Plug In America is proud to honor individuals, groups, and large organizations for their important work advancing EVs. We present the Drive Electric Awards to those nominated and recognized for their leadership each year, such as U.S. Department of Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg for his work in advancing EV legislation at federal and state levels.
This year, the fifth annual Drive Electric Awards took place at the Shade Hotel in Manhattan Beach, CA, and welcomed numerous speakers as well as the complete Plug In America staff and board. Awardees who attended the Drive Electric Award ceremony gave moving speeches that focused on continuing their dedicated efforts in advancing the EV movement. Awardees who were not able to attend the ceremony in person submitted an acceptance video that was played during the awards ceremony. We also welcomed guest speaker California State Senator Henry Stern (D), who spoke about the importance of transitioning to EVs. Also, California lobbyist, and close friend of Plug In America, Kathryn A. Lynch, was given a dedicated moment of silence for her untimely passing earlier this year.
For a full list of winners, the 2022 Drive Electric Award digital program, and the official press release, head to the Drive Electric Awards page for more information. We will announce the deadline for nominations later next year if you’d like to nominate an individual, group, or organization for their role in advancing the EV movement.
Award categories
EV Leadership Award:
Winner: Pete Buttigieg
This award is all-new this year and highlights leaders in government who are actively working to advance electrification in policy or legislation.
Linda Nicholes Lifetime Achievement Award:
Winners: Kathryn Lynch, Paul Scott
This award recognizes an outstanding pioneer in the EV movement. This person has been working to further EV adoption through policy, technology or outreach for at least 15 years.
Individual Award:
Winners: Mary Brazell
This award recognizes an individual that has contributed significantly to the EV movement in areas including, but not limited to, technology development, policy / advocacy or education / outreach.
Organization Award:
Winners: Clean Cities
This award recognizes an organization that has contributed significantly to the EV movement in areas including, but not limited to, technology development, policy / advocacy or education / outreach.
City Captain Award:
Winners: Robert Fernat, Paul Pancella
This award recognizes an outstanding event organizer for National Drive Electric Week and/or Drive Electric Earth Day. Considerations include years of service, number of events produced, size and reach of events, number of ride-and-drives, innovation, and other outstanding attributes.
Student Award:
Winners: Tyler Wittmann
This award recognizes a full-time student that has contributed significantly to the EV movement in areas including, but not limited to, education / outreach, policy / advocacy, or technology development.
EV City Award:
Winners: Portland, Oregon
This award recognizes a city that has been a leader in the EV movement and taken significant action to increase EV adoption.
Utility Award:
Winners: PSE&G New Jersey
This award recognizes a utility that demonstrated outstanding support of the EV movement and facilitated EV programs to increase the adoption of EVs.
