Earth Protect Blog

First Annual Drive Electric Earth Day Celebrates Electric Vehicles

Friday, April 5, 2019

Contact: 

Larisa Manescu, This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Noah Barnes, Plug In America, This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Nationwide -- This April, the first annual Drive Electric Earth Day is being held, with over 150 events across the United States, as well as Canada, New Zealand, and the Dominican Republic, celebrating the significant and wide-ranging benefits of electric vehicles (EVs). EVs reduce emissions from transportation -- currently the leading sector contributing to carbon pollution -- in addition to improving public health and providing fuel and maintenance savings for consumers.

Building upon the success of National Drive Electric Week, an annual event held every September for the past eight years, Plug In America, the Sierra Club, and Electric Auto Association are partnering again to give communities across the U.S. more first-hand opportunities to hear and learn about zero emission vehicles through local Earth Day events. Community organizations, businesses, utilities and government entities will incorporate EV test drives, showcases and speakers. FLO is the exclusive national charging sponsor of Drive Electric Earth Day. Audi of America and the Clean Vehicle Rebate Project are national silver level sponsors.

Over 1.1 million EVs have been sold in the U.S. and there are now approximately 50 models of EVs available, many with longer ranges at lower prices than in previous years.

"Each year, more Americans are discovering that plug-in vehicles are convenient, affordable, and better for the environment," said Joel Levin, executive director of Plug In America. "We are excited for communities to come together to celebrate Earth Day and the many benefits of electric vehicles." 

“We’re looking forward to communities across the country having another opportunity to help accelerate EV adoption. In this rapidly emerging industry, the public needs opportunities to learn about and enjoy EVs and their cost-savings and climate benefits. Drive Electric Earth Day is a hands-on opportunity for people from all walks of life to experience and learn more about EVs in a fun and educational setting,” said Hieu Le, a campaign representative with Sierra Club’s Clean Transportation for All campaign.

“Electric vehicles at Earth Day events are where green meets fun, where clean air saves money, and where quiet brings performance,” said Guy Hall, Director with the Electric Auto Association. “The excitement of EVs is here now and 2019 is the year of the long-range EVs.”

“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.

“Consumer interest in cleaner vehicles continues to grow and boost EV sales, not only in California, but nationwide. With the variety of EV models now available, it is a great time for any car shopper to explore an EV option—particularly when you consider the significant savings offered by programs such as the Clean Vehicle Rebate Project,” said Jonathan Changus, senior manager for clean transportation, at the Center for Sustainable Energy.

To learn more about Drive Electric Earth Day or attend/volunteer at an event in your community, visit DriveElectricEarthDay.org.