Get behind the wheel of hybrid, electric cars at the Paris Motor Show

In 2014, more than 10,000 test drives were carried out as part of the event. © Adrien Daste - Mondial de l'Automobile

This year's Paris Motor Show (October 1-16, 2016) will once again feature a test center for electric and hybrid cars where visitors can try out models from different manufacturers.

The test center, operated in partnership with French electricity supplier EDF, will be located in Pavillion 3 of the Paris Expo Porte de Versailles exhibition center. As well as offering advice and demonstrations, visitors can get a feel for electric and hybrid vehicles made by various manufacturers, getting behind the wheel for a quick spin around the streets of Paris.

The test center is open from 10:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. (or until 10 p.m. on Thursday and Friday), with the last available test drive at 6:30 p.m. (9 p.m. on Thursday and Friday). Bookings can be made at manufacturer stands or directly at the reception area of the test center. After booking a slot, visitors should check in at reception, then wait their turn for a look inside the various vehicles.

The test center aims to give visitors a taste of what it's like to drive this kind of car, as well as raise awareness about greener driving options that are still largely overlooked by the public.

In 2014, more than 10,000 test drives were carried out as part of the event.

The Paris Motor Show runs October 1 to 16, 2016, at the Paris Expo Porte de Versailles exhibition center in Paris, France. Website: mondial-automobile.com