MASSENA -- Ever wonder what it’s like to drive an electric car? The New York Power Authority (NYPA) invites people to visit the Hawkins Point Visitors Center on Saturday, Aug. 31, and find out.

The first-time Electric Vehicle Ride & Drive event will feature a wide variety of electric cars (EVs) including the new Tesla Model 3, Tesla Model S, Chevrolet Volt, and electric cars manufactured by Mitsubishi and Nissan. Drivers, who must register in advance, will be able to take a turn behind the wheel between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.

“The Power Authority wants to show more New Yorkers that zero-emission electric vehicles are affordable, accessible and fun to drive, and they’ll be able to travel across the state without having to worry about recharging,” said Gil C. Quiniones, NYPA’s president and CEO. “Getting more electric vehicles on the road will improve the environment and help the state achieve its clean energy goals.”

The Aug. 31 event will include EV charging station displays and demonstrations. EV experts will be on hand to discuss methods of charging EVs at home, work and in public.

Increasing the use of electric vehicles supports Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo's Green New Deal, a clean energy agenda intended to put New York on a path to carbon-free electricity by 2040.

Electric transportation is a key strategy in NYPA’s sustainability plan. Transportation accounts for approximately 40 percent of the state’s greenhouse gas emissions, with passenger vehicles contributing the majority of those emissions.

The Electric Vehicle Ride & Drive event is sponsored by NYPA and managed by the California-based firm Electric Car Insider, which specializes in EV education and resource guides.

This event gives people the opportunity to get behind the wheel and experience electric vehicles for themselves.

New York State is making it easier for consumers to choose electric vehicles by offering a $2,000 Drive Clean rebate for the purchase or lease of a battery electric or new plug-in hybrid car from participating new car dealers.

As part of its EVolve NY program, NYPA has committed up to $250 million through 2025 to aggressively accelerate the adoption of electric vehicles across New York State.

A fast-charging network will deploy charging sites at approximate 40-50 mile intervals on key travel corridors, a 10-charger hub at JFK Airport, and charging stations in Buffalo, Rochester, Yonkers, Albany and Syracuse.

Space for the Electric Vehicle Ride & Drive event is limited and advance registration is required. RSVP at ElectricCar GuestDrive.com/Massena.