“The nominee pool was incredibly strong and diverse this year,” said Joel Levin, executive director of Plug In America. “We were excited to learn about the impactful electrification work being done in every pocket of the country, and we are thrilled our celebration will be part of the LA Auto Show.”
The Los Angeles Auto Show is excited to partner with Plug In America on the awards program, as it represents a continuation of the Show’s long-term support for and promotion of the consistent, proven innovation and positive impact of the category.
“AutoMobility LA is where the top minds in automotive, technology, design, and policy converge to drive our industry forward. Plug In America’s mission and work embody the best of those elements of our industry,” said Terri Toennies, president and chief operating officer of the Los Angeles Auto Show and AutoMobility LA. “We are extremely proud to support Plug In America and the Drive Electric Awards.”
Award recipients range from the sitting U.S. energy secretary to individuals tirelessly working behind the scenes. A committee of Plug In America’s staff and board members, along with previous winners, selected the honorees from a pool of nominations submitted by the public earlier this year.
The 2024 Drive Electric Award honorees are:
- Linda Nicholes Lifetime Achievement Award – Jennifer M. Granholm, U.S. Department of Energy secretary
- Advocate Award – Robert Blake, executive director of Native Sun Community Power Development in Red Lake, Minnesota
- EV City Award –Schenectady, New York
- Organization Award – Nonprofit Isles, headquartered in New Jersey, and for-profit Redwood Materials, headquartered in Nevada
- EV Awareness Award – Elected Officials Protecting America (EOPA), based in Maine, and the city of San Antonio’s EVSA Ambassador Program
- Utility Award – ComEd, an Exelon company, serving northern Illinois
- Individual Award – Vivian Rahwanji of Richmond, California
- City Captain Award – Caroline Nellis of Evansville, Indiana
- Student Award – Diya Kandhra, who is majoring in environmental economics and policy at the University of California, Berkeley
To attend the awards, visitors must purchase a ticket from Plug In America. Tickets entitle the holder to all-day entry to AutoMobility LA, the awards presentation, and a networking reception with beverages, hors d’oeuvres, and entertainment. Purchase of a ticket through Plug In America to the Drive Electric Awards is the only way for the general public to access this day reserved for the press and industry insiders.