Thanks to the continued drop in prices, plug-in vehicles are now within the reach of millions of Americans. If you are curious about plug-in hybrids or electric vehicles go to pluginday.org and find a celebration near you. At the event there will be people to answer your questions and let you drive.

NATIONAL PLUG IN DAY: FREE ELECTRIC CAR EVENTS IN 90+ CITIES ACROSS U.S.

FOCUS OF 3RD AND LARGEST ANNUAL CELEBRATION: INTRODUCING FIRST-TIMERS TO EVS

WHAT: Tens of thousands of people in some 90 U.S. cities will rally to raise awareness of plug-in vehicles for the third annual National Plug In Day, with Mexico and Amsterdam taking part for the first time. The goal of events from West Palm Beach to Seattle to Reno will be to give consumer information and test-drives to more EV newcomers than ever. These gasoline-car drivers will be able to experience the quiet, clean thrill of plug-in vehicles first-hand while learning about their cost-savings, national security and clean-air benefits.

"Thanks to the continued drop in prices, plug-in vehicles are now within the reach of millions of Americans. Many are now driving 'for free' because their car payments are equal to or even less than they paid for gasoline," said Plug In America president Richard Kelly. "Our aim is to raise awareness of this affordability and the many other benefits of EVs."

National Plug In Day activities will vary by city. In addition to test drives, they will include rallies, tailgate parties, charging-infrastructure demos, EV-readiness awards, and more. Among the plug-in vehicles expected for public ride-n-drives:

Tesla Model S, Nissan LEAF, Chevy Volt, Mitsubishi iMiEV, Plug-in Prius, Ford Focus EV, Honda Fit EV, BMW ActiveE, Zero and Brammo motorcycles and such earlier models as the Tesla Roadster, Fisker Karma, Coda and Toyota RAV4 EV.

WHEN: Saturday or Sunday, Sept. 28 or 29, 2013. Date and times will vary by city: http://pluginday.org/events.php

WHERE: Visit the National Plug In Day website for city-by-city locations and details (still being updated): pluginday.org

WHO: Plug In America, the Sierra Club and the Electric Auto Association are national organizers teaming up with local groups across the country and abroad to organize events. National sponsors include the Nissan LEAF and Schneider EVlink.

ADVANCE COVERAGE PHOTOS AVAILABLE:
 EVs, onlookers gathered in Times Square; Tesla Model S & other EVs.

DAY-OF PHOTO OPPS: Test drives; consumer reaction.

About Plug In America: Plug In America is leading the nation's plug-in vehicle movement. The nonprofit organization works to accelerate the shift to plug-in vehicles powered by clean, affordable, domestic electricity to reduce our nation's dependence on petroleum and improve the global environment. We drive electric. You can, too. www.pluginamerica.org.

About the Sierra Club: The Sierra Club is the nation's oldest and largest grassroots environmental organization with more than 2.3 million members and supporters and chapters in all 50 states. The Sierra Club's national electric vehicles campaign advocates for a switch to EVs as one important way to reduce emissions and cut our addiction to oil. www.sierraclub.org/EVGuide

About the Electric Auto Association: The Electric Auto Association, formed in 1967, is a nonprofit educational organization with 75 chapters worldwide that promotes the advancement and widespread adoption of electric vehicles. www.electricauto.org