BEMIDJI — Nearly 250 community members came out to view 27 electric vehicles ranging from lawnmowers to Teslas on Thursday for Beltrami Electric’s sixth annual electric vehicle car show.
“What we’re seeing first and foremost are more electric vehicles on the road … more brands and more manufacturers making more electric vehicles,” Beltrami Electric Vice President Mike Birkeland said. “We want to be an information source for people and we’re hoping this event provides people with answers to their questions.”
Charley Gilbert / Bemidji Pioneer
Attendees were able to visit with the owners of the vehicles to hear first-hand what owning and operating an electric vehicle is like longterm.
“It is a great opportunity for people to get first-hand information from folks who’ve made that investment,” Birkeland said. “We’re giving a lot of rides in electric vehicles tonight. There are upsides and downsides with all kinds of technology, so why not find out from others? That’s maybe the most advantageous aspect of this event.”
‘I plug it in like my phone’
The 2024 Tesla Cybertruck on display caught people’s attention right away with its steel exterior and unorthodox design.
“Well it’s really good at everything,” Cybertruck owner Cameron Chisholm said. “It’s a full-size truck, but it’s as nimble as a sports car, and it accelerates from 0-60 in four seconds.”
Charley Gilbert / Bemidji Pioneer
Chisholm noted one of the biggest hesitations about EVs he hears from people is the charging, adding that charging his car becomes part of his routine and happens instinctively over time.
“If you own an electric car, you have to incorporate times when you’re not driving the car to be charging it,” he said. “For daily driving, I plug it in like my phone — I never even think about it.”
The young attendees were also impressed with the vehicle and had fun climbing inside the driver’s seat to check it out for themselves.
“The kids love the Cybertruck,” Chisholm said. “They just go nuts for it.”
Charley Gilbert / Bemidji Pioneer
Another prominent vehicle on display was one of
Red Lake’s two recently added electric school buses,
which a few lucky attendees were able to take a short ride on as well.
“It’s great to see the interest level with a wide range of folks and it’s a good event to bring kids in,” Birkeland said. “The kids have been checking out these vehicles, too.”
Charley Gilbert / Bemidji Pioneer
Birkeland noted that as electric technology continues to develop it increases the chances of the next generation adopting electric vehicles.
“Quite frankly, a lot of the kids that we see here today probably will own an electric vehicle of some sort in the not-too-distant future because we’re probably going to see this technology continue to grow in popularity and adoption,” he added.
Charley Gilbert / Bemidji Pioneer
For Beltrami Electric Communications Specialist Angela Lyseng, the event is an annual opportunity for folks in the area to get hands-on experience and real-life advice on all things electric.
“The goal is to let members and the consumers learn more about (electric) cars,” Lyseng said. “This is a perfect opportunity to come and learn from the people who are driving them every day, and so by hosting this event, we’re trying to bring that opportunity to the community.”
Charley Gilbert / Bemidji Pioneer
The Citizens’ Climate Lobby Bemidji Chapter was also on hand at the event offering insight into rebates available for EVs.
“There are both federal and state rebates that you can get for buying a new or used electric vehicle,” Lyseng added.
Although the event is focused on educating people who are curious about EVs, the gathering is also a fun way for EV owners to share their thoughts, experiences and insights with others.
“Electric vehicles may not be for everybody, but we want to be a conduit for those that want to learn more to be able to provide them that opportunity and give them direction on how to proceed,” Lyseng said. “How to buy one, how to get a charger installed, how to get a rebate … it’s informative and also a chance for people to explore.”
Birkeland shared his hope that beyond educating attendees, the annual event will bring people together in an interactive way.
“This event does not only provide people the opportunity to learn about this technology but have fun in a setting with an upbeat atmosphere,” Birkeland left off. “If nothing else, even if people aren’t going to ever adopt the technology, they’re going to learn something.”
Charley Gilbert / Bemidji Pioneer
