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Starting this weekend and running through October 3, the nation will be celebrating electric vehicles (EVs), with over 200 events including parades, ride-and-drives, electric tailgate parties, and informational booths during National Drive Electric Week.  

Transitioning to a mix of hybrid and plug-in electric vehicles could reduce petroleum use by more than 40 percent and greenhouse gas emissions by more than 30 percent. 

Here are some tips to make your all-electric or plug-in hybrid even greener;

Charge with Clean Energy

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Use clean energy to recharge your vehicle whenever possible. An all-electric car produces no tailgate pollutants, but the power plant producing your electricity could emit them. Charging your car with "green power" - which including electricity produced from wind, solar, geothermal, or hydropower - doe not emit air pollutants. Many work places offer "green power" charging stations, and you can even purchase green power for your home.

Afterhours Re-Charge

If you are charging your car at home, try using smart meters or an energy management system through your utilities. This way you can program how your home uses energy. Time-based rates are great for electric and plug-in hybrid car owners because charging your car at night pulls from the grid when energy demand is lowest and the cost is often less expensive. 

Electric and plug-in hybrid cars are becoming more and more popular.  Whether you are an EV enthusiast, an automotive fan, interested in technology and preserving the environment, or just a commuter looking to save money, there is something for everyone at National Drive Electric Week.