Mendham Resident Showcases Electric Car

looked a little like a car lot last Friday evening, with two rows of gleeming vehicles lining the parking lot and small knots of people curiously inspecting under the hoods.

But at the electric vehicle showcase, sponsored by the New Jersey Electric Auto Association, there weren't any high-pressure salepeople—only some highly-enthused car owners.

Chatham resident Chris Ravera gave two bystanders a detailed pitch on her new Chevrolet Volt that would have done Mr. Goodwrench proud—she raved over the car's handling, boasted of its ease of recharging and pointed out its spacious interior.

And she mentioned she wanted one ever since her husband bought a Volt last year.

"I had an Infinity and I kept trying to steal my husband's car when he got a Volt," she said. 

Ravera was one of four area electric vehicle owners who joined in the presentation, which also included two Ford electric cars not currently in showrooms. The showcase was the idea of , president of the NJEAA who racks up about 1,000 miles each month on his Tesla roadster and BMS Active-E sedan.

"I'm pleasantly surprised at how many people have arrived, and at how far they've come," he said.

He noted the growing market for electric vehicles is helping draw more people, and with everyone from BMW to Ford offering electric or hybrid versions of production models, the electric car world is drawing more than just aficianandos.

"The community is getting more and more open, and it's getting more acceptable," Thwaite said.

There are still imitations for some drivers the new vehicles won't meet very well—Thwaite said the cars aren't well suited for long journeys, and the various configurations—hybrid or all-electric—offer different driving ranges.

But what drivers might sacrifice in mileage range seems more than made up in performance and savings. Mendham resident Chris Neff says his BMW Active-E sedan is not only environmentally friendly, it's a great car to drive.

"I love being green, being eco-conscious, but I love to drive," he said. He's become an electric car acolyte willing to spread his love of the cars to anyone within earshot—and willing to drive anywhere to impress a potential convert. He also writes a blog about his electric car and his experiences with it.  

Neff started out with an electric Mini, as Thwaite did, before jumping into the larger vehicle (as Thwaite also did). He said he likes the BMW's spacious interior for his daughter, and takes the family on long, and very quiet, rides.

Neff pointed out the growing number of places where electric vehicle owners can charge up, places such as the new Wave Parking Garage in Atlantic City, which offer electric vehicles free charging while parking.

Or Nuana's Bella Casa Ristorante, in Montclair, which offers free charging for diners with electric vehicles.

"What we really need in this state are public charging stations along the Parkway," he said.

But in the meantime, the growing cadre of electric car owners can be counted on to help others get charged up over the vehicles.