Electric car convention planned for Cape Girardeau

CAPE GIRARDEAU, MO (KRCU) - An electric car convention is coming to the Cape Girardeau Regional Airport between September 21 through September 25.

The convention is geared towards individuals who are converting their standard cars into 100% electric vehicles.

Brian Noto and Jack Rickard are organizing the convention. They convert cars in their shop on Morgan Oak Street in Cape Girardeau and produce online videos to help other conversion enthusiasts.

Jack Rickard says that the convention is all about the do-it-yourself guy in his garage.

“Now these are cars that people are building. This is not a Tesla, or a Leaf, or a Volt. This is like a 1966 Karmann Ghia, a 1960 Bug Eye Sprite,” Rickard said.

Rickard says that improvements in battery technology have allowed him to build electric cars that drive and handle like a standard automobile. Most of the cars in their garage can go about 100 miles on a charge and go from 0 to 60 in 6 seconds.

Rickard and Noto expect about 450 people and 100 electric cars. They will also host electric car motocross and drag races.

Jacob McCleland, KRCU

Posted in: automobiles,electric cars