Test-driving an electric vehicle can actually help re-green Texas during the EVs for Trees program through the end of the year. Sponsored by NRG Energy, maker of eVgo Electric Vehicle quick-charging stations, the promotion means that participating dealers donate $25 to the Texas Trees Foundation, in Dallas, for every qualified test drive taken in a 100 percent electric Nissan LEAF or Mitsubishi i. If the driver is a Green Mountain Energy or Reliant customer, those companies will donate an extra $25 each. Shoppers can download a voucher at EVsforTrees.com and take it to the test drive.

2011 tornadoes severely damaged the landscape in North Texas, and trees were especially affected. The cost of safely removing the dead trees, caring for distressed trees and planting as many new trees as possible in the stricken areas will run to millions of dollars, these funds will be put to good use.

Currently, eVgo is working with local retail partners like Cracker Barrel, Walgreens and HEB to provide DC quick charging in the North Texas NRG Energy has installed one-third of the DC chargers in the U.S., and in the Dallas/Fort Worth Metroplex, maintains 16 Freedom Station sites with more under construction.

There are many reasons to drive an electric car, including a powerful, silent engine; continuous torque; crisp handling; a tax credit of up to $7,500; and freedom from the gas pump and oil changes.

Both electric vehicles (EV) and trees improve air quality in our cities, leading to less smog and lower rates of asthma, bronchitis and other respiratory illnesses. By using electricity for energy instead of burning gasoline, electric cars reduce the amount of pollutants in our air. EVs reduce nitrogen oxide emissions, a component of smog and acid rain, by more than 90 percent.

EVs are cleaner than gasoline cars even when 100 percent of their electricity comes from coal power plants. In most Texas markets, consumers can even choose to buy 100 percent renewable wind energy, making their EV truly emission-free.

 

Watch a video online at Tinyurl.com/EVforTexas. For more information about participating dealers, call Don Herring Mitsubishi at 469-443-1900 or visit EVsforTrees.com. Follow the conversation on Twitter: #EVs4Trees.