2025

Preparing for an EV Ride & Drive:
How to get the most out of your experience

Electric vehicle (EV) ride & drive events are one of the best ways to learn about EVs. You can test different models back-to-back, talk with real EV owners, and get your questions answered by experts. If you’re a municipal light plant (MLP) customer, these events are even more valuable—your local utility often brings tools, resources, and incentives to help make the switch easier and more affordable.

Here’s how to prepare so you get the most out of your ride & drive.

Before the Event

1. Research the EVs You’re Interested In

Start with a short list of models. Ask yourself: Do you want something compact, family-friendly, or all-wheel drive for New England winters? Knowing your needs will help you focus at the event.

  • What’s available right now?
    New EVs are hitting the market every year. Use Plugstar’s Shopping Assistant to see current models and incentives.

  • Compare to gas equivalents.
    Tools like WattPlan let you see side-by-side comparisons of EVs versus gas cars, including cost savings and emissions impact.

2. Read Up on Real-World Feedback

Get a sense of how different EVs perform in daily life. Good sources include:

  • Edmunds

  • Electrek

  • Fully Charged

  • Consumer Reports

  • EV forums and YouTube reviews

Hearing from current owners will help you know what questions to ask when you meet drivers at the event.

3. Understand Incentives

EVs qualify for a mix of federal, state, and local incentives that can bring down the cost. Familiarize yourself before you go so you’re ready to act if you find the right car.

During the Event

1. Make the Most of Test Drives

  • Drive more than one model. Even if you think you already know the EV you want, try a few others for comparison. You might be surprised by how different they feel.

  • Pay attention to the details. Notice acceleration, braking, comfort, visibility, cargo space, and tech features like driver assist and infotainment systems.

  • Ask about range in real-world conditions. Official numbers are useful, but owners and reps can tell you how far the car goes in winter or on road trips.

  • Test the controls. Try regenerative braking, different drive modes, and charging port locations. These little things matter for daily use.

2. Talk With Owners in the Showcase

Many ride & drives feature an owner showcase where real drivers share their cars and experiences. This is a unique chance to hear what it’s actually like to live with an EV. Consider asking:

  • How often do you charge at home vs. publicly?

  • What was your first long road trip like?

  • How does the car handle in snow and cold weather?

  • What do you wish you knew before buying?

After the Event

Revisit the research tools and links above with a clearer idea of which EVs you liked. Narrow your list to one or two favorites and schedule longer test drives at dealerships.

2. Plan for Charging

Think about where you’ll charge most often:

  • At home: Do you have a garage or driveway outlet? Does your utility offer rebates for Level 2 chargers?

  • At work: Some employers provide workplace charging.

  • Publicly: Apps like PlugShare and ChargePoint make it easy to find stations near you.

3. Take Advantage of Free Help

If you’re a municipal light plant customer, you may qualify for free, personalized support to explore EV models, incentives, and charging solutions tailored to your needs. Before or after the Ride & Drive, connect with ENE’s EV Specialists for expert guidance, learn more about local utility programs here.

In the News