EV Live aims to spark Oregon's interest in electric vehicles

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Drive Oregon is using the TTXGP electric motorcycle race at Portland International Raceway as a venue for EV Live, an event designed to excite consumers about going electric. Brammo's racing team will be on the track. Click on the image to view a gallery of EVs that will be on hand June 23. 

Electric vehicle lovers can take a sneak peek at the latest technology in cars, motorcycles, even one- and three-wheeled vehicles as part of EV Live on June 23.

The event is paired with the TTXGP, the international race series for EV motorcycles, which takes place for the first time at the Portland International Raceway June 23 and 24.

Check out the vehicles that will be at EV Live >>

EV Live, presented by TTXGP and sponsored by Drive Oregon, is an effort to take consumer interaction with EVs to a new level, particularly for Oregon brands and prototypes. Drive Oregon is a state-funded industry development group which earlier this week announced its first grant awards.

“It's all well and good to read articles about EVs or see them on a showroom floor or in an auto show but you don't often get the chance to experience them,” said James Mast, a consultant to TTXGP through his company Mast Collaborative, a firm specializing in the EV and cleantech industry, and a former Drive Oregon board member.

EV Live was conceived to allow consumers to experience a wide range of plug-in electric vehicles firsthand, from prototypes to vehicles on the market today. The showcase, including test drives and demonstrations, take place between 10 a.m. and 4:30 p.m., Saturday, June 23, during TTXGP qualifying sessions.

Exhibited vehicles include a range of plug-ins with between 1 and 4 wheels. Two test tracks will showcase the Nissan Leaf, Chevy Volt and Mitsubishi’s i-MiEV. A full range of local companies will also be exhibiting products and prototypes, said Mast.

Drive Oregon member vehicles include Brammo Inc.’s two-wheeled motorcycles for consumers, including the Ashland company's just-launched high-end bike, the Empulse. Eugene-based Arcimoto will bring the latest generation of its three-wheeled tandem motorcycle, the SRK Generation 6, for which the company is now taking presale orders. Portland-based RYNO Motor’s single-wheel, self balancing micro-cycle will be on hand as will Conscious Commuter Corp.’s electric folding bike. Green Lite Motors will also feature its three-wheeled, 100 mpg hybrid vehicle.