Free sessions show Dunbar is a hot spot

Hosted on March 17 and 19 by the Energy Saving Trust, the events will give local residents a chance to find out why the region is an ideal place to own an electric car.

With cars boasting significantly lower running costs, a silent and more comfortable ride, reduced pollution and the availability of funding to install home charge points, it is hoped the event will switch more people on to the benefits of fossil-fuel free transport.

Those attending the events will be able to get behind the wheel of models including the Tesla Model S, BMW i3, Renault Zoe, Mitsubishi Outlander and the Nissan LEAF.

With a number of convenient public charging points now live across the area, and many more within commuting distance, Energy Saving Trust’s head of new services, Harry Mayers, says the area is now the ideal place to take advantage of electric transport.

He said: “East Lothian is fast becoming one of the most well connected areas in Scotland for electric vehicles. There are now ten publicly accessible charge points live across the area, with three in Dunbar, two at Wallyford Park and Ride, one in North Berwick, two in Musselburgh and two in Haddington.

“This makes electric cars more viable and convenient for people living in the area than ever before. Furthermore, with ranges of 80-100 miles becoming the norm not the exception these days, commuters to and from Edinburgh could dramatically decrease their travel costs – even with today’s lower oil prices.

“That’s not to mention the environmental benefit to the area – the reduction in fuel emissions offered by electric cars can only be of further benefit to that reputation and the visitor experience.”

The first event is at the Bleachingfield Centre, in Dunbar’s Countess Crescent on Thursday, March 17 between 7pm-8.30pm. The following Saturday, March 19, people will be able to head to Dunbar Garden Centre on Spott Road.