Archive for 2024
More EVs in the U.S. equals more jobs in the U.S.
The transition to electrified transportation is here, and the Biden-Harris Administration’s Investing in America Agenda is accelerating progress. The agenda includes legislation like the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (BIL) and the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA). This legislation supports activity across the EV industry, including $7.5 billion for the roll-out of 500,000[…]
Drive Electric Week events are happening near you—Here’s what you need to know
Whether you’ve owned an electric vehicle (EV) for a while, are in the market for one, or know nothing about them, attending a National Drive Electric Week (NDEW) event near you might be a worthwhile adventure! Happening throughout the country from September 27 through October 6, 2024, NDEW gives you[…]
Edison International NDEW 2024 Grant Recipient Announcement
Plug In America is pleased to announce the 2024 National Drive Electric Week (NDEW) Edison International grantees. Three grants were awarded which will support five events in total. Congratulations to the event organizers listed below, who have been chosen to receive this special funding. We encourage you to support these[…]
Myth vs. reality: Why EV drivers should be thinking about ‘WNTR’
This article is sponsored by Nokian Tyres. Electric vehicle drivers are discerning. They spend a great deal of time analyzing and discussing which EVs will give them an efficient, eco-friendly, and enjoyable driving experience. But they could be forgiven for overlooking a hidden factor that makes a huge difference in whether[…]
This little-known fact about EV charging apps adds more convenience
As an EV driver, you probably already know that each EV charging network offers a custom app that may help you find a charging station, check the availability of a charger, or initiate and pay for your charging session. You’re probably used to using the ChargePoint app to charge your[…]
Can EV batteries be used again?
By Ellie Peichel (Plug In America) and Jessica Dunn (Union of Concerned Scientists) The number of electric vehicles (EVs) on our roads has been increasing at an exceptional rate, reaching 9.5 million EVs sold around the world in 2023. The EV transition offers many advantages, including reducing overall greenhouse gas[…]
Furthering EV adoption by expanding charging in the local community: A case study with Belmont Light
When it comes to small but mighty impact, we often think about entities like Belmont Light, a not-for-profit municipal utility in Belmont, Massachusetts, that distributes electricity to the local community. The utility has played a crucial role in advancing EV adoption by installing workplace charging for its employees and multiple[…]
The Congressional Review Act and its potential impact on EV tax credits
In 2022, the federal government recognized the vital role of EVs in combating climate change, improving public health, and keeping the U.S. auto industry globally competitive. To spur EV adoption and increase Americans’ access to and the affordability of EVs, Congress passed legislation called the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA), which[…]
The joy of learning: Kids and EVs at Plug In America’s Ride and Drive event
In partnership with the Children’s Institute, support from dedicated EV enthusiasts, and the VinFast Auto Group, Plug In America hosted an unforgettable ride-and-drive at the Full STEAM Ahead event in Watts, CA, on June 1, 2024. This event focused on educating families, especially those with young children, about the numerous[…]
Battery circularity: The key to an ethical and sustainable EV transition
Co-authored by Alexia Melendez Martineau, senior policy manager at Plug In America, and Raquel Dominguez, circular economy policy advocate at Earthworks The transition to electric transportation offers an incredible opportunity to create a circular battery economy – one in which end-of-life EV batteries are reused, repurposed, or recycled. Currently, transportation[…]
NDEW event registration: Advice from organizer experts
With summer in full swing, roadtrips, pool parties, and backyard BBQs may be top of mind, but the savvy event organizer also knows it’s prime time to register EV-focused events as part of National Drive Electric Week (NDEW). It might feel like September 27-October 6, the week of NDEW, is[…]
Charging and Fueling Infrastructure Grants (Round 2)
In addition to the NEVI formula program, the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law entrusted the Joint Office to implement the Charging and Fueling Infrastructure (CFI) discretionary grant program. Unlike the NEVI formula funding, under this program, public entities such as states, local governments, housing authorities, schools, and tribes compete for grants to[…]
National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (NEVI) Charging Updates
Rome wasn’t built in a day, and a massive national infrastructure project to build out a network of Alternative Fuel Corridors across the country is no different. In general, infrastructure projects involve many stakeholders, include many complex steps and milestones, and can get hung up at any number of points[…]
The ABCs of National Drive Electric Week
There are indeed some essential things you should know about National Drive Electric Week (NDEW), but that’s not what this blog post is about. For today’s purposes, “The ABCs of NDEW” are referring to Anchorage, Bloomington, and Comox. These are just three of the 219 amazing events that were hosted[…]
Did you know tires can help with your electric vehicle’s range?
This article is sponsored by Nokian Tyres. Drivers of electric vehicles care deeply about getting the most out of each charge. After all, poor range – or, even worse, unpredictable range – can have a dampening effect on road trips and the daily commute. There is one surprising way EV[…]
Charging on the Tesla Supercharging network with an adapter
Public charging access is growing by leaps and bounds, between expanded access to the Tesla Supercharger network and rapid deployment of new charging infrastructure. In the U.S., there is now a fast EV charging station for every 15 gas stations. Many chargers are coming online thanks to the National Electric[…]
The Ultimate Guide to EV Road Trip Planning
While it can be scary to try something new, there’s some comfort in knowing you’re not the first person to take a road trip across the U.S. in an EV. In fact, people have been doing it for more than 10 years. If you have any anxiety, just take a[…]
Anaheim Ride-and-Drive Event: A Memorable Success
Last month, Plug In America and Anaheim Public Utilities partnered for an unforgettable event in the city. Despite the rain showers, the day was filled with great excitement, as well as an outpouring of enthusiasm from all who attended. Event attendees experienced the joy of test-driving various electric vehicles in[…]
The unique role some Tribal nations are taking in the EV transition
Standing Rock. It is here where members of the Sioux Nation began what was to rapidly grow into a historic demonstration against the Dakota Access (oil) Pipeline—challenging the notion that the fossil fuel industry could have its way on and near Tribal lands. Bob Blake, a Red Lake Ojibwe Nation[…]
Plug In America earns EV Adoption Leadership (EVAL) Bronze certification
We’re excited to share that Plug In America has achieved EVAL Bronze certification. This certification recognizes our efforts to provide employee EV incentives and our creativity in designing and developing partnerships that advance access to EV charging and zero-emissions transportation. Our goal is to bring much-needed awareness to the importance[…]
Drive Electric Earth Month kicks off today, features 172 events
Throughout April, consumers can find an event near them to test drive electric vehicles and learn more about the EV experience from owners. Events will occur across 39 states, including Hawaii, with additional events in Canada. LOS ANGELES, CA – Drive Electric Earth Month (DEEM), an annual campaign to increase[…]
What EPA vehicle standards are and what they mean for you
On March 20, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced the final vehicle standards for cars, pickup trucks, and SUVs. These rules set progressively lower limits on tailpipe pollution on vehicles manufactured between 2027 and 2032. EPA standards aren’t new. There are EPA vehicle standards in place right now. The recently[…]
Elevating the EV Consumer Experience: Beas Auto Sales and PlugStar Certification
Plug In America is thrilled to highlight one of our newest certified PlugStar dealer – Beas Auto Sales. Located in Stockton, California, Beas Auto Sales is a leading automotive dealership dedicated to accelerating the adoption of electric vehicles (EVs) to promote cleaner transportation vehicles. Humberto Beas, the passionate and forward-thinking[…]
No regrets: A Phoenix mom moves beyond her gas-powered car and doesn’t look back
During daily pick-up and drop-offs at her daughter’s elementary school in Phoenix, Arizona, Jazmin L.’s six-year-old noticed something peculiar about her mom’s vehicle. She asked why their car didn’t have exhaust coming out of a pipe like everyone else’s did. The answer was simple for Jazmin, a researcher who works[…]
Understanding Demand Charges
Similar to other types of infrastructure, like highways, the electric power system is built to meet maximum demand. While a five-lane beltway may be nearly empty at four in the morning, all of those lanes are definitely being used during rush hour. Transmission operators and distribution utilities do the same[…]
EV advocates support a just clean energy transition. The Mining Regulatory Clarity Act is not it.
The shift to electric vehicles is a tremendous win for air quality, public health, energy security, jobs, and the planet. Electrifying transportation is critical to addressing the climate crisis and cutting tailpipe emissions, both of which disproportionately harm Indigenous, Black, and other communities of color. As we transition to a[…]
The signs of an EV future
As regular drivers, you’ve all seen signs along the highway pointing you to gas stations, food, and lodging. Now, you’ll be able to locate EV charging stations in the same way, using highway signage. Recently, the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) updated the national manual on what kind of signage can[…]
$623 million for new EV charging projects across the country
This month, the Biden-Harris Administration announced $623 million in grant awards for installing EV charging stations across the country, in communities, and along highway corridors. These grants come from the Charging and Fueling Infrastructure (CFI) Discretionary Grant Program, which pairs with the National EV Infrastructure (NEVI) formula program to build[…]
