Electric Vehicle Enthusiasts Launch Statewide Organization

PHOENIX ARIZONA - In celebration of Arizona’s 112th birthday, a driven group of electric vehicle enthusiasts has launched a non-profit organization to accelerate the adoption of electric vehicles.

DRIVE Electric Arizona is Arizona’s statewide “Drive Electric” program developed under the DRIVE Electric USA Initiative. With grant funding from the Department of Energy, and in partnership with 25 states across the country, DRIVE Electric Arizona will accelerate the transition to electric vehicles.

The all-volunteer organization and its partners will educate consumers, utilities, utility regulators, and government officials. They will engage auto dealers and fleet leaders, in addition to assisting with EV infrastructure planning. 

Co-founder and President John Martinson said, “Arizona has a rich history of innovation and hard work. We are building on this legacy and quickly expanding opportunities for electric vehicle usage. We’re committed to accelerating the adoption of electric vehicles across the state.”

Martinson is the co-founder of China Mist Tea Company. Upon retiring, he decided to turn his attention to community service for the greater good. 

Developing new chapters is a primary objective for DRIVE Electric Arizona. Co-founder, Vice President and Chairman Peter Culin, a career logistics professional, said, “We’ve already recruited leaders for two new DRIVE Electric Arizona chapters to help us reach native and rural Arizona communities. They both plan to launch next month, just in time for April’s Drive Electric Earth Month.”

The state’s first DRIVE Electric chapter is the Valley of the Sun Electric Vehicle Association. 

In the spirit of collaboration, the Valley of the Sun Clean Cities Coalition (Phoenix) has been particularly supportive of the establishment of DRIVE Electric Arizona. Volunteer guidance and expertise has helped the organization secure funding and attract new partners.

DRIVE Electric Arizona is an all-volunteer organization with six working groups: dealer engagement, fleets, native communities, disadvantaged communities, rural interests, and charging infrastructure. Visit www.driveelectricaz.org to learn more.

About DRIVE Electric Arizona

DRIVE Electric Arizona is a statewide non-profit organization dedicated to accelerating the adoption of electric vehicles. Its six working groups focus are dealer engagement, fleets, native communities, disadvantaged communities, rural interests, and charging infrastructure. Learn more at www.driveelectricaz.org.

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