The umbrellas were out and the puddles were numerous as people wandered to get up close with vintage vehicles, hot rods and even some electric cars. They did not attract large crowds, but with gas prices well above $ 2.00 per liter, they attracted more attention than in previous years. Among those showing their EVs was a father and son twin. “I worked at BCIT and started an electric car show there in 1995, in the parking lot,” explains Gary B. He took his son Josh to car shows for years, including a trip to the first U.S. power race in Woodburn, Oregon in the 1990s. Gary was answering questions about the 2020 Hyundai Ioniq, his second EV. The first electric hybrid he bought was a 2012 Chevy Volt, which now belongs to Josh. “(It is) very amazing. “In my first year I only used 100 liters of fuel,” said Josh. “It has a gas generator inside, which is nice, so you do not have to worry about running out of electricity and getting stuck somewhere.” He notes that even lovers of classic cars can now go electric. “You can really get gearbox engines from GMC and Ford and Bosch and all sorts of other manufacturers. You just put them in their place. They have an engine shape, they have all the components you need, you put in some batteries and you are very good at doing it. “You can keep the beauty of old cars and give them something a little more reliable and cheaper to operate.” For others, their passion for a particular vehicle begins long before EVs evolve. Wayne Schellanberg bought the 1951 Mercury truck in 1967. “I had this truck before I met my wife and we have been married for 50 years. “It’s different, it’s not something you see all the time and the sound of the engine is really sweet.” The car show started more than 20 years ago, but had to be canceled in 2020 and 2021 due to the COVID-19 pandemic. However, in the last two years, Boyd Autobody & Glass, with the support of its sponsors, volunteers and partners, has contributed more than $ 142,000 to the Kelowna Child Advocacy Center.
