The fourteenth annual campaign connects people who want to learn more about electric vehicles to EV drivers, fleet managers and other experts who will provide information about incentives, charging, cost-saving benefits and answers to frequently asked questions. Plus, many events offer test drives so people can experience EVs firsthand.
LOS ANGELES – National Drive Electric Week (NDEW), an annual campaign to increase education and awareness about electric vehicles (EVs), starts this Friday, Sept. 27, before wrapping up Sunday, Oct. 6. This year, organizers are hosting events in 45 states and two Canadian provinces. The events feature EV test drives, showcases, informative workshops and other fun activities that highlight the benefits people can enjoy when they switch to an electric vehicle.
“I love the diversity of events. EV drivers, cities, nonprofit organizations, and utilities organize events that range from coffee get-togethers to big festivals,” said Joel Levin, executive director of Plug In America, an EV advocacy nonprofit that is an organizing partner of NDEW. “Plus, the enthusiasm of EV drivers is unmatched. Anyone who attends an NDEW event will learn why electric vehicles are so beloved.”
EV growth is on an upward trajectory. More than 1.4 million plug-in electric vehicles were sold in 2023 in the U.S. – an increase of more than 50% from 2022. Across the world, EVs are making waves, too. An EV was the best-selling car on the planet in 2023, and EV sales are expected to reach 17 million globally by the end of 2024.
Plug In America, Electric Vehicle Association, EVHybridNoire, Sierra Club and Drive Electric USA present this year’s National Drive Electric Week. The groups recruit organizers to host local events that are listed on DriveElectricWeek.org. Then, people can easily find the nearest event to them and sign up to volunteer or attend.
NDEW events pepper the map of the United States, blanketing the East Coast from Florida to Maine, covering the Midwest, dipping into the southern states, stretching across the Southwest and up the Pacific Coast into the Northwest. Not to be left out, Hawaii and Alaska have multiple events scheduled, too. National Drive Electric Week is a strong showing of the dedication EV drivers and advocates have for educating the public about how everyone can benefit from EVs.
Here are some locations with fantastic events to pay attention to:
- Schenectady, N.Y. – Four organizations are teaming up to host New York Capital District’s Drive Electric Week and Sustainability Fair on Oct. 6 at Schenectady City Hall. Fairgoers can secure a free ride and drive in the Nissan ARIYA and other models, talk to EV drivers, and check out public charging stations while enjoying live music and grub from food trucks.
- Port Hueneme, Calif. – The EV showcase and educational booth is part of the larger Port of Hueneme Banana Festival on Sept. 28. Besides EV drivers, the festival includes port tours, a kids zone, live bands and banana-themed tasty eats.
- Phoenix, Ariz. – Presented by EV owners, this is a family-friendly opportunity to learn about everything an electric vehicle has to offer from experienced drivers without any sales pressure. People who take a vehicle for a free test drive will be entered into a prize drawing. Vehicles will also be on display.
- Fort Worth, Texas –The North Central Texas Council of Governments brings back its NDEW event on Oct. 6. Last year, EV owners showed off how EVs can power televisions and other devices, and attendees this year can expect to be similarly wowed. Besides enjoying games and talking to a variety of organizations, attendees can take a test drive in different models. Wells Fargo will also be on-site to award an EV to former U.S. Army Sergeant Christopher Joe Henry in partnership with a local dealership.
- Poolesville, Md. – Poolesville Green hosted its annual Drive Electric Poolesville Day Event on Sept. 21, 2024. The shindig kicked off with a Poolesville Day Town parade featuring EVs, followed by the NDEW event that included drawings and educational talks throughout the day. Wells Fargo and Nissan of Bowie awarded an EV to retired U.S. Army Staff Sergeant Cody William Chism.
National sponsors supporting National Drive Electric Week include platinum sponsors Nissan and Wells Fargo, gold sponsor Kelley Blue Book, silver sponsor Electric Vehicle Adoption Leadership (EVAL) program, bronze sponsor Edison International and green sponsor Nokian Tyres.
To learn more about National Drive Electric Week or RSVP for an event, visit https://driveelectricweek.org/
About Plug In America
Plug In America is the nation’s leading nonprofit organization dedicated to accelerating the use of plug-in electric vehicles in the United States through education, advocacy and research. Formed in 2008, Plug In America provides practical, objective information to consumers and dealerships about EVs through various programs, including National Drive Electric Week, Drive Electric Earth Month, PlugStar.com, and other public outreach events. With Plug In America’s coalition of plug-in vehicle drivers, policy experts and technical advisors, their expertise represents the world’s deepest pool of experience in driving and living with plug-in vehicles. Learn more at PlugInAmerica.org.
