FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
November 27, 2018
Contact:
Noah Barnes, Plug In America, nbarnes@pluginamerica.org
Nissa Koerner, Sierra Club, nissa.koerner@sierraclub.org
Guy Hall, Electric Auto Association, guy.hall@sacev.org
First annual Drive Electric Earth Day to celebrate clean electric vehicles
LOS ANGELES – The first annual Drive Electric Earth Day (DEED) will be held in April 2019 with dozens of events across the United States celebrating the many benefits of electric vehicles (EVs), including cleaner air, a smoother ride and greater convenience.
Building upon the great success of National Drive Electric Week, held each September for eight years, Plug In America, the Sierra Club and Electric Auto Association are partnering again to give environmentally focused communities the opportunity to connect with zero emission vehicles through Earth Day events that demonstrate how clean vehicles can help fight climate change and clean the air. Community organizations, businesses, utilities and government entities can incorporate EV test drives, showcases and speakers expanding their events with actions individuals can take today for clean air.
Recently, the one millionth EV was sold in the United States, a milestone in the shift to clean plug-in vehicles. There are now approximately 50 models of EVs available in the U.S., many with longer ranges at lower prices than in previous years. Vehicles powered by electricity produce no emissions, promoting cleaner air, reducing greenhouse gases, and helping in the fight against climate change.
“Making the switch to driving electric is one of the most impactful things people can do to reduce their carbon footprint,” said Joel Levin, executive director of Plug In America. “Earth Day is a great opportunity for people to experience the many benefits of electric vehicles first-hand in a non-sales setting.”
“Transportation is the largest source of greenhouse gas emissions harming our climate,” said Mary Lunetta, Sierra Club electric vehicle campaign representative. “Celebrating Earth Day by educating the public about the many zero emission transportation options available is a powerful way to accelerate a 100% clean transportation future for our planet and all who inhabit her.”
“Electric vehicles at Earth Day events are where green meets fun, where clean air saves money and quiet brings performance,” said Guy Hall of the Electric Auto Association. “The excitement of EVs is here now.”
FLO, one of the largest EV charging networks in North America, is the exclusive national charging sponsor and Audi of America is a national sponsor of Drive Electric Earth Day.
“We are pleased to partner with Plug In America, and many other organizations and individuals working to inspire communities across the country to connect with and celebrate nature,” said Fabien Fayard, vice-president, marketing at FLO. “What better way than to help spread the word to highlight the benefits of all-electric and plug-in hybrid-electric vehicles as a greener way to get around. Together, we can all play a part in accelerating the shift to clean-powered electric vehicles and contribute to make Earth Day every day!”
“At Audi, we want consumers to go electric with confidence. That confidence starts with initiatives like Drive Electric Earth Day that work to bring awareness surrounding the benefits of electric vehicles – like the Audi e-tron, our fully electric five-passenger SUV – to communities across the U.S.,” said Filip Brabec, vice president, product management, Audi of America. “With one in three of our U.S. customers choosing to drive an electric vehicle by 2025, we know it’s critical to support customer-centric programs like this now,” added Brabec.
To learn more about Drive Electric Earth Day and create an event in your community, visit driveelectricearthday.org.
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About Plug In America
Plug In America is the nation’s leading independent consumer voice for accelerating the use of plug-in electric vehicles in the United States. Formed as a non-profit in 2008, Plug In America provides practical, objective information collected from our coalition of plug-in vehicle drivers, through public outreach and education, policy work and a range of technical advisory services. Our expertise represents the world’s deepest pool of experience of driving and living with plug-in vehicles. We drive electric. You can too. pluginamerica.org
About the Sierra Club
The Sierra Club is America’s largest and most influential grassroots environmental organization, with more than 3 million members and supporters. In addition to helping people from all backgrounds explore nature and our outdoor heritage, the Sierra Club works to promote clean energy, safeguard the health of our communities, protect wildlife, and preserve our remaining wild places through grassroots activism, public education, lobbying, and legal action. For more information, visit www.sierraclub.org.
About the Electric Auto Association
The Electric Auto Association (EAA) is the oldest and largest, volunteer-driven nonprofit association that promotes electric vehicle adoption across the country and the globe. Its thousands of EV owners educate and advocate for electric vehicles with public outreach throughout the year at farmer’s markets, malls, schools, libraries, businesses, and civic groups. Members in more than 80 chapters meet regularly to share the latest global and local news in the EV community. EAA provides information for local governments to increase EV adoption as well as infrastructure. www.electricauto.org
About FLO
FLO operates a complete EV charging network for drivers to plug in wherever they are – at home, at work and on the go. We provide a simple and seamless experience and are one of the largest EV charging networks in North America. www.flo.com
About Audi of America
Audi recently debuted the Audi e-tron, the brand’s first all-electric vehicle. A spacious five-seater, electric mid-sized SUV that’s well-equipped for premium buyers to go electric today, the e-tron will be the first of three battery-electric vehicles that Audi plans to debut by 2020. U.S. customers can configure and reserve their e-tron now at: www.audiusa.com/reserve.
