By Robert Hudson

The Selma Times-Journal

Members of the Selma community were invited to come out and drive the fastest ride in town Tuesday.

As a part of a community service event sponsored by the Selma-Dallas County Chamber of Commerce and Alabama Power, an orange Tesla Roadster Sport – Battery Electric Vehicle (BEV) was brought to town for the community to test drive.

The event, which was held at the Church Street United Methodist Church parking lot, was also sponsored by Dixie 100, WHBB, WDXX and The Selma Times-Journal. The Selma Pepsi Bottling Plant and Papa John’s provided refreshments.

The Tesla Roadster is a sports car that is completely battery-powered and can go from 0 to 60 mph in 3.7 seconds.

Robert White, who works in Alabama Power’s Energy Sales and Efficiency Department, said the car was brought to promote electric transportation.

“We did this so the community could experience riding an electric vehicle,” White said.

While the Tesla Roadster carries a $130,000 price tag, White said it’s just one example of electric vehicles available, and more affordable electric cars are available from many different companies, such as Toyota and Chevy.

“I can charge this car for a few hours and get about 240 miles out of it, and it’d only cost me $5,” White said. “We just want to show that we have an alternative option when gas prices go up. Electrical transportation is clean, safe and economical.”

Chamber executive director Sheryl Smedley said there was great support for the event.

“We’ve had both young and old members of the community come out and show support,” Smedley said. “Something like this is normally done in metropolitan areas, so it’s a treat to have this in the community.”

Evelyn Cox, who won a chance to drive the Tesla Roadster, said it’s a different experience, but a great thing for the community.

“I’m not familiar with a car that sits so low, but it handles nicely,” Cox said. “It’s great that a community like Selma can attract something like this.”