Oxford City Council is running a free event to enable residents and businesses to experience electric vehicles with no commitment while also revealing plans for charging.

The charging hub at Oxford’s Redbridge Park & Ride is said to be Europe’s most powerful

The ‘EVs are for Everyone’ event takes place on Saturday 27 May and is open to everyone across Oxford and Oxfordshire, enabling them to find out more about electric cars and vans in a relaxed and friendly way with no commitment.

The event, which is organised by Oxford City Council, with support from Oxfordshire County Council, will be taking place from 10am-3.30pm at Redbridge Park and Ride.

Attendees will be able to test up to six different cars and vans from a range of models, including Mini, BMW, MG, Renault, and more. Electric vehicle experts and local EV champions will be on hand to share their tips and advice. Exhibitors also include EV car shop, BMW North Oxford, Go Green Autos, Drive electric, ODS, Co Wheels car club, and others.

The event will also explore different ways to access electric vehicles, including car clubs, leasing, and second-hand cars and vans, as well as providing information about business finance options and EV charger grants.

There will also be an opportunity to learn more about electric vehicle charging plans across the region as well as what infrastructure is already in place. Visitors will have an opportunity to leave feedback on where they want to see an on-street charger within Oxford as part of phase two of Go Ultra Low Oxford and other deployment projects.

The event is part of Oxford City Council’s work to tackle climate change and air pollution.

In July 2022, the council approved the Oxford EV Infrastructure Strategy to deliver fair and equitable EV charging for all who live, work and visit Oxford. This strategy works with the county-wide Oxfordshire EV Infrastructure Strategy, and includes a shared approach to on-street charging for residents with limited or no access to home charging.

Oxford’s Redbridge Park & Ride is also home to a charging hub said to be Europe’s most powerful and providing charging for up to 42 vehicles at once. A new electric car club vehicle is available at the site too, as part of a countywide trial which aims to provide an affordable experience of driving an electric vehicle, without a long-term commitment.

Councillor Louise Upton, Cabinet Member for Health and Transport, Oxford City Council, said: “Many Oxford residents and businesses have already switched to an electric vehicle, but we know that some people are uncertain about whether an electric car or van is suitable for them. At this event you will find local electric vehicle champions and businesses ready to answer your questions. How far can I drive between charges? Is there a second-hand market? How long do batteries last?

“If you are thinking about buying or sharing an electric vehicle and want to find out more about the options available to you, then do come along to Redbridge Park and Ride on 27 May and see what the future looks like!”

To find out more and to register for a free ticket, please visit here.