The following passage is a brief interview with Zach Hurst, owner of EV Resource. Showcasing his involvement and hard work with the upcoming Electric Vehicle Festival in Woodford, Virginia.
1. What is the Electric Vehicle Festival and what makes it unique?
The Electric Vehicle Festival is a multi-faceted event that offers education, enthusiasm, and experience like no other. EV owners and the EV-curious public alike can take part in the rare opportunity to ride in, or drive their own, electric vehicles on a two-mile road course racetrack, experiencing firsthand the capabilities and performance of these vehicles in a controlled, real-world setting. Alongside the thrilling track activities, the festival provides interactive exhibits, demonstrations, and expert-led sessions that educate attendees on the EV ownership experience and the latest in EV technology. Whether you’re an experienced EV owner or just exploring the possibilities, the Electric Vehicle Festival delivers an engaging and informative experience that fosters excitement about the future of electric mobility.
2. Tell us about your past work with the EV Festival. Is there a particular project or accomplishment of the past festivals you’re especially proud of?
The Electric Vehicle Festival has always focused on existing as a true center for the electric vehicle community—a place where both EV enthusiasts and those curious about the technology can come together. An event for the people, if you will. Bridging the gap between these groups, and offering experiences that simply aren’t available at traditional events, has been exceptionally rewarding as we strive to make an impact. For the EV community, we really want to provide that special space to connect, share knowledge, and experience these vehicles in a fun and exciting way… all without the worry of flashing lights in the mirror. And the knowledge and experience that the EV owners bring to the event, and share with the EV-curious and members of the general public, is something to be cherished and celebrated. We’ve created an event that offers opportunities to engage with these vehicles up close, get answers directly from owners, and even experience a ride-along or a test drive. I’m especially proud of how the festival fosters these connections, giving people access to real-world insights and experiences they wouldn’t typically find elsewhere. It’s become more than just an event—it’s a meeting place that empowers people to make informed decisions about electric mobility, moving the adoption of EVs forward.
3. The Clean Fuels Summit is a new addition this year, aiming to show recent technological innovations in alternative fuel. Could you give us a sneak peek at any innovations or key topics we might see there?
I’m really excited about this addition to the event. In reality, it has spun off to be its own event in a way. The Clean Fuels Summit – Powered by ZEV Tour, is about showcasing the latest advancements in alternative fuels vehicles and technologies. While I can’t give away everything, attendees can expect to hear and engage in discussions that focus on improving infrastructure for electric vehicle charging, advancements in hydrogen fuel technology, and experience examples of the unique and innovative vehicles powered by alternative fuels . A key topic we’ll be diving into is how fleet operators are transitioning to clean fuels and what solutions are available to help them reduce emissions while maintaining efficiency and saving money. The Summit will feature expert-led sessions, including presentations and discussions on challenges and real-world applications, making it an invaluable resource for industry professionals and anyone curious about the future of clean transportation. We’re aiming to provide practical insights into how these technologies are shaping the future of mobility and give actionable takeaways for the attendees to use when they leave.
4. Regarding event weekend, what are you looking forward to the most?
This year truly represents the culmination of the hard work and dedication the entire team has put in over the last four years. It feels like we’ve reached a zenith, where everything we’ve worked toward comes together in this one weekend. From the road course where EV owners can truly experience their vehicles, to the Clean Fuels Summit showcasing and discussing cutting-edge innovations and industry insights, every aspect of the weekend highlights the progress we’ve made in advancing clean transportation. What excites me most is the community. Seeing the connections between EV enthusiasts and the EV-curious, sharing experiences that can’t be found at other events. It’s where education and excitement meet. Ultimately, this year is the pinnacle of what we’ve been striving for, and I can’t wait to see the community come together to celebrate the future of clean transportation.
5. Any last thoughts you’d like to share?
I want to thank the incredible sponsors who have made this event possible; Dominion Energy, Rappahannock Electric Cooperative, Old Dominion Electric Cooperative, Oasis Charging, Workhorse, and Lucid Motors. Their support has been instrumental in bringing the Electric Vehicle Festival and Clean Fuels Summit to life. I also want to extend my gratitude to Dominion Raceway and Entertainment for their unwavering support of our mission and for providing such a fantastic venue for the event. Lastly, I want to thank our event partners; Chargeway, Drive Electric RVA, Electrify Virginia, Fuels Fix, SHEA, Virginia Clean Cities, and ZEV Tour, who have added exceptional value to the weekend with their contributions. It’s through these collaborations that we’re able to create an experience that’s truly one-of-a-kind, and I’m incredibly grateful for their commitment to advancing clean transportation.
Check out the Clean Fuels Summit and EV Festival from October 18-20th, 2024 at the Dominion Raceway in Woodford, Virginia! Or click here to learn more information.