By: Dawn Haworth, Public Communications Specialist
Each year, Earth Month provides an opportunity for organizations to highlight sustainability and promote environmental stewardship in their communities throughout the month of April. In North Carolina, several alternative fuel vehicle displays were held to spread awareness of the benefits that clean transportation technologies have to offer.
The NC Clean Energy Technology Center (NCCETC) partnered with several organizations to support their Earth Month events, in addition to hosting a Ride & Drive and vehicle display at NC State University’s Centennial Campus.
The first event of the month took place in Fayetteville, North Carolina on April 12, 2025, and was held by Sustainable Sandhills – a non-profit organization that serves nine counties in North Carolina’s Sandhills region. The Earth Day is Every Day Festival is held annually and raises awareness about environment, economic, and social resources. NCCETC Clean Transportation Project Manager, Shelly Parker, attended this event as an exhibitor and shared resources about what the Center offers. The festival included a Drive Electric Car Show that allowed the public to learn more about electric vehicles (EVs) and see them in action.
On April 15, 2025, NCCETC held an Alternative Fuel Vehicle Display and Ride & Drive at The Corner on Centennial Campus. Volunteer vehicle-owners displayed 12 alternative fuel vehicles, two of which were available to the public to test drive.
Attendees had the opportunity to talk with the vehicle owners to learn more about their experience with alternative fuel vehicles and various transportation technologies.
Pictured: Clean Transportation Program Manager, Heather Brutz, discusses the VW ID BUZZ with vehicle owners.
Pictured: VW ID4 on display.
Pictured: Attendees get an up-close look at the Ford F-150 Lightning.
Pictured: Tesla Model S, Mercedes EQB, and Chevy Bolt on display.
NCCETC enjoys hosting this event annually during Earth Month, and looks forward to organizing additional displays throughout the year.
The next Earth Month event, the Piedmont Earth Day Fair, took place on April 26, 2025, in Winston-Salem, NC. The Piedmont Environmental Alliance organized this community event, and NCCETC was present to support the electric vehicle display. Clean Transportation Program Director, Heather Brutz, attended this event and shared information about the Center’s commitment to sustainable transportation.
East Carolina University (ECU) also hosted an event on April 26, 2025, the 40th Annual Pigskin Pig-Out Party. The “Pig-Out Your Ride Car Show” displayed many alternative fuel vehicles.
Clean Transportation Specialist, Alrik Lunsford, attended the ECU event and connected with attendees and vehicle owners to discuss innovative clean transportation options.
On April 27, 2025, the City of Durham held the Durham Earth Day Festival. This year’s theme was “Our Power, Our Planet”, which highlighted the potential that individuals, communities, businesses, and governments have to drive positive environmental change. Triangle Clean Cities hosted a ride & drive at the festival, which showcased GoDurham’s new electric bus, electric bikes, and more.
These Earth Month events contribute toward the widespread adoption of alternative fuel vehicles through education, outreach, and hands-on experiences like ride & drives. To learn more about clean transportation events that are open to the public, visit learnaboutevs.org. NCCETC holds many alternative fuel vehicle displays and ride & drives year-round, sign-up for the Clean Transportation Newsletter to stay in the loop about upcoming events and initiatives.