The 12th Annual National Drive Electric Week Is Underway September 23–October 2!

Hundreds of EV events will be held coast to coast from September 23–October 2

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Sep 28, 2022

Contact:
Derrick Vargas, Plug In America, dvargas@pluginamerica.org
Larisa Manescu, Sierra Club, larisa.manescu@sierraclub.org
Elaine Borseth, Electric Vehicle Association, elaineborseth@myeva.org
Carlos Aggaboa, EVHybridNoire, carlos@evhybridnoire.com

NATIONWIDE—Electric vehicles (EVs) will take the spotlight again during the 12th annual National Drive Electric Week, with almost 300 in-person and online events in 48 states, as well as Canada and Mexico, taking place from September 23–October 2, 2022. Attendees will have the opportunity to test drive various EV models, talk to EV owners, see vehicles on display, and learn about the latest in EV technology.

This year’s National Drive Electric Week is pivotal for EVs to become increasingly widespread and accessible. President Biden has signed the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) into law, and many new EV models are available. The IRA is the most significant piece of legislation signed into law that focuses on climate action, which includes substantial support for EVs.  Automakers are now selling  EV pickup trucks and continue to push the boundaries in technological advancement while doubling down on their commitment to electrification.

Some highlights of the exciting events include:

  • Schenectady, NY (Sunday, 9/25 from 10 AM–2 PM): Hosted by the City of Schenectady, this National Drive Electric Week event brings together residents, local elected officials, and numerous groups focused on transitioning to clean and sustainable transportation! The mayor of Schenectady, Gary. R. McCarthy, is scheduled to attend and kick off the event.
  • Alexandria, VA (Sunday, 10/2 from 1 PM – 5 PM): Located at Northern Virginia Community College, this ride and drive hosted by Plug In America allows everyone to connect with EV drivers and get behind the wheel of the latest EV offerings!
  • Riverside, CA (Saturday, 10/1 from 11 AM – 3 PM):  As one of the largest events in Southern California, Nissan will be hosting a flagship booth showcasing the all-new Ariya. Stop by and take a test drive!

“Americans are more excited about EVs and have more options than ever before,” said Joel Levin, Executive Director of Plug In America. “EVs cost less to fuel and maintain, are more fun to drive, and reduce air pollution in our communities. National Drive Electric Week is the perfect time to learn more about the many benefits of this thrilling technology.”

“National Drive Electric Week is a great chance for people around the US to not only check out electric vehicles in their community, but talk to owners. Electric Vehicle Association chapters are participating in events from coast to coast. ,” said Elaine Borseth, President of the Electric Vehicle Association. “Our 100+ chapters and thousands of volunteers are ready to answer questions about the types of EVs available, charging at home and on the road, and incentives that can reduce the cost of the vehicles.”

“Electric vehicles can provide a cleaner and greener transportation future that helps address health, environmental, workforce, and economic disparities, particularly for underrepresented communities that have been severely impacted by pollution-emitting vehicles,” said Terry Travis, Co-Founder of EVHybridNoire. “National Drive Electric Week helps to realize that vision by providing a venue for people of all backgrounds to discover the EV experience.”

“Communities across the nation are suffering from climate disasters and our polluting cars and trucks are the worst offenders in the US when it comes to emissions — making the need for clean vehicles more critical than ever,” said Hieu Le, Senior Campaign Representative with the Sierra Club. “National Drive Electric Week plays a major role in local communities to educate people about electric vehicles, allowing people to learn from EV owners directly and to ask questions about incentives and rebates, charging, and more.”

National Drive Electric Week is presented by Plug In America, Electric Vehicle Association, Sierra Club, and EVHybridNoire. Special Thanks to our platinum-level sponsors, Nissan and Wells Fargo. As well as our silver level sponsors, ClipperCreek by Enphase and Electrify America, and bronze level sponsor, Edison International.

Updated September 29, 2022, to reflect the total number of events and locations.

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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. Learn more at pluginamerica.org.

About Electric Vehicle Association
The Electric Vehicle Association (formerly the Electric Auto Association) is North America’s leading nonprofit that accelerates the adoption of electric vehicles by supporting its 100 chapters and thousands of members as they educate their communities about the benefits of driving electric. For more information, visit myeva.org

About EVHybridNoire
EVHybridNoire is the nation’s largest network of diverse EV drivers and enthusiasts, the voice of multicultural EV drivers, and the first national diverse organization focused on e-mobility, environmental sustainability, clean energy, and transportation equity — providing access for all to next-generation vehicles and transportation options. For more information, visit evhybridnoire.com.

About the Sierra Club
The Sierra Club is America’s largest and most influential grassroots environmental organization, with more than 3.8 million members and supporters. In addition to protecting every person’s right to get outdoors and access the healing power of nature, 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 sierraclub.org.

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