Noah Barnes, Plug In America, nbarnes@pluginamerica.org
Larisa Manescu, Sierra Club, larisa.manescu@sierraclub.org
April Bolduc, Electric Auto Association, president@electricauto.org
Shane Reese, EVHybridNoire, shane@evhybridnoire.com
NATIONWIDE—Electric vehicles (EVs) will take the spotlight during the 11th annual National Drive Electric Week, with more than 204 in-person and online events in 43 states, as well as Canada, Mexico, and New Zealand, September 25–October 3, 2021. Attendees will have the opportunity to test drive various models of EVs, talk to EV owners, see vehicles on display, and learn about the latest in EV technology.
This year’s National Drive Electric Week comes at a pivotal moment for EVs to become increasingly widespread and accessible as President Biden has proposed $174 billion in funding for transportation electrification, which would significantly clean up the transportation system in the United States. At the same time, numerous automakers have announced their commitment to manufacturing electric cars and are releasing new models, including pick-up trucks and SUVs.
Some highlights of the exciting events that will take place include:
- In Orlando, visitors will have the opportunity to test drive EVs, including three-wheeled vehicles, and enjoy live music by Dane Myers. (Saturday, September 25; 11 am to 3 pm EDT)
- In Wichita, guests can talk to EV owners, test electric bicycles, see one of the city’s electric buses, and meet the entire Wichita city council. (Saturday, October 2; 1 to 4 pm CDT)
- A free online event, available to all, will explore the fun of electric bikes, motorcycles and other modes of small e-mobility, as well as public transit, zero-emission buses, rail, car-sharing and autonomous vehicles—and how we all share the road. (Saturday, September 25, 11 am to 1 pm PDT/2 to 4 pm EDT)
“Americans are more excited about EVs and have more options than ever before,” said Joel Levin, executive director of Plug In America. “EVs cost less to fuel and maintain, are more fun to drive, and reduce air pollution in our communities. National Drive Electric Week is the perfect time to learn more about the many benefits of this exciting technology.”
“National Drive Electric Week provides an opportunity for anyone curious about EVs to learn what all the excitement is about,” said April Bolduc, president of the Electric Auto Association. “Our 100+ chapters and thousands of volunteers are ready to answer questions about the types of EVs available, charging at home and on the road, and incentives that can reduce the cost of the vehicles.”
“Electric vehicles can provide a cleaner and greener transportation future that helps address health, environmental, workforce and economic disparities, particularly for underrepresented communities that have been severely impacted by pollution-emitting vehicles,” said Terry Travis, co-founder of EVHybridNoire. “National Drive Electric Week helps to realize that vision by providing a venue for people of all backgrounds to discover the EV experience.”
“Communities across the nation are suffering from climate disasters and our polluting cars and trucks are the worst offenders in the US when it comes to emissions — making the need for clean vehicles more critical than ever,” said Hieu Le, campaign representative with the Sierra Club. “National Drive Electric Week plays a major role in local communities to educate people about electric vehicles, allowing people to learn from EV owners directly and to ask questions about incentives and rebates, charging, and more.”
National Drive Electric Week is presented by Plug In America, Electric Auto Association, Sierra Club, and the newest national organizer, EVHybridNoire. Nissan and Wells Fargo are Platinum Level Sponsors, ClipperCreek and Electrify America are Silver Level Sponsors, Edison International and Enel X are Bronze Level Sponsors, and IBEW 11 is a Green Level Sponsor.
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About Plug In America
Plug In America is the nation’s leading independent consumer voice for accelerating the use of plug-in electric vehicles in the United States. Formed as a non-profit in 2008, Plug In America provides practical, objective information collected from our coalition of plug-in vehicle drivers, through public outreach and education, policy work and a range of technical advisory services. Our expertise represents the world’s deepest pool of experience of driving and living with plug-in vehicles. We drive electric. You can too. PlugInAmerica.org
About Electric Auto Association
The Electric Auto Association is North America’s leading volunteer organization that accelerates the adoption of EVs. More than 100 chapters and thousands of members talk neighbor-to-neighbor at community events about the benefits of driving electric. For more information, visit electricauto.org.
About EVHybridNoire
EVHybridNoire is the nation’s largest network of diverse EV drivers and enthusiasts, the voice of multicultural EV drivers, and the first national diverse organization focused on e-mobility, environmental sustainability, clean energy, and transportation equity — providing access for all to next-generation vehicles and transportation options. For more information, visit evhybridnoire.com.
About the Sierra Club
The Sierra Club is America’s largest and most influential grassroots environmental organization, with more than 3.8 million members and supporters. In addition to protecting every person’s right to get outdoors and access the healing power of nature, the Sierra Club works to promote clean energy, safeguard the health of our communities, protect wildlife, and preserve our remaining wild places through grassroots activism, public education, lobbying, and legal action. For more information, visit www.sierraclub.org.
About the Sierra Club
The Sierra Club is America’s largest and most influential grassroots environmental organization, with more than 3.8 million members and supporters. In addition to protecting every person's right to get outdoors and access the healing power of nature, the Sierra Club works to promote clean energy, safeguard the health of our communities, protect wildlife, and preserve our remaining wild places through grassroots activism, public education, lobbying, and legal action. For more information, visit www.sierraclub.org.