Don't be thrown off by the name. The Victoria Leaf Club is about more than one particular brand of electric vehicle.
As founding president Fred Wissemann says, the leaf signifies the bringing of green thinking to discussions around personal transportation.
"We're trying to help people understand that they can help the environment and help their budget by buying an electric car," he says.
The club, formed in 2012, boasts 470 members who own a variety of electric car brands, from the eponymous Nissan Leaf to BMW to Tesla. The group is hosting the electric version of a show and shine this Saturday (May 23) with a "coffee chat" from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Royal Bay Bakery, 3337 Metchosin Rd.
Not only is it a chance for club members and newcomers to mingle, enjoy a light meal and listen to some local entertainment, speakers will talk about why people are buying electric cars, where chargers are located in Greater Victoria, up-Island and beyond; vehicle distance ranges, and the evolution of electric vehicle support in Colwood.
Wisseman and his clubmates are encouraging members to bring their vehicles down on Saturday and provide them for "test drives" for newcomers.
"We want to demonstrate to them that these cars will pay them (back) … they can buy a new one in 15 years with the savings," he says. "We're trying to change people's thinking and educate the public about their options."
He adds there are currently a dozen or more electric cars to choose from, and a person can get into one for as little as $20,000 for a used car.
Wissemann says the club has never and will never collect membership fees, adding their primary focus is on advocating for a better environment.
For more information about the club, visit victorialeafclub.com or call Wissemann at 250-818-3286.