WATERVILLE — Thomas College will host a national Drive Electric Earth Day from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, April 27, at Thomas College, 180 West River Road. This event is free and open to the public, according to a news release from Sustain Mid Maine Coalition.

This nation-wide event will celebrate the environmental and cost-saving benefits of electric vehicles. Attendees are encouraged to stop by to check out an EV or to bring their own. There will be opportunities to drive an EV.

This event is co-sponsored by Thomas College Club Green, Thomas College’s ‘Toward a Sustainable Society’ class, Sustain Mid Maine Coalition and Central Maine Motors.

According to co-organizer Steve Kahl, Professor of Science, his students start out skeptical about EVs but after studying their impressive performance and low operating costs, they are amazed, according to the release.

“Consider that without a gasoline engine, EVs don’t need exhaust systems, oil changes, or cooling systems, and electricity is the equivalent of $1.35 dollars per gallon,” Kahl said, according to the release. “That is why, for example, 46 percent of the cars sold in the country of Norway last year were plug-in vehicles.”

The college has two level 2 EV chargers and two level 1 chargers on campus. EVs already signed up to be present include Toyota and Chevy EVs complements of Central Maine Motors; several Teslas, as well as EVs from several private owners and solar companies, according to the release.

For a chance to win $250, register to attend or participate and complete a short survey.

To register,  visit driveelectricearthday.org.