Gainesville Chief Climate Officer Dr. Dan Zhu and Environmental Planner Jennie Ford discuss how the city is partnering with SACE to decarbonize transportation.
Guest Blog | November 4, 2024 | Clean Transportation, Electric Vehicles, Florida
This guest blog was written by Dr. Dan Zhu, Ph.D., LEED GA, Chief Climate Officer with the City of Gainesville, FL; and Jennie Ford, an Environmental Planner with the City of Gainesville’s Department of Sustainable Development.On Friday, October 25, Gainesville accelerated its commitment to reaching net zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2045 with an electric vehicle (EV) Ride and Drive event hosted in partnership with the Southern Alliance for Clean Energy. This event provided city leaders, elected officials, and staff the unique opportunity to test drive a Tesla Model 3, immersing them in the benefits of EV technology while highlighting Gainesville’s ongoing efforts in transportation electrification. Transportation electrification is a key priority in Gainesville’s Climate Resilience Plan, with the city’s EV Steering Committee hard at work developing a comprehensive plan for electrifying both city and bus fleets, along with public charging infrastructure across the city.
The test drives offered more than just a thrilling ride—they were an opportunity to learn about the technology directly, with a knowledgeable EV driver in the passenger seat. Dory Larsen, Senior ET Program Manager with the Southern Alliance for Clean Energy, brought expertise and patient guidance to the experience, ensuring participants fully understood the benefits and mechanics of EVs, as well as available tax incentives. Alongside her, city staff shared information on Gainesville’s recent initiatives to increase EV adoption, enhancing participant engagement and bolstering support for the city’s electrification goals.
“Driving a Tesla showcases the remarkable range and seamless technology of electric vehicles—it’s a glimpse into a cleaner, smarter future.”
Participants from various city departments—including Human Resources, Fleet, Public Works, Parks, Housing, Communications and Sustainable Development—joined, as did an elected official, including a representative from the Alachua County and City of Gainesville Joint Water and Climate Policy Board. For many, this was their first time behind the wheel of a Tesla, and the experience was met with enthusiasm and appreciation for the support provided by the Southern Alliance for Clean Energy.
This event not only fueled excitement around EVs but also reinforced Gainesville’s dedication to creating a sustainable, resilient future for all. Together, we’re embracing a cleaner, greener path forward.
“Taking Tesla’s autonomous driving for a spin, we’re showcasing how effortless and impactful the switch to electric vehicles can be for our community and our world.”
The Southern Alliance for Clean Energy’s Electrify the South program leverages research, advocacy, and outreach to accelerate the equitable transition to electric transportation across the Southeast. Visit ElectrifytheSouth.org to learn more and connect with us.