GreenCars and Tidewater Community College Give Students a Hands-On Look at the EV Future

GreenCars + Tidewater Community College

On May 18, Lithia & Driveway stores partnered with the Tidewater Community College Automotive Program to help students experience the future of vehicle technology firsthand.

Hosted across eight local dealerships representing seven brands, the event brought students closer to the electric, hybrid, gas, diesel, and body shop skills shaping today’s automotive careers. Participating stores included Toyota Chesapeake (opens in a new tab), Acura Chesapeake (opens in a new tab), Hyundai Chesapeake (opens in a new tab), Chevrolet Chesapeake (opens in a new tab), Infiniti Chesapeake (opens in a new tab), Honda Chesapeake (opens in a new tab), Ford Norfolk (opens in a new tab), and Honda Hampton (opens in a new tab).

The day was designed to move beyond the classroom. Students worked directly with dealership teams to power down hybrid and EV battery systems, troubleshoot a Ford Mustang Mach-E, explore electrified vehicles up close, and take part in test drives that brought the technology to life.

For many students, the experience made the future feel more tangible. They were able to see how their training connects to real vehicles, real service environments, and real career opportunities. Several were especially engaged because classmates and peers are already working with some of the participating brands, making the path from school to career feel even more achievable.

The event also highlighted how quickly automotive careers are evolving. As more electric, hybrid, and fuel-efficient vehicles reach the road, customers will need knowledgeable teams who can service, repair, and explain them with confidence. The need for skilled body shop technicians is growing as well, especially as electrified vehicles introduce new materials, systems, and repair considerations.

For GreenCars, the takeaway was simple: the future of driving is easier to understand when people can experience it firsthand. By bringing students, educators, dealership teams, and vehicles together, the Tidewater event helped turn curiosity into confidence and gave students a clearer view of the role they can play in the future of mobility.