WV Electric Auto Association to present at MOVCA meeting

Jul 16, 2019

PARKERSBURG – Marty Weirick and other members of the West Virginia Electric Auto Association will be guest presenters at the July 18 Third Thursday meeting of Mid-Ohio Valley Climate Action. Beginning at 6 p.m., the electric auto enthusiasts will gather in the parking lot of the First Christian Church, 1400 Washington Ave., Parkersburg, to display several electric vehicles and offer rides to attendees.

Weirick is the president of the WVEAA, a small club of electric car enthusiasts and a chapter of the national Electric Auto Association. WVEAA was started by a group of hobbyists who built their own cars before manufacturers started building cars.

“These days members drive production cars,” Weirick says. “I will be bringing my personal 2018 Tesla Model 3 for display at the event. I also own a Volt.”

MOVCA members who drive electric vehicles will also display their cars and offer rides.

Following the demonstrations, the meeting will move to the church fellowship hall around 7 p.m. where Weirick will present “Driving on Sunshine in West Virginia.” Weirick noted that electric car sales continue to grow in the U.S. and in West Virginia, citing reports that U.S. June plug-in vehicle 2019 sales were up 51% over June 2018 sales. He will also address the increased availability of EV charging stations in the region.

When asked why MOVCA and similar groups would be interested in his presentation, Weirick said, “Climate change cannot be controlled without the control of auto emissions.”

MOVCA’s Third Thursday programs are open to the public and free of charge; anyone interested is welcome to attend.