Nearly 170,000 people attended 2019 National Drive Electric Week (NDEW) events Sept. 14-22.
The ninth annual celebration of electric vehicles (EVs) involved 324 events nationwide and in seven other countries, including Canada and Mexico.
“More Americans are realizing that EVs aren’t just the future of transportation; they are available now and becoming more widespread than ever,” Joel Levin, Plug In America executive director, said.
Events included family-friendly activities, parades, and announcements of proclamations and programs designed to raise consumer awareness of EVs and their benefits. Attendees learned how switching to EVs will create domestic jobs, reduce greenhouse gases, and save fuel and maintenance costs compared to conventional vehicles.
This year, 10,000 EV test drives also were taken.
Announcements this year included:
California launched Inglewood’s first four public fast-charging electric vehicle stations. The launch is a part of EVGo’s Equal Access Charging Hubs program. The program provides access to charging stations to people who don’t have charging stations available at home or work, such as those who live in apartments.
Utility Florida Power and Light will install 1,000 EV charging stations throughout Florida.
Minnesota and New Mexico will join the state zero-emission vehicle program.
NDEW is organized by the Electric Auto Association, Plug In America, and the Sierra Club.