The 8th annual National Drive Electric Week (NDEW), a coast-to-coast celebration of electric vehicles (EVs), will be held September 8–16 in more cities and towns than ever before, and in all 50 states for the second year in a row. There are currently more than 300 registered events across the United States, plus Canada and New Zealand, with more events being added daily. Through test drives, parades, news conferences and announcements of new EV policies and programs, NDEW community events demonstrate how EVs provide cleaner air, save consumers money, and are more fun to operate than conventional vehicles. Last year, there were 276 events with more than 120,000 attendees.
NDEW events are primarily organized by volunteers in big cities and small towns, giving neighbors the opportunity to talk about EVs with one another. Many events feature ride-and-drives, because the best way to learn about EVs is to test drive one and experience the smooth ride and instant torque, in a non-sales setting.
Arcimoto, Inc— makers of the Fun Utility Vehicle (FUV) — an affordable, thrilling, pure electric vehicle for everyday commuters and fleets, today announced its schedule for an Arcimoto West Coast Tour d’FUV, in celebration of National Drive Electric Week, with FUV test drive events in Washington, Oregon, and California.
The event comes at a time when more Americans are choosing to drive electric than ever before, with nearly every major automaker producing at least one model, including models with longer ranges at more affordable prices. Nearly one million EVs have been sold since they were introduced. Plug In America recently launched the PlugStar EV Shopping Assistant to help consumers learn more about driving electric, find the best EV for their family, and connect with a qualified dealer in their area.
“EVs are cheaper to fuel, more fun to drive, and better for our planet,” said Joel Levin, executive director of Plug In America. “They are simply superior to traditional gas-powered cars and we want to educate every American about this innovative technology.”
Visit the National Drive Electric Week website at driveelectricweek.org to find and register for an event in your community. National Drive Electric Week is presented by Plug In America, the Sierra Club, and the Electric Auto Association.
Nissan LEAF is the exclusive national automotive sponsor of National Drive Electric Week. Clipper Creek is a national Silver sponsor and eMotorWerks is a California regional sponsor.
Event Highlights
Below are some of the unique events happening during National Drive Electric Week.
Poolesville, Maryland: In 2017, this was one of the largest events with 129 EVs in attendance! This year, their event promises live music, climbing walls, farm equipment and animals, a classic car show, a parade, and, perhaps most importantly, Starman, a Tesla Roadster made up to look like a spaceship!
Steilacoom, Washington: With 113 EVs already registered to attend, this event is shaping up to be one of the largest this year. Stop by to take a ride in an EV, enjoy the attractions of historic downtown Steilacoom, and maybe even meet Dick Muri, the event organizer, a member of the Washington State House of Representatives, and a 2018 Drive Electric Award winner!
Prescott, Arizona: This event will feature students of the Eagle Works: Advanced Vehicle Lab of Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, who are attempting to design and build an electric vehicle that will break the current EV land speed record by going 250 miles per hour!
Juneau, Alaska: The event will include a proclamation from Mayor Ken Koelsch, further highlighting the city’s amazing level of EV adoption. Juneau is one of the fastest growing, highest per capita EV cities in America due to its abundance of hydroelectric power, combined with some of the highest gas prices in the country.
San Francisco, California: This event is presenting the first all-EV drive-in movie, inviting plug-in cars to watch the James Bond film Casino Royale.
Drive Electric Awards
In conjunction with NDEW, Plug In America is presenting the first annual Drive Electric Awards to leaders in the EV movement, including NDEW event organizers that have gone above and beyond. Winners of the first annual Drive Electric Awards include:
NDEW Event Organizers
Each of these event organizers have gone above and beyond to create many large, successful events over several years.
- Charles Gerena, North Chesterfield, VA
- Noel Morin, Hilo, HI
- Dick Muri, Steilacoom, WA
Individuals
- Denise Gray, CEO/President, LG Chem Power, Inc. for her work to advance EV battery technology at General Motors and LG Chem Power, Inc.
- Janea Scott, Commissioner, California Energy Commission for her work to expand access to clean transportation in disadvantaged communities.
Organization
- University of California San Diego for its many programs that advance EV access and technology, including the installation of 130 charging portals.
The Drive Electric Awards will be presented at the NDEW Opening Reception on Thursday, September 6 in Los Angeles.
Some events depending on the area are offering coupons for food, swag and other freebies.
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.