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Georgia showcases, test drives new energy efficient vehicles during ‘Clean Energy Roadshow’

COBB COUNTY, Ga. — The state of Georgia got a chance to test drive the newest “energy efficient” vehicles during a roadshow on Wednesday afternoon.

The test driving happened at the Clean Energy Roadshow, Georgia’s largest showcase of alternative-fuel fleet vehicles.

Channel 2′s Steve Gehlbach got an up close look at everything LIVE on Wednesday during Channel 2 Action News at 4 p.m.

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The event showcased everything from electric trucks to school buses that will help Georgia go green.

Before long, you’ll see more energy-efficient vehicles plugged in and on the road.

“This is the 12th year for the Clean Energy Roadshow. Showing off electric vehicles from the Tesla, to Ford Mustang Mach-E and the new F-150 electric pickup. School buses that run on propane to electric,” said Tim Echols, public service commission vice chairman. “Even big commercial vehicle like this tractor-trailer that runs on a big tank of natural gas.”

Gehlbach thought it was a little strange to start up a school bus without sounds, or open the front of a Ford truck to see no engine.

Cobb EMC showed off its new lighting, letting Gehlbach take the all-electric F-150 for a short spin. It hopes to start incorporating the vehicles into its fleet.

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Cobb MEC hosted the Georgia Public Service Commission’s event that included demos and classes, helping businesses, local governments and school systems evaluate the latest in alternative fuel and going greener.

“This is huge when we can help a heavy user like a UPS, a Frito Lay, adopt this technology because they have so many vehicles,” said Echols.

And for the local commuter, electric cars are expensive, but starting now, they can get back up to $7,500.

“Maybe if you were told the credits are gone, well they’re back,” said Echols.

But that juice had come from somewhere. What about concerns of drivers going electric, all plugging in at once?

“We are not California, we are not having the type of grid crisis they’re having. I think we’re in great shape,” said Echols.

This is the Public Service Commission’s first of four stops on the roadshow. It visited Fayetteville for the south metro on Thursday, Aug. 18, and next month it will be in Savannah and Valdosta.

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