Archive for 2020

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A Look Back at 2020—The Year in EVs

It’s not a simple thing to speak of 2020—and just talk about EVs. It is the year that everyone hates and prays for it to end. It is the year that most people will always cite as the worst one in their lives. It’s the year that one in a[…]

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Driving on sunshine

Winter solstice has swept in, and me and my electric vehicle (EV) are taking another trip around the sun—on sunshine! My ex and I got solar at home on his birthday in 2002, then our first EV, the RAV4, a couple months later, on the winter solstice. Won’t ever forget[…]

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Joel Levin on President-elect Joe Biden’s energy plan

In this short video, Executive Director Joel Levin reacts to President-elect Biden’s energy plan and Plug In America’s plans to ensure that transportation electrification is a priority.

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E-bikes elevate your riding experience

E-bikes are just like a traditional bicycle, but with an electric motor. The rider can control how much electric power they want using pedal assist, which is a mode to help you pedal faster and easier. Generally, e-bike power ranges from 250 to 900 watts with an average maximum speed[…]

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Electric motorcycles are gaining momentum

This year, electric motorcycle momentum has been hot! Electric motorcycle companies have been reporting an increase in sales. For example, Italian electric motorcycle manufacturer Energica shared that in the first two months of 2020, they sold more electric motorcycles than in the year prior. There is also a new streaming[…]

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What the election means for electric vehicles in 2021

Following last week’s election, Executive Director Joel Levin gives a brief update on the outlook for 2021 and how we can work together to advance electric vehicle adoption. Learn more about the 2021 EV policy landscape in our webinar, Gaining Speed: Post-Election Outlook for Transportation Electrification on Wednesday, November 18,[…]

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Top automakers showcase Nissan Ariya, Ford Mustang Mach-E, and Volkswagen ID.4

The Ford Mustang Mach-E, Nissan Ariya, and the Volkswagen ID.4 are all excepted to hit showroom floors in 2021! This year during National Drive Electric Week (NDEW), our online event, New EVs – First Look, featured in-depth previews of these upcoming EVs with representatives from Ford, Nissan, and Volkswagen. Watch[…]

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Are electric cars really better for the environment?

Electric cars are better for the environment and for reducing greenhouse gas emissions, wherever they are charged, and however the electricity is produced. When considering the full life cycle of the vehicle, electric cars are cleaner and greener than their conventional fossil fuel-burning counterparts. While true that building an electric[…]

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Virtual EV test drive with Michigan State Senator Mallory McMorrow

Earlier this month, Michigan State Senator Mallory McMorrow took us on a virtual EV test drive. She used to work at Mazda and Mattel’s Hot Wheels division, so she is a strong car enthusiast and loves how fast and smooth her Chevy Bolt drives. McMorrow has a longer commute than[…]

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Save money with an electric vehicle

A new Consumer Reports study shows what many of us who have been driving electric vehicles (EVs) have already known—that consumers can save money with an electric vehicle over the lifetime of the vehicle. Last year, we published our own comparison of the total cost of ownership between EVs and[…]

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Plug In America Spotlight: Assistant Program Manager Kylie Morgan

Get to know Plug In America’s staff and board! Assistant Program Manager Kylie Morgan has managed National Drive Electric Week and Drive Electric Earth Day for three years. How does your program contribute to Plug In America’s mission? National Drive Electric Week and Drive Electric Earth Day serve as the largest annual EV[…]

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Which electric vehicles have the longest range?

There are currently nearly 50 models of electric vehicles (EVs) available, including all-electric vehicles with a range over 200 miles and plug-in hybrid vehicles with an electric range over 30 miles. Below are a few all-electric and plug-in hybrid vehicles with the longest ranges. To compare all available EV models,[…]

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Electric vehicle road trip through New Hampshire

During the 2019 National Drive Electric Week, Plug In America took part in the Charge Forward EV Relay throughout the State of New Hampshire. This began at the far north end of the state, and wound its way 267 miles from Colebook to Portsmouth. Unfortunately, this year’s event could not[…]

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California Gov. Newsom calls for 100% zero-emission vehicles by 2035

On Wednesday, September 23, California Governor Gavin Newsom took a huge step forward in the electric vehicle (EV) movement by calling for 100% of all new car sales to be zero-emission by 2035! Plug In America has been fighting for EVs for nearly 20 years, dating back to the days[…]

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Exciting online events during National Drive Electric Week

National Drive Electric Week (NDEW) is in less than two weeks! This year, many NDEW events have shifted to an online format. Some events will have special guests like TV personalities Bill Nye and Jay Leno, race car driver and environmental activist Leilani Münter, and NPR host Peter Sagal. Below[…]

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Electric Vehicle educational videos from Nevada

We have partnered with EV advocates in Nevada to create a 10-part video series about the benefits of electric vehicles (EVs). These videos were recorded during the Nevada Transportation Electrification Forum earlier this year, before the COVID-19 quarantine. Currently, four videos have been released, included below, but follow us on[…]

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2020 Drive Electric Awards Virtual Reception

The 2020 Drive Electric Awards were presented during a streaming online event on Tuesday, September 22, 2020. Featuring: Remarks by Executive Director Joel Levin An update on EV policy from Policy Director Katherine Stainken A tribute to Lifetime Achievement Award winner Linda Nicholes Acceptance speeches from Drive Electric Awards winners: Fully Charged (Robert[…]

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Plug In America announces winners of 2020 Drive Electric Awards

Plug In America has announced the honorees of the 2020 Drive Electric Awards. Now in its third year, the awards honor individuals and organizations that have contributed to the electric vehicle movement. “More than 1.5 million electric vehicles have been sold in the United States and that might not have[…]

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Virtual EV ride and drive events

As part of our education efforts, Plug in America hosts electric vehicle (EV) ride and drive events across the country. We bring EVs to communities and highlight the benefits of driving electric. Attendees can test drive EVs without having to go to a dealership and receive educational materials, including our[…]

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Electric vehicle batteries Q&A

On August 18, Plug In America held a webinar looking at various aspects related to electric vehicle batteries, including charging best practices, battery mining and recycling, and their impacts on the electrical grid. There were so many questions asked that we couldn’t get to them all during the live presentation,[…]

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All autonomous vehicles should be electric

A shift to autonomous vehicles (AVs) will be one part of the transition to sustainable transportation, in addition to the growing market share of electric vehicles (EVs) and the advance of shared mobility options, such as Zipcar and Envoy. These “three revolutions” working together have the greatest potential to reduce[…]

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National Drive Electric Week in the time of COVID

This year is the 10th anniversary of National Drive Electric Week (NDEW). At the beginning of the year, we were planning to make this a blowout year with more events than ever—recognizing the continued growth in the market, the exciting new models coming out, and honoring the EV activists who[…]

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Webinar – EV Batteries: An Overview of the Impacts and Solutions

Recorded August 18, 2020 Electric vehicles offer the potential for tremendous reductions in emissions of carbon dioxide and greenhouse gases, as well as conventional pollutants near roadways. They are clean, quiet, and efficient. But what about the batteries? To what extent is the manufacture and end-of-life treatment of the batteries[…]

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EV movies and TV shows available for streaming

Summer is looking a little different this year, with many vacation plans canceled. We are all looking for fun things to do while staying home. Why not have an electric vehicle (EV) streaming day? We have compiled a list below of movies and TV shows that highlight EVs. If you[…]

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Looking back: Plug In America’s public service announcements

Ten years ago, Plug In America volunteers created several public service announcements to promote the adoption of electric vehicles (EVs). In these light-hearted videos, they bring to life the benefits of EVs, compared to gas-powered vehicles. In a brilliant analogy, they compared the use of a gas-powered cellphone to an[…]

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What is DC fast charging for electric vehicles?

While most electric vehicle (EV) charging is done at home overnight or at work during the day, direct current fast charging, commonly referred to as DC fast charging or DCFC, can charge an EV up to 80% in just 20-30 minutes. So, how is DC fast charging applicable to EV[…]

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Plug In America Spotlight: Executive Director Joel Levin

Get to know Plug In America’s staff and board! This week’s spotlight is on Executive Director Joel Levin. He is focused on continuing to build Plug In America as the leading independent voice for electric vehicles in the United States. What is your role at Plug In America? I am[…]

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The freeway chase that saved Toyota RAV4 EVs

As a follow-up to Zan Dubin-Scott and Paul Scott’s recent blog post, Individual choices matter in fighting climate change, fellow Plug In America co-founder Linda Nicholes reflects upon the effort by early electric vehicle activists to save Toyota RAV4 EVs in 2005. After our month-long, ultimately unsuccessful vigil in the[…]

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2020 Independence Day EV Count Results

For the second year, Plug In America supporters roamed their neighborhoods on July 4 to count how many all-electric and plug-in hybrid vehicles they could spot as part of the Independence Day EV Count. Across the United States, we counted 12,036 vehicles, of which 638 (5.30%) were electric. All-electric vehicles[…]

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U.S. House passes Moving Forward Act

In a major victory for electric vehicle (EV) drivers, on July 1, the U.S. House of Representatives passed H. R. 2, the Moving Forward Act. The major package is essentially a wish list that Plug In America has had for federal EV policy, including all of the following: Sec. 90431[…]

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Advocating for EV drivers in vehicle-grid integration

Vehicle-grid integration (VGI) refers to a range of methods for controlling the impact of electric vehicles (EVs) on the electrical grid. These methods can involve encouraging charging at specific times of day or at specific locations to relieve grid congestion, or reducing charging power levels during times of high demand.[…]

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Individual choices matter in fighting climate change

By Zan Dubin-Scott and Paul Scott While we’re in this pandemic pause—as electric and other car sales stall—Paul and I thought we’d take a brief look back at the EV/renewable energy activism we and others have undertaken over the past couple of decades because we want to make a simple[…]

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Plug In America applauds Nevada for its commitment to clean cars

On Monday, June 22, Nevada Governor Steve Sisolak and his administration announced the start of the rulemaking process that will eventually lead to Nevada adopting the Clean Car standards, which includes the zero-emission vehicle standard (ZEV standard). To date, eleven states have adopted this program, with Minnesota, New Mexico and Washington[…]

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Will 400-mile Tesla finally end range anxiety?

Range anxiety. It’s become such a common phrase that it has its own dictionary entry and Wikipedia page. Tesla’s recent announcement that the new Model S Long Range Plus vehicles have an EPA-rated range of 402 miles may finally end that once and for all. To be clear: most electric[…]

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How long do electric vehicle batteries last?

Electric vehicle (EV) batteries have potential projected life spans of over 20 years! This means, after many years, the car can provide an acceptable driving experience and continue to deliver 70-80% of the range it had when it was new. As with all batteries, including smartphones and laptops, EV batteries[…]

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Plug In America urges Congress to take action on EVs

Plug In America recently sent a letter to members of Congress with specific requests to promote electric vehicles. During these difficult times, strengthening our commitment to electric transportation will improve public health through clean air and stimulate our economy by creating American jobs. The requests include extending the federal EV[…]

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Plug In America Spotlight: Policy Director Katherine Stainken

Get to know Plug In America’s staff and board! This week’s spotlight is on Policy Director Katherine Stainken. She has been advocating for electric vehicles at the federal and state levels with Plug In America for nearly four years. What is your role at Plug In America? I am the policy director at Plug[…]

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Myth: Driving electric means accepting a worse driving experience

In 2006, my wife and I put down a deposit for a Tesla Roadster and started the long wait for production to begin. At the time, I was driving an Acura NSX and was a little nervous with the idea of replacing it with an electric car. We wanted to[…]

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PlugStar dealer e-learning course available for free for limited time

Plug In America (PIA) is offering our nationwide web-based PlugStar EV Specialist Basic Course to dealers at NO COST if you sign up by July 15. If a dealership chooses to participate, we hope this opportunity will help support sales teams and electric vehicle (EV) sales during this difficult time.[…]

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Why we drive electric

We drive electric because we believe that the future can be better. I know it’s a little hard to think about the future right now, when our COVID present is feeling pretty grim and we have utterly no idea how long it will go on. We are all stuck at[…]

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A student’s view on electric vehicles

This guest blog post was submitted by Plug In America supporter and high school student Madhav Bhat. If you would like to submit a guest blog post for possible inclusion in a future newsletter, please contact us at info@pluginamerica.org. “A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step.”[…]

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Ten years later: The impact of the Nissan LEAF and Chevy Volt

Ten years ago, the Chevy Volt and Nissan LEAF hit showroom floors, making 2010 an influential year for mass-produced electric vehicles (EVs). The Tesla Roadster, the first of the new generation of EVs, came out two years earlier, but the Volt and the LEAF were mainstream models from established automakers.[…]

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Electric vehicles and maintenance: Six ways to maintain your EV

This guest blog post was submitted by Plug In America supporter Tim Setterfield. If you would like to submit a guest blog post for possible inclusion in a future newsletter, please contact us at info@pluginamerica.org. Electric vehicles are great, but like traditional cars, they too need some occasional maintenance. The[…]

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American Lung Association State of the Air report demonstrates need for clean electric vehicles

Today, the American Lung Association released its annual State of the Air report. It found that nearly 50% of Americans live in counties with unhealthy ozone or particle pollution, an increase over the past three years. The report clearly indicates that air pollution levels in the United States are simply too high.[…]

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Drive Electric Earth Day virtual event

Note: This event has ended, but you can view a recording of the event on Facebook Live. You do not need a Facebook account to view the recording. Thank you to everyone who attended and made the event a huge success! Join Plug In America, the Sierra Club, and Electric[…]

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The electric car will not be killed, so please stop saying that

Despite what naysayers are trying to say, the electric vehicle (EV) market is not going anywhere. A recent study showed that EV sales may drop 43% in 2020—hinting that the EV market is in trouble. Will we see a decline in EV sales in 2020? Sure, because COVID-19 is forcing[…]

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Federal government announces rollback of fuel efficiency standards

Today, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) released Part Two of “The Safer Affordable Fuel-Efficient (SAFE) Vehicles Rule for Model Years 2021-2026 Passenger Cars and Light Trucks.” This rule rolls back the fuel efficiency standards to a 1.5% year-over-year improvement in mileage vs a[…]

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COVID-19’s impact on electric vehicles

All of us at Plug In America hope that you and your families are remaining safe and healthy during this difficult time. As the number of cases of COVID-19 continues to grow, we urge you to follow the CDC’s guidance to wash your hands frequently, avoid close contact with others,[…]

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Washington becomes 12th state to pass zero-emission vehicle program

Last week, the Washington State Legislature passed SB 5811, which will make the state the 12th in the nation to adopt a zero-emission vehicle (ZEV) program. Gov. Jay Inslee, an advocate in the fight against climate change, supports the ZEV program and is expected to sign the bill soon. The[…]

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Is America falling behind on electric vehicles?

America is the birthplace of the electric car. EV, PHEV, and hybrid technology were all born here. The EV1 was designed and built here. Tesla, the world’s flagship EV company, is based here—but is increasingly looking to manufacture abroad—closer to its markets. Sadly, in 2019, U.S. EV sales declined to[…]

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EVs spotted on the streets of Ukraine

This guest blog post was submitted by Plug In America supporter Robyn Camp. If you would like to submit a guest blog post for possible inclusion in a future newsletter, please email info@pluginamerica.org with the subject line “Guest Blog Post.” On a recent work assignment in Ukraine, an EV caught[…]

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From early activism to now, women have shaped the EV movement

As we approach International Women’s Day on March 8th (mark those calendars!), we would like to recognize the huge influence women have had in the adoption of electric vehicles (EVs) in the United States. From the activists who led the fight to save EVs in the early 2000s to the[…]

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Plug In America launches nationwide web-based dealership training on selling electric cars

Plug In America announced the immediate nationwide availability of web-based sales training for auto dealers that sell EVs. The PlugStar training course equips dealer sales staff to serve the distinct needs of buyers considering the switch to cars powered by electricity. Concerns over range, affordability and charging are just a[…]

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Can electric vehicles tow? Will DC fast charging degrade my battery? EV Support Program celebrates successful first year

Plug In America’s EV Support Program has been in service for a year! Since the launch of the program, we have helped hundreds of current and potential EV drivers by answering their EV questions by phone or email.  More than half of all inquiries were regarding the various incentives that[…]

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EVs highlighted in Super Bowl ads

It’s not a surprise that climate change is becoming a top priority for many Americans and automakers are taking notice. This past weekend. Audi, Ford, General Motors, and Porsche all promoted their electric models during Super Bowl LIV, the biggest advertising platform in the U.S. These couldn’t have come at[…]

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Plug In America trains dealers to better serve EV customers

As we continue striving for greater electric vehicle (EV) adoption, a key component is the auto dealership that sells or leases the vehicles. While dealers are great at explaining the specific features of the vehicles, they can’t always answer consumers’ questions about charging, incentives, electricity rates, and other aspects of[…]

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Federal tax credit on EV charging equipment extended

While Congress failed to extend the federal EV tax credit in December, there is one piece of good news out of Washington, D.C. A federal tax credit of 30% of the cost of installing EV charging equipment, which had expired December 31, 2016, has been retroactively extended through December 31,[…]

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New Jersey sets the standard for EV rebates and policy 

New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy signed a very extensive EV legislation package last Friday. Under the new law, New Jersey residents will be eligible for a rebate of $25 per mile of electric range on the vehicle, up to $5,000. For instance, a plug-in hybrid with a range of 30[…]

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Tesla Model Y and other vehicle updates for 2020

Last year brought several new all-electric vehicles and many automakers have announced exciting new vehicles in coming years, including the Rivian pickup truck and Ford’s all-electric F-150 and Mustang Mach-E, but unfortunately, those are not likely to be released this year. While 2020’s new offerings aren’t as robust as last[…]

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Washington fails to extend the federal EV tax credit; what’s next?

Despite a flurry of activity in December and thousands of emails and phone calls to Congressional offices (thank you!), an extension of the federal EV tax credit was left out of the final federal spending bill. According to Senator Debbie Stabenow, it was left out due to “extreme resistance from[…]

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“Electrified” documentary explores the current state of electric vehicles

Filmmaker Ryan Hunter recently released a 37-minute documentary that explores the many aspects of electric vehicle adoption. It also includes interviews with Plug In America founders Chelsea Sexton and Paul Scott. The film can be viewed for free on YouTube now!  

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