For the first time in Drive Electric Award history, Plug In America will reveal the winners in real time during a special live-stream event on Instagram on Oct. 28 at 1 p.m. ET / 10 a.m. PT. If you missed it, you can watch the recording.
The 44 finalists span 12 categories, ranging from high school students and public servants to municipalities and EV advocates who have worked to further EV adoption through policy, technology, advocacy, or outreach.
Sponsors
2025 Award Winners
Business Award
ChargerHelp! is the first company exclusively dedicated to the operation and maintenance of EV charging stations. The business provides support to utilities, auto manufacturers, network operators, installers, and resellers to ensure a seamless experience for EV drivers. ChargerHelp! set out to address unreliable charging infrastructure while also building the workforce needed for the future by providing hands-on training and employment opportunities for technicians. Their team works across a broad scope of the EV charging industry to maximize charging station uptime and ensure that drivers can charge reliably at any time. By removing critical obstacles to a dependable charging experience, this company is removing a major barrier to widespread EV adoption.
Community Changemaker
Will “WD” Scherle has spent over 15 years in the clean energy and transportation electrification space. This period has included significant work in designing EV charging incentive programs for utilities and developing a comprehensive implementation plan for a major transit authority. Wanting to provide accessible education about transportation electrification, Scherle developed a free training program that breaks down complex EV concepts for people of all backgrounds and skill levels, available in both English and Spanish. Funded by the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority, the training covers essential topics, including carbon emissions, site feasibility, and charging calculations. Since launching in 2023, Will has trained over 750 individuals throughout New York, many from disinvested communities. Through his work, he has helped individuals and organizations learn about the benefits of EVs, available sources of funding, and why increasing EV adoption is essential for New York.
Emerging Leader
Olivia Burns is a graduate student at Arizona State University, a trained Climate Reality Leader, and an environmental specialist with the Clark County Department of Environment and Sustainability in Nevada. She has dedicated her early career to advancing sustainable transportation and EV adoption. Her impact in Southern Nevada is evident through measurable outreach and education efforts. She has organized multiple ride-and-drive events, including a National Drive Electric Week event and the EV Roadshow at Caesars Palace. Additionally, Olivia created the “EV 101 Presentation Series,” which has reached over 3,000 participants.
Olivia is known in the community for her strong relationships and her ability to make EV education accessible and engaging. As a member of the Southern Nevada Clean Cities Coalition’s Education Working Group, she continues to build partnerships across the region, taking a people-centered approach to inspire change toward clean transportation and EV adoption. Olivia’s outreach and collaborations inspire Southern Nevada residents to embrace EVs and sustainable transportation.
Event Organizer Award
Kent Bullard, located in Ventura, California, is the founder and coordinator of EV Advocates of Ventura County. The group has over 100 active members and holds monthly meetings across three counties. A longtime EV advocate, driver, and event organizer, Kent began driving electric in 2011 and started participating in EV showcases and outreach the following year. Since 2017, he has organized 44 events across nine locations, regularly drawing thousands of attendees and featuring up to 80 EVs and 100 volunteers at a single event. In addition to planning his own events, Kent mentors and supports other organizers across California.
Beyond event planning leadership, his advocacy has contributed to new EV infrastructure, such as Ventura Harbor’s 21 Level 2 chargers. Kent continues to expand and coordinate EV ride-and-drive events regionally, even when he is road-tripping across state borders with his own EV. Through his dedication and grassroots advocacy, Kent continues to grow EV awareness and adoption throughout California.
EV Advocate
Stuart Gardner has spent 20 years in sustainability and marketing within the automotive industry. Now the executive director of national nonprofit Generation180, he’s played a vital role in shaping the organization’s human-centered storytelling strategy, communications identity, and cultural impact, and transformed how people think about clean energy transition as a result. From launching acclaimed campaigns that have garnered millions of views to spearheading initiatives that have mobilized thousands towards the EV movement, Gardner has centered community, creativity, and authenticity as part of his leadership. He has also dedicated his time to promoting EV adoption and clean transportation through op-eds, consumer surveys and has held public leadership roles, such as serving on the EVHybridNoire Electrify Virginia Advisory Board.
Government Leadership: Harris County
Harris County, which encompasses the Houston, Texas, metro area, has taken a bold and strategic approach to advancing sustainability and operational resilience through its EV initiatives. Pioneered by Precinct 2 Commissioner Adrian Garcia’s staff and expanded by Harris County Universal Services, the county took a proactive role in advancing EVs and implemented a multi-phase strategy that includes replacing gas vehicles with EVs, expanding infrastructure, and creating pilot programs. The results brought other stakeholders on board and showcased how operational excellence and environmental responsibility can be achieved simultaneously.
Transportation electrification efforts are now county-wide and across departments like Parks, Construction, and Public Works so that Harris County has reduced emissions and improved air quality in communities that have historically faced environmental challenges. The installation of Level 2 and Level 3 charging infrastructure has also enhanced the county’s ability to maintain essential services during emergencies by diversifying fuel sources and ensuring continuity of operations during fuel shortages or extreme weather events.
Harris County’s electrification efforts are part of a broader commitment to its strategic plan, particularly its goals around climate resilience and disaster preparedness. The Texas county demonstrates how local government can lead with purpose, deliver measurable results, and serve as a model for other jurisdictions seeking to modernize operations while protecting public health and the environment.
Linda Nicholes Lifetime Achievement Award
Diane Turchetta
Throughout Diane Turchetta’s career, which spanned decades at the Federal Highway Administration, Environmental Protection Agency, and Department of Energy, she established herself as the transportation electrification expert. Her work primarily focused on various transportation-related air quality issues, including energy use, alternative fuels, and freight emissions.
Long before EVs were part of mainstream dialogue, Diane pioneered work on federal alternative fuel corridors and laid the crucial groundwork that allowed the nation to benefit from all that EVs have to offer. Her forethought, care, and integrity were instrumental in envisioning how federal EV programs and Joint Office of Energy and Transportation could work, so much so that political leadership consistently relied on her judgment to build out the nation’s electrification program known as NEVI.
Congress and presidential administrations relied on her to guide EV charging infrastructure deployment that is convenient, accessible, reliable, and equitable. Dianne was a person of extraordinary character, including incredible humility, and because of her titanic contributions, the development and execution of numerous programs and policies significantly altered the country for the better.
Zan Dubin
Zan Dubin’s dedication to EV adoption began in 2002 when she started driving electric, long before EVs were mainstream. Zan went on to co-found Plug In America and National Plug In Day, which has grown into a monthlong campaign in nearly all 50 states that is now known as National Drive Electric Month. She served as Plug In America’s first communications director and on the board, putting national EV advocacy on the map, and creating a reputation for Plug In America as the go-to source for all things electric vehicles.
As a former Los Angeles Times journalist, Zan has used her expertise to lead successful media campaigns that created change, including her most recent effort that influenced Disneyland to electrify Autopia, a miniature motorway attraction. She was part of the effort to organize the world’s first EV parade and made sure that media around the globe knew about it.
Through her work with Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc., a historic African American sorority with more than 500 chapters worldwide, Zan has brought EV education into a powerful network of Black women leaders, educators and community influencers who are becoming EV drivers and advocates.
During the last 20+ years, Zan has inspired countless individuals and organizations to drive an EV or advocate for transportation electrification through her vision, persistence, and passion for EVs.
Nonprofit Award
The National Energy Foundation (NEF) is a nonprofit organization dedicated to creating an energy-literate society. To advance their mission, in 2021 their team created the rEV program, which introduces middle and high school students and their families to EV technologies and green energy careers through hands-on, immersive learning. The program’s unique approach engages students using a “choose your own adventure” film, where they make choices in the story, increasing retention and interest. The rEV website provides STEAM-based curriculum, teacher resources, career quizzes, and EV challenges to further support learning.
Since 2021, the program has reached 90,898 students across all 50 states, with presentations to an additional 21,000 students scheduled. rEV focuses on diverse audiences, particularly in low-to-moderate income and underserved communities, and encourages students to share their knowledge with their families. Teachers and students can also participate in challenges to win electric bikes, providing additional incentives. The rEV program is unique in its educational approach to reach a younger demographic, combining exposure to EVs with an introduction to green energy careers. NEF’s rEV program is building knowledge, excitement, and equitable access to EVs and clean energy for students and families nationwide.
Partnership Award
Southern California EVen Access Public Power-Up (PPU) and the Southern California Regional Energy Network (SoCalREN) formed a partnership to accelerate equitable EV adoption and charging access in, around, and beyond the greater Los Angeles region, spanning 13 counties. This partnership provides no-cost technical expertise, project management, and EV charging installations in urban, rural, and underserved communities, targeting public facilities to ensure broad accessibility.
PPU leverages SoCalREN’s existing network to facilitate these installations, with over 140 charging ports installed or in progress as of August 2025. Installations are strategically located within a quarter mile of at least one multiunit dwelling to maximize access. Participating agencies also complete energy efficiency projects through SoCalREN, combining clean mobility with energy savings. To date, their collaborative efforts have resulted in 14 energy upgrade projects and 12 new EV charging station sites across seven public agencies.
By leveraging their respective strengths, PPU and SoCalREN have expanded reach, increased networks, and advanced shared sustainability goals. To ensure lasting impact, their outreach campaigns educate residents in disinvested communities about the new chargers and EV adoption. Together, PPU and SoCalREN are making EV access more equitable and sustainable across Southern California.
Public Sector: Tim Echols, Public Service Commissioner
Commissioner Tim Echols has transformed Georgia’s energy and electric transportation landscape since being elected to the Public Service Commission in 2010. Among his initiatives while in office, he created an annual educational event tour called the Clean Energy Roadshow, now in its 15th year, to introduce thousands of Georgian commuters, businesses, and municipal governments to EVs and clean energy solutions. During his tenure, the commissioner has advocated for creative policy innovation and moved the needle on legislation that furthers equity and access to consumers with bipartisan support. He leads by example, having driven electric for years, and supports EV and battery manufacturing in the Peach State. Through his leadership and advocacy for EVs, Commissioner Echols has ensured Georgians benefit both environmentally and economically from EVs.
Storytelling/Marketing: Ashlea Chapple
Ashlea Chapple took the initiative to start the Mustang Mach-E Girls Club on Facebook after searching for a community where she could ask questions and share her love for her Mach-E. To create a safe place for other like-minded women to ask questions about their EVs, celebrate their cars, and build sisterhood across the nation, she has grown this group to over 6,400 members who share the same love for their EVs. What started as an online forum has now expanded beyond the digital space, hosting in-person meet-ups, and the group has been recognized by Ford as an official club. She has encouraged others to make the transition to electric by being a vocal EV advocate. Using the power of social media, she has spread the message and her love for EVs while utilizing technology in an innovative way that only helps further the EV movement and the message that EVs are for everyone.
Utilities Award
Wheatland Electric Cooperative, Inc., (WECI) is a member-owned, nonprofit electric cooperative serving more than 21,000 members across southwest and central Kansas, spanning many rural areas. Operating in oil-and-gas-centric regions often left out of EV planning or funding, WECI has made a significant impact through its own investments and EV initiatives launched in 2021 under its “Driving Energy for Life” campaign. To date, WECI has installed three public ChargePoint Level 2 stations that fill what was a 100-mile charging gap, serving over 600 drivers and enabling 1,300+ charging sessions since August 2025, delivering 24.6 MWh of clean energy.
Located in a primarily conservative region, WECI’s grassroots approach has centered on accessibility, reliability, and cost savings to resonate locally. Their creative ride-and-drive events draw large crowds, including the award-winning Dine & Drive, which attracted over 150 participants for complimentary lunch, renewable energy education, and test drives. For National Drive Electric Month, WECI launched EVs & Espressos, bringing EV education to small-town coffee shops and filling a major outreach gap between Denver and Wichita. Beyond consumers, Wheatland has provided training and education to first responders, chambers of commerce, and civic leaders. The coop is also electrifying its fleet, mentoring cooperatives in Kansas and Oklahoma, and providing a replicable playbook for other rural coops across the U.S.
Though small, Wheatland Electric Cooperative leads with innovation—bridging the gap in rural America and proving no community is too small, too rural, or too remote to be part of the clean transportation future.
