Veggies, flowers, EVs: Birmingham’s Pepper Place to show off electric cars this weekend

The Farmer’s Market at Pepper Place is adding a high-voltage twist to its usual lineup of fresh flowers, local bread, and seasonal vegetables this Saturday. Alongside your favorite market staples, a diverse fleet of electric vehicles will be taking over the parking lot adjacent to Jeni’s Splendid Ice Creams.

Get the Real Story on EV Ownership

From 8 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. on Saturday, June 13, attendees can get an up-close look at an array of electric trucks, sports cars, and sedans. More importantly, the event provides a unique opportunity to chat with current EV owners who are ready to pull back the curtain on the daily realities of going electric.

Michael Staley, president of the Alabama Clean Fuels Coalition, highlights that the event is designed to demystify the technology. "What makes Saturday’s showcase so powerful is it allows anyone interested in EVs to talk to EV owners about how much money they save by rolling past gas stations, as well as other topics like EV range, technology and performance," Staley said, referencing the recent spike in pump prices.

Driving the Future in Alabama

This showcase is hosted by Drive Electric Alabama, a statewide initiative dedicated to accelerating the adoption of electric transportation. Staley notes that peer-to-peer connection is the best way to learn, as these owners can offer direct, real-world comparisons between traditional gas-powered cars and their electric counterparts.

As the Alabama Department of Economic and Community Affairs works to expand the state's EV charging infrastructure, the incentive to switch continues to grow. According to Drive Electric Alabama, drivers who make the move to electric can save as much as $1,000 annually in fuel and maintenance costs.