FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
May 5, 2021
Contact:
Noah Barnes, Plug In America
(323) 333-8010
nbarnes@pluginamerica.org
Thousands discover the benefits of electric vehicles during Drive Electric Earth Day
NATIONWIDE—More than 100 online and safe in-person events, with thousands of attendees, celebrated clean electric vehicles (EVs) throughout April during the third annual Drive Electric Earth Day.
The 2021 Drive Electric Earth Day campaign included 45 online events covering a wide range of topics, including affordability, charging, environmental benefits, solar power, national and state policy, and more. An additional 57 events took place in person, adhering to safety guidelines, with all events taking place outdoors with masks and social distancing. These events allow attendees to see EVs close up and talk with the owners who drive them every day.
Some event highlights include:
- For the first time, an event was held in Mandarin Chinese, bringing EV education to more communities.
- An event based in Bethesda, MD spotlighted electric school buses, giving students the opportunity to look at the future of clean transportation.
- A “Drive Electric Game Time” event in Columbus, OH presented puzzles and questions related to EVs with prizes available for the winners.
EVs are surging in popularity as new makes and models are becoming available, many with longer ranges at lower prices. The Biden administration has proposed a $174 billion investment in transportation electrification over the next 10 years, which will make it easier than ever for Americans to switch to a clean EV confidently.
EVs provide benefits for the driver, their community, and the nation. EV drivers enjoy cost savings on fuel and maintenance and the improved driving experience of an electric vehicle. Communities benefit from reduced air pollution, improving public health, often in underrepresented communities that are disproportionately affected. The nation also benefits from an increase in jobs in the manufacturing, energy, and technology sectors.
“More and more Americans are excited about the many benefits of electric vehicles,” said Joel Levin, executive director of Plug In America. “EVs not only reduce air pollution and the effects of climate change, but they are also cheaper to fuel and maintain and more fun to drive! This is an exciting time for EVs, with so many new vehicles hitting the market. We believe that interest will continue to grow over the next decade.”
“This is an exciting time to be educating communities about the benefits of driving electric due to the number of automakers announcing commitments to electrifying,” said April Bolduc, president of the Electric Auto Association. “This means more choices and price ranges of electric cars to meet drivers needs.”
Drive Electric Earth Day is presented by Plug In America and the Electric Auto Association, with events created by individuals and groups within their own communities. Electrify America and Enel X are Silver Level Sponsors. BMW and Edison International are Bronze Level Sponsors.
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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 Electric Auto Association
The Electric Auto Association is North America’s leading volunteer organization that accelerates EV adoption through 100 chapters that educate thousands at in person and virtual community events about the benefits of driving electric. This nonprofit is also the largest consumer-facing, EV grassroots organization with direct communication to both the EV curious and current EV drivers. For more information visit electricauto.org.
