Drive EV week was virtual, but real

October 6, 2020

SB MTD FleetDuring National Drive Electric Week every September, the Sierra Club has conducted popular events that display owners’ cars with the ability to ask practical questions from those who know.

Unfortunately, due to the pandemic, that couldn’t happen this year, so we went virtual as did the Santa Barbara Community Environmental Council, often a partner with us.

And just in time for the national event, CA Gov. Gavin Newson signed an executive order that stated:

“It shall be a goal of the State that 100 percent of in-state sales of new passenger cars and trucks will be zero-emission by 2035 … that 100 percent of medium- and heavy-duty vehicles in the State be zero-emission by 2045 for all operations where feasible and by 2035 for drayage trucks. It shall be further a goal of the State to transition to 100 percent zero-emission off-road vehicles and equipment by 2035 where feasible.”

Of course, some of those goals must pass muster with agencies and the legislature, but any case, vehicle manufacturers are scrambling to provide more EV choices and charging companies are also erecting public stations by the thousands.

A lot of the virtual events happened from Sept. 28 through Oct. 4. Some of those included an EV driver and dealership meet and greet, an EV (Electric Vehicle) 101 Lunch and Learn and one about incentives. Those who signed up got a free EV starter kit with informational brochures and goodies. The CEC conducted an EV 101 webinar on Oct. 2 across both counties.

“The Ventura events highlighted the lean-air benefits, cost savings and fun provided by driving an electric vehicle,” said Ventura Supervisor Kelly Long. “By increasing access to electric vehicles, we are supporting the state’s goal of putting five million zero-emission cars on the roads by 2030.”

Here are some handy links that will catch you up to the fast accelerating EV campaigns: