If you’re curious about electric vehicles, you will have a chance to inspect and drive one in Hastings during National Drive Electric Week. Sponsors will be in Hastings Saturday, Sept. 9 from 11 a.m. to  2 p.m. in the Hastings Library parking lot.

Southwest Michigan communities are celebrating the week with events to heighten awareness of the benefits and widespread availability of all-electric and plug-in hybrid-electric cars, trucks and motorcycles. Local owners will be on site offering rides in their vehicles ranging from the small Nissan Leafs and Mitsubishi I-MiEVs to the Teslas.

Owners will share their experiences with the convenience, low expense and ease of driving an electric car and will tell of the benefits electric cars offer to the economy and environment.

Multiple charging stations are available nearby and electric car owners are invited to join in the fun at this family-friendly event.

There will be two more chances to test ride an electric car: Monday, Sept. 11, from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. in the South Haven Library parking lot and Wednesday, Sept. 13 from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. at Western Michigan University's Physical Plant parking lot near Waldo Stadium.

ierra Club is a national co-sponsor of Drive Electric Week. Sierra Club Southwest Michigan Group and Kalamazoo Electric Vehicle Association co-sponsor the event.