Cross-Country Events Raise Awareness about Electric Vehicles

With over half-a-million sales since the first modern plug-in cars were commercially introduced in 2010, the National Drive Electric Week heightens awareness about the availability of electric and hybrid plug-in vehicles.

Leah Scully

Sept. 13, 2016

2 min read

September 10 started off National Drive Electric Week, where local car dealers, companies, plug-in driver associations, and city councils host local events to heighten awareness about the availability of plug-in hybrid and electric vehicles (EV). Started in 2011, over 235 events are scheduled to be hosted this week in nearly every U.S. state and in several countries. This year's week also highlights that over half-a-million EV sales have been reached since the first modern plug-in cars went on sale in 2010. (These are the Nissan LEAF and Chevrolet Volt, both of which sponsor most of the local events).

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Locals and members of the Albany Capital District EV Drivers gather at the Delmar farmers market to test drive EVs last year.

Sponsored by Plug In America, Sierra Club, and the Electric Auto Association, cities and local dealers collaborate to bring EVs to the events for test driving by visitors. In addition, several events include EV parades, ride-and-drives, electric tailgate parties, press conferences, award ceremonies, and informational booths.

Businesses are also participating in National Drive Electric week to raise awareness about EV availability and the ease of using and locating charging stations. Companies like EvGO are supplying free charging for EVgo card holders and encouraging EV drivers to sign up for their services.

Other companies like Freudenberg NOK, a supplier for seals on Li-ion batteries, electric-drive motors, and chargers, are also participating in the week. On September 14, Freudenberg will partner with the Michigan Electric Auto Association (MEAA) to supply 18 electric vehicles and 10 electric bicycles for test driving to visitors and employees at its headquarters in Plymouth, MI. The company also directs the public's attention to its six plug-in charging stations that it just installed over the summer as part of the U.S. Department of Energy’s (DOE) Workplace Charging Challenge.

To find an event near you, visit the events page on the National Drive Electric Week's website.

About the Author

Leah Scully

Associate Content Producer

Leah Scully is a graduate of The College of New Jersey. She has a BS degree in Biomedical Engineering with a mechanical specialization. Leah is responsible for Machine Design’s news items that cover industry trends, research, and applied science and engineering, along with product galleries. Visit her on Facebook, or view her profile on LinkedIn.