In the Driver’s Seat Blog

Advanced Clean Cars, also known as Clean Cars Standards, is a set of standards designed to put more zero-emission vehicles on the road and improve air quality. These standards are created by the California Air Resources Board (CARB), but have since also been adopted by 17 other states, including Nevada,[…]

The Global EV Drivers’ Alliance, comprised of EV driver associations in nearly 40 countries around the world, including Plug In America, has released the following statement: We need to speak the truth. The Russian war against Ukraine is being paid for by exports of oil and gas, just like all[…]

New mail trucks to be equipped with 8-track tape players, rotary dial phones and manual hand-crank windows Across the U.S., more and more companies are transitioning their fleets to modern electric vehicles. Bucking that trend, the United States Postal Service has chosen to double down on more traditional technology with[…]

Plug In America is growing! To meet the increasing demand for electric vehicles, we are excited to welcome five new staff members to our team. Chelsea Alexander, Director of Development   Sydney Frazier-Flores, Program Assistant   Alexia Melendez Martineau, Policy Manager   Rosa Mitsumasu Scotti, Program Manager   Derrick Vargas,[…]

On March 11, at the National Automobile Dealers Association (NADA) Show in Las Vegas, Plug In America announced that it is partnering with NADA and the Center for Sustainable Energy (CSE) to educate franchised auto dealerships nationwide on electric vehicles. This will greatly improve the EV buying experience and make[…]

We need to speak the truth. The Russian war against Ukraine is being paid for by exports of oil and gas, just like all of Putin’s previous wars. If everybody in the world drove electric vehicles and their electricity came from renewables, this war would probably not be happening. And[…]

Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg and Energy Secretary Jennifer Granholm recently announced the creation of a national EV charging network with $5 billion in funding to be distributed to states. The network will prioritize charging stations along highways, giving EV drivers the ability to travel long distances without worrying about access[…]

Once again, electric vehicles took the spotlight during the Super Bowl, with several ads touting both vehicles and charging equipment. Take a look at these ads below and let us know what you think in the comments! BMW  General Motors   Kia Nissan While this ad doesn’t focus on[…]

While fires in electric vehicles (EVs) have made headlines in recent years, data from the U.S. government and analyzed by AutoinsuranceEZ point out that EVs have a very low fire risk compared to gasoline and traditional hybrid vehicles, even when accounting for the fact that there are more gasoline and[…]

We had hoped that Congress would pass the historic EV provisions in the Build Back Better Act before the end of 2021. Plug In America and its members have devoted tremendous energy to that effort this year, pinging Congress more than 35,000 times in the past 12 months. That has[…]

For electric vehicles, 2021 has been the year America changed course—although we still haven’t traveled too far down that course. This has been the year that a lot of promises were made. We have yet to deliver on most of those promises, but promises are a start. Plus, a lot[…]

Earlier today, more than 100 governments, automakers, fleets, and other organizations released a declaration calling for sales of all new cars and vans to be zero-emission by 2040 and no later than 2035 in leading markets. Joel Levin, chair of the Global EV Drivers’ Alliance and executive director of Plug[…]

“I am one of you.” That’s what Secretary Pete Buttigieg told me last month when I met him at our Washington D.C. event and explained that Plug In America members are EV consumers. I told him our goal is to represent the interests of consumers as Congress moves forward (hopefully)[…]

As global leaders are heading to the COP26 UN Climate Change Conference in Glasgow, EV drivers from the 28 countries represented in the Global EV Drivers’ Alliance (GEVA), including Plug In America, are calling for all new cars and light-duty vehicles sold in their countries to have a plug by[…]

On Friday, October 22, the Nevada Legislative Commission voted 8-4 in favor of accepting the Clean Cars Nevada program, making it the 16th state in the nation to adopt clean car standards. The clean car standards make electric vehicles (EVs) more widely available to Nevada residents. Plug In America has[…]

Last week, California Gov. Gavin Newsom signed SB 500 into law, requiring that all autonomous vehicles (AVs) be electric vehicles (EVs). This is groundbreaking legislation that Plug In America was pushing for. Many believe that autonomous vehicles are the way of the future, with all vehicles being self-driving. If that[…]

On August 25, 2021, Plug In America Executive Director Joel Levin testified at an Environmental Protection Agency hearing on vehicle emissions, calling for 100% zero-emission vehicles by 2035. Below is his testimony. Good morning. I’m Joel Levin, Executive Director of Plug In America, the national association of electric vehicle drivers.[…]

In the wake of President Biden’s historic proposal for electric vehicles, two major implications for the future of electric vehicles are happening—implications that you can voice your opinion on NOW. If you haven’t already taken action, go to RealEVChange.org and contribute to PIA’s fundraising campaign to pressure Washington to do the[…]

Plug In America applauds the state of Minnesota and Gov. Tim Walz for adopting the clean car standards, which require that automakers sell zero-emission vehicles in the state. The law will significantly increase the number of electric vehicles (EVs) available to Minnesotans, giving them greater consumer choice. This makes Minnesota[…]

This week, President Joe Biden visited the Ford Motor Company Rouge Electric Vehicle Center in Dearborn, Michigan, getting a preview of the all-electric version of their F-150 pickup truck, which is the highest-selling vehicle in the country. “The future of the auto industry is electric,” said President Biden. “There’s no[…]

Plug In America’s PlugStar EV consumer and dealer engagement program, in partnership with SMUD (Sacramento Municipal Utility District), recently celebrated some of the program’s outstanding dealers in recognition of their commitment to EV sales. Dealers and their sales staff were honored with trophies, plaques, and food trucks in honor of[…]

Last week, Joel Levin, Plug In America’s executive director, participated in a roundtable discussion on electric vehicles with several members of the House Committee on Ways and Means, the committee responsible for all changes to tax laws. This was an exciting first for Plug In America and shows how our[…]

During Sunday’s Super Bowl, General Motors ran an advertisement for their slate of electric vehicles with actor Will Ferrell, in which he comedically challenges Norway as the global leader in electric vehicles. Below, Plug In America Executive Director Joel Levin responds in his own video. Our friends at the Norwegian[…]

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[…]

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[…]

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[…]

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[…]

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[…]

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[…]

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[…]

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[…]

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[…]

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.[…]

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[…]

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[…]

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[…]

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.[…]

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[…]

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[…]

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[…]

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[…]

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[…]

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!  

This April marks the 50th anniversary of the first Earth Day, a time to reflect on the devastating effects of climate change and celebrate the ways that we can protect our environment. Quite possibly, the single greatest action that an individual can take to reduce climate change is switching from[…]

The federal government is rolling back fuel efficiency standards set by the Obama Administration and revoking California’s ability to set stricter vehicle emission standards, including the zero-emission vehicle (ZEV) mandate. On Friday, September 27, the Environmental Protection Agency and National Highway Traffic Safety Administration officially published the new Clean Car[…]

Over the next several months, auto shows will be taking place across the country. This can be a great opportunity to see some of the electric vehicles available in your state. As the EV industry is gaining momentum, more auto shows are inclusive in showcasing EVs. The Plug In America[…]

This year, four new all-electric vehicles were released, the Audi e-tron, Hyundai Kona Electric, Jaguar I-PACE, and Kia Niro EV. Now that they have been on the market for several months, we asked our supporters that are driving these cars to share their experiences with these vehicles. Kia Niro EV[…]

Earlier this year, Plug In America launched the EV Support Program, which provides assistance to those with questions about electric vehicles, charging, incentives, and more. Anyone may access this service one time for free, but supporters who donate at the bronze level or higher receive unlimited access. We’ve received numerous[…]

A common misconception around electric vehicles is that they’re too expensive for average Americans. Here, we compare the true costs of driving an EV compared to gas cars. Sticker price According to Kelley Blue Book, the average price of a new car in the United States in September 2019 was[…]

A number of new EV models came out this year, including the Hyundai Kona Electric, Kia Niro EV, Audi e-tron, and Jaguar I-PACE. If you’re among the first to be driving one of these, we’d like to hear about your experience! Share your feedback and we may include your response[…]

On September 16, during National Drive Electric Week, Drive Electric New Hampshire organized the Granite State’s first Charge Forward EV Relay that would travel 267 miles over the course of a day through New Hampshire from Colebrook to Portsmouth. While many drivers participated for a segment or two, and we[…]

During this year’s National Drive Electric Week, I traveled to Longmont, Colorado and Dallas, Texas to meet EV supporters in those areas, both of which are exciting places for EV adoption.   Longmont, Colorado is a small city adjacent to its more famous sister Boulder, and a bit north of[…]

We would like to thank Nissan for making a generous donation of a 2018 Nissan LEAF to Plug In America! The car, which has been wrapped with the Plug In America logo, will be put to great use as a display vehicle at ride-and-drive events, giving many visitors their first[…]

Plug In America’s EV Support Program provides personalized assistance to those with questions about electric vehicles, charging, incentives, and more. Anyone may access this service one time for free and Plug In America members have unlimited access. To get your EV questions answered by phone or email, contact the EV[…]

A common problem for apartment and condo dwellers that want to drive electric is a lack of access to charging. Installing charging in a multi-unit dwelling (MUD) can be difficult, but it is possible. The California Governor’s Office of Business and Economic Development (GO-Biz) recently released a guidebook to help[…]

On July 4, Plug In America held the first annual Independence Day EV Count. Plug In America supporters across the United States ventured out into their neighborhoods to count how many EVs they can find. In total, we counted 13,750 cars, of which 569 (4.14%) were electric vehicles. All-electric vehicles[…]

While there have been more than one million electric vehicles sold in the United States, there are still some common misconceptions that many Americans have. We, as EV drivers, can help address these and educate people about the benefits of driving electric. What other misconceptions have you encountered? Let us[…]

Plug In America’s largest EV education campaign, National Drive Electric Week (NDEW), September 14-22, is gearing up for another successful year! Last year’s NDEW included 321 events in all 50 states and we hope to reach even more communities this year! If you can’t create a large-scale event, here are[…]

Considering an electric vehicle but not sure what options are available? Plug In America’s popular Electric Vehicle Guide lists 40 currently available all-electric and plug-in hybrid vehicles with the retail price and mileage range, as of June 2019. The guide is available to download as a PDF. To compare vehicles[…]

Just one year ago, if you wanted an all-electric vehicle that could travel more than 200 miles on a single charge, you were limited to a Tesla or the Chevy Bolt. Today, there are as many as nine different options, with five of them starting at under $40,000. And if[…]

Spring has sprung and so has EV policy at the federal level in 2019. Plug In America has been working to advance EV policy and educate more members of Congress on the benefits of driving electric and electrifying the transportation sector. Our top priority is securing more co-sponsors for the[…]

Celebrate your freedom from oil this Independence Day! Plug In America is organizing the first annual Independence Day EV Count. Inspired by the National Audubon Society’s Christmas Bird Count, we invite you, EV drivers and supporters, to get out into your neighborhood and count how many EVs you see. How[…]

In addition to our major national events, National Drive Electric Week and Drive Electric Earth Day, the Plug In America team also promotes and educates the public about electric vehicles (EVs) through ride-and-drive events all year long. So far, in 2019, we have produced 22 events with more than 1,000[…]

Many automotive museums feature classic electric vehicles, from early 1900s models up to the EV1 and beyond. Below are some locations where you can view impressive EVs! We recommend calling each museum before your visit to ensure the vehicles you want to see are on display. If you know a[…]

With summer around the corner, EV drivers across America will soon be taking to the roads in droves to head out on warm weather road trips. Taking a road trip in an electric car can be a much superior experience to a gas car—if you know what steps to take.[…]

With summer around the corner, EV drivers across America will soon be taking to the roads in droves to head out on warm weather road trips. Taking a road trip in an electric car can be a much superior experience to a gas car—if you know what steps to take.[…]

On Thursday, May 2, Plug In America hosted the third annual Capitol Hill EV Ride & Drive for members of Congress and their staff, in partnership with the Senate Auto Caucus. The event included the latest models of plug-in vehicles and showed elected officials why driving electric is a better[…]

Plug In America has reached out to the declared presidential candidates, asking their views about electric vehicles and, specifically, if they will commit to a full transition of new plug-in electric cars and trucks by 2040. But you can help us get the candidates’ attention! Please reach out to the[…]

With Earth Day right around the corner, let’s take a look at strides in the environmental sustainability of electric car manufacturing. This week, Audi showcased its new “green” factory in Brussels that is mass producing the Audi e-tron, an all-electric long-range SUV. This factory is on the forefront of automotive[…]

Our family just bought another EV—a gently used 2012 Chevy Volt—and we love it. That’s not to say that we love our 2015 LEAF any less, in the same way that you can love each of your children differently, without necessarily picking a favorite. We at Plug In America have[…]

As you may know, the $7,500 federal EV tax credit begins phasing out for an automaker’s vehicles once they have sold 200,000 electric vehicles. Tesla and GM have already hit that cap, while Nissan and Ford have surpassed the 100,000 mark. Plug In America continues to advocate for modifying the[…]

We recently launched the Plug In America EV Support Program, which connects current and potential EV drivers with experts to answer questions about vehicles, charging, incentives and more. This service is a benefit for Plug In America members, but anyone may access the service one time for free. We’ve received[…]

The polar vortex is in full swing and drivers everywhere are finding out their cars don’t love the frigid temperatures. All cars, both gas and electric, use more energy in cold weather, which yields reduced gas mileage and shorter electric range. For most electric vehicle drivers, this isn’t necessarily a[…]

Last week, Gov. Jared Polis of Colorado signed a executive order that contained many positive initiatives promoting electric vehicles. The state had already taken steps toward transportation electrification, including a $5,000 EV tax credit and a goal of 940,000 EVs on the road by 2030. This executive order builds upon[…]

On Tuesday, December 18, a coalition of Northeast and Mid-Atlantic states (Connecticut, Delaware, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, and Virginia) and the District of Columbia announced their intention to develop a low-carbon transportation strategy. Transportation accounts for approximately 28% of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions in the United[…]

Last week, California Governor Edmund G. Brown Jr. signed a bill setting a 100 percent clean electricity goal and issued an executive order to achieve total carbon neutrality by 2045. Plug In America applauds Gov. Brown for this action and affirms that transportation electrification, including electric cars, buses, trucks and[…]

We all know that plug-in vehicles are great for daily commutes, but are EVs a viable option for those who want to hit the road and see America? We asked EV drivers to submit their road trip stories and were overwhelmed by the response! Below are just a few of[…]

The first annual Drive Electric Awards will be presented to three National Drive Electric Week event organizers, two individuals and one organization, honoring each of their significant contributions to electric vehicle movement. The 2018 Drive Electric Award winners are: National Drive Electric Week Event Organizers Each of these event organizers[…]

On Thursday, August 16, the Colorado Air Quality Control Commission (AQCC) took the first step toward establishing the Colorado Low Emission Vehicle (LEV) program, incorporating the requirements of the California LEV program. This is in response to an Executive Order from Governor Hickenlooper to maintain progress on clean vehicles despite the[…]

The Clean Vehicle Assistance Program provides grants and affordable financing to help low- to moderate-income Californians purchase a new or used hybrid or electric vehicle. The program’s goal is to make clean vehicles accessible and affordable to all who qualify and in doing so improve air quality for all. The[…]

On August 2, the Trump administration proposed rolling back clean car standards and revoking the authority of states to set stronger limits on vehicle emissions. In response, Plug In America is joining a lawsuit against the federal government to defend clean air, national security, public health, and the global climate.[…]

We all know that plug-in vehicles are great for daily commutes, but are EVs a viable option for those who want to hit the road and see America? We asked EV drivers to submit their road trip stories and were overwhelmed by the response! Below are just a few of[…]

Update 7/31/2018: We’ve posted many of the incredible responses we’ve received at Plug-In road trips across America! Summer is here and many drivers are heading out on road trips in their electric vehicles. There is a misconception that road trips are impossible in EVs, so we want hear your story![…]

Plug In America has worked with California Assemblymember Al Muratsuchi to introduce House Resolution 117, the EV Driver Bill of Rights. The resolution outlines the rights of EV drivers relating to the purchase process for a new or used EV, as well as the rights EV drivers can expect for[…]

National Drive Electric Week (NDEW), to be held September 8–16, 2018, is a celebration of electric vehicles from coast to coast. Last year, we reached more than 120,000 people through 276 events in all 50 states and we’re currently on track to surpass last year! NDEW events are created by[…]

I’ll admit it: Just a few months ago, I knew almost nothing about electric vehicles. I had heard about Tesla and knew there were a few other EVs on the market, but I never took the time to learn about how they work or why they’re a better option. I[…]

It’s hard to believe that it’s been 13 years since a handful of us early EV advocates founded Plug In America, coming off of our unsuccessful effort to save the last of the EV1s from the crusher and our somewhat more successful effort to save the remaining original Toyota RAV4[…]

On June 28, Plug In America brought the latest makes and models of EVs to Capitol Hill for the second annual U.S. Senate EV Ride and Drive. Hosted in partnership with the Senate Auto Caucus, the event was attended by Sen. Dean Heller (R-NV), Sen. Doug Jones (D-AL), Rep. David[…]

As the electric vehicle (EV) market moves from the early adopter phase to the mass market stage, smart and supportive policies can help to accelerate the widespread adoption of EVs at the local and state levels. The most effective policies driving adoption of these vehicles today include HOV lane access,[…]

It is standard business logic than when a market is growing quickly, an ambitious business should devote its efforts to capturing market share. Profits can wait for later. It is much easier to find new customers when they are coming into the market for the first time. It is far[…]

Plug in America is excited to have a new full-time staff member in Boston, Peter O’Connor, who is working on the ground to advance plug-in electric vehicle (PEV) legislation in the Northeast. Here are a few highlights. New Jersey The Garden State has multiple PEV bills moving through the legislature.[…]

Access to HOV lanes in California has been a powerful non-financial incentive that helps drivers make the switch to a plug-in electric vehicle (PEV). Nevertheless, California amended its HOV lane policy so that decals are now only eligible to remain on the PEVs for three years, after which the PEV[…]

Buying your first EV can be a daunting experience. Will an EV even work for me? Which car is best for my needs? How will I charge it? How much will the electricity cost? And what incentives will I get? Often, shoppers will take these questions to the car dealer,[…]

Last week, the Environmental Protection Agency took a huge step backwards by weakening fuel efficiency standards. What does this mean for the electric car market? First, this announcement will set off a new round of collecting evidence, comments, and hearings through a public stakeholder process, which will take some time[…]

Residents of Alaska, a state better known for its oil industry, are increasingly switching to electric vehicles. The state benefits from an abundance of hydroelectric power, while gas prices are among the highest in the nation, making EVs a particularly attractive option for utilizing resources and saving money. Additionally, Alaska[…]

We are excited to introduce four new staff members that recently joined the Plug In America team! Kathryn Urquhart, program manager for consumer engagement, is helping manage our PlugStar EV dealer program. She comes to PIA with 10 years of experience focusing on the confluence of transportation policies, environmental policies,[…]