By Isle of Wight Observer
Sunday marked the third edition of the popular Going Electric show, this year held at the Newport Quay and the Riverside Centre.
The event aimed to connect Islanders with a cleaner, greener future through electric transport, heat pumps, solar panels, and other energy-saving measures.
Local car dealers, Leslies, Van Mossel Esplanade, Premier, Staddlestones, Central, Snows, and Solent Vehicle Consulting showcased a wide array of electric vehicles (EVs) – from modest second-hand models to luxurious options. E-vans, E-bikes from WightBikes of Merstone, an electric boat from Richardson’s Yacht Services, and an electrically-powered ice cream van, by Plaza Ices, added diversity to the display.
Non-profit organisations including the Footprint Trust, Future IW, CycleWight, Keert, Green IW, and the Mission Zero Business Hub provided advice and advocacy on energy saving. Local home energy installers, Island Renewables, IOW Solar, Solar and Renewable Installations, and Engenious, offered guidance on solar and efficient home heating systems.
The event also featured JoJu, a supplier of public charging points on the Island, and EVO driver training, with their learner EV.
Island Tea & Coffee served drinks for donations to Wight Aid, and the EV owners’ area was bustling with people seeking advice and enjoying solar-powered hot dogs.
Throughout the day, local experts delivered talks on the latest insights in transport, homes, and energy. Director of Wight Community Energy, Colin Palmer, said, “The sun shone for our third show. What a change in three years. Visitors could see so many new cars and bikes, experiencing a world that is changing to electric power for convenience, performance and, of course, to reduce the climate impact of burning fossil fuels.”
The 2024 Going Electric show was supported by Right Clean Energy, Red Funnel, PC Consultants, and lottery-funded Power to Change.
Rufus Pickles - Local Democracy Reporter