SMUD - Sacramento Municipal Utility District

07/07/2026 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 07/08/2026 09:08

Skip the pump, catch the fair: Test drive an EV at Arden Fair Mall

For Immediate Release: July 7, 2026

Skip the pump, catch the fair: Test drive an EV at Arden Fair Mall

Learn insider tips EV owners wish they'd known sooner

SACRAMENTO, Calif. - With the California State Fair just around the corner, SMUD invites the community to Arden Fair Mall for a fun, family-friendly EV Ride and Drive event where participants can test drive an electric vehicle and receive a free State Fair admission ticket.

WHAT:

EV Ride and Drive at Arden Fair Mall

WHEN:

Saturday, July 11, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

WHERE:

1689 Arden Way in Sacramento

WHO:

SMUD, community members and EV-curious families

Perfect for families planning a day at the California State Fair (July 17 - Aug. 2), this pressure-free event lets participants test drive EVs and experience cutting-edge transportation technology.

With fuel costs still adding up for many Sacramento drivers, going electric can mean real savings on the road. EV owners charge for the equivalent of about $1 per gallon, and charging at home during SMUD's discounted midnight-to-6 a.m. EV rate window can lower that cost even more.

Participants will have the opportunity to:

  • Experience the latest EV technology across multiple models and price points.
  • Learn surprising EV benefits most drivers don't know: EVs require virtually no maintenance (no oil changes, brake replacements last 3x longer), deliver instant acceleration and run whisper-quiet.
  • Explore home charging solutions, including SMUD's Charge@Home program offering up to $600 toward EV charging equipment and installation.
  • Connect with EV owners who'll share real-world experiences about cost savings and convenience.

SMUD is proud to lead the charge in transforming our region's power supply through innovative decarbonization strategies while maintaining some of California's lowest electricity rates.

About SMUD

As the nation's sixth-largest, community-owned, not-for-profit electric service provider, SMUD has been providing low-cost, reliable electricity to Sacramento County for more than 75 years. SMUD is a recognized industry leader for its innovative energy efficiency programs, renewable power

technologies and for its sustainable solutions for a healthier environment. SMUD's goal is to completely eliminate carbon in its electricity production by 2030 while maintaining reliability and keeping rates among the lowest in California - on average, 50% lower than its neighboring, investor-owned utility. For more information on SMUD's Zero Carbon Plan and customer programs, visit smud.org.

SMUD - Sacramento Municipal Utility District published this content on July 07, 2026, and is solely responsible for the information contained herein. Distributed via Public Technologies (PUBT), unedited and unaltered, on July 08, 2026 at 15:08 UTC. If you believe the information included in the content is inaccurate or outdated and requires editing or removal, please contact us at [email protected]