About us

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 accelerates the transition to electric vehicles.

Launched in January of 2024, the all-volunteer organization and its partners educates consumers, utilities, utility regulators, and government officials. DRIVE Electric Arizona  engages auto dealers and fleet leaders, conducts ride and drives and other events in partnership with utilities, businesses, cities, and other related nonprofit organizations in pursuit of our common goals. 

Executive Committee:

Peter Culin | Co-Founder & Chairman

John S Martinson | Co-Founder & President

Don Covert | Secretary | Executive Director, Valley of the Sun Clean Cities Coalition

Rachel Culin | Treasurer

Martinson earned an Executive Master of Sustainability Leadership degree from ASU’s School of Sustainability. He is the co-founder of China Mist Tea Company. Upon retiring, he decided to turn his attention to community service for the greater good. Culin is the owner/station manager of the Phoenix office of Scan Global Logistics. He is a career logistics professional.

The state’s first DRIVE Electric chapter is the Valley of the Sun Electric Vehicle Association, which Martinson and Culin launched on Earth Day 2022. Two new chapters are launching this year: Three Rivers Tribes on April 6, 2024 and Route 66 Kingman on May 4, 2024.

The Valley of the Sun Clean Cities Coalition 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, Fleet Engagement, Native Communities, Sate and Local Government, Rural Interests, and Charging Infrastructure.