Opinion | Climate Action Collaborative: The Electric Social

Charge up and get your batteries ready. The Electric Social is rolling into town!

Formerly known as the EV Ride ‘n Drive & E-Bike Demo (we had a glow-up), this year’s event is bigger, better and way more fun. If you’ve been EV-curious or e-bike intrigued but also a little overwhelmed, you’re not alone. Join your neighbors at the Town of Avon’s Sustainability Fair on Saturday, May 16 and see what all the buzz (and very quiet motors) are about.

The Electric Social takes over the Sun & Ski parking lot from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. and it’s packed with ways to plug in. Wander through vendor tables to learn about home electrification from Holy Cross Energy, Walking Mountains Energy Coaches, and more. Check out a lineup of electric vehicles and take an e-bike for a spin thanks to two local shops and our test course.

Already rocking an e-bike that’s acting a little dramatic? Bring it by. Brady from Evoke will be on-site offering free tune-ups and fix-it advice. Think of it as a spa day for your bike.

Still need convincing? Let’s talk about snacks and vibes. Live music, free beer, brats, mini donuts and lemonade. Yes, all of those things. Plus, every attendee is automatically entered into a raffle for a chance to win one of three $100 gift cards to local bike shops, along with other Sustainability Fair prizes.

Support Local Journalism

Donate

Whether you’re electric-curious or just looking for an excuse to get outside, there’s something here for you. While you’re enjoying yourself, you’re also supporting community climate action. Every electric mile helps reduce pollution and move us toward cleaner air. Plus, if you walk, bike, run, carpool or bus to the event, you can log it using the free Sole Power Plus app, which tracks and rewards sustainable commuting.

Here’s the cool part. Most of Eagle County is powered by Holy Cross Energy, which is on track to reach 100% renewable energy by 2030 and is already at 85%. That means every time you plug in, you’re driving on wind, solar, and other renewable resources instead of fossil fuels.

Gas prices aren’t exactly budget-friendly these days. Electric vehicles waste far less energy, about 10–20% compared to roughly 80% for gas-powered cars. More of what you pay actually moves you forward. Not only is it cost effective in fuel, but also maintenance! EVs save car owners around $4,000-$5,000 on maintenance over the lifetime of the car. And the best part? You can finally say goodbye to the always looming, never ending dread of, “is it time for another oil change?”

Transportation is the largest source of emissions in Eagle County, so even a partial shift to electric makes a real impact. Right now, EVs make up about 3.5% of passenger vehicles locally, and that number is growing every year.

Of course, more EVs means more charging, and we’re working on that too. The Climate Action Collaborative, in partnership with CLEER, offers the EV Charging Cohort. This free program helps multifamily communities navigate installing charging infrastructure. HOAs, residents, and property managers are supported through the entire process, from applying for grants from the state, to planning for the installation, including help at HOA meetings.

There’s also funding available to make going electric more affordable:

• Holy Cross Energy e-bike and EV charging rebates
• Energy Smart Colorado rebates administered through Walking Mountains, for EVs and EV chargers
• The State of Colorado’s EV tax credit, and e-bike tax credit

So whether you’re here for the test rides, the snacks, the music, or the future of transportation, The Electric Social has you covered. The road ahead is electric, and everyone’s invited.

Event Details
 Date: Saturday, May 16, 2026
 Time: 11 a.m. – 2 p.m.
 Location: Sun & Ski parking lot, Avon

Chantel Recksiedler is the Climate Action Collaborative Coordinator. The Climate Action Collaborative is working to reduce greenhouse gas emissions in Eagle County 50% by 2030 and 80% by 2050.