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| | JANUARY 2025 VOLUME 2 • ISSUE 1 |
| | | ABOUT US
DRIVE Electric Arizona is Arizona's statewide "Drive Electric" program developed as an Arizona non-profit corporation under the DRIVE Electric USA Initiative. With grant funding from the Department of Energy, and in partnership with 27 states across the country, DRIVE Electric Arizona's mission is to accelerate the transition to electric vehicles. Currently, DRIVE Electric Arizona’s three chapters are Valley of the Sun, Tribal Nations (formerly Three Rivers Tribes), and Route 66 Kingman.
Launched in January 2024, the all-volunteer organization and its partners educate consumers, utilities, utility regulators, and government officials. They engage auto dealers and fleet leaders, in addition to assisting with EV infrastructure planning.
SPREAD THE WORD
Could you please do us a favor? We need your help spreading the word about DRIVE Electric Arizona. We are hoping you will take a moment and forward this newsletter to a friend or colleague who might be interested in our work. Please help us increase our presence.
Forward this link to subscribe (https://www.driveelectricaz.org/subscribe) |
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| |  | Visit our website to see WATTS HAPPENING and to RSVP to get involved!
January 25, 2025 | Cave Creek Ride & Drive, Desert Foothills Library, Cave Creek
February 8, 2025 | February Rally: Meetup at Windows & Wheels, Gilbert
February 15, 2025 | Concours in the Hills, Fountain Hills
February 21-23, 2025 | Fountain Festival, Fountain Hills
February 22, 2025 | Chandler Innovation Fair, Chandler
March 22, 2025 | March Rally: Meetup & Drive, Cave Creek
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| | EV SPOTLIGHTDriving Change in Arizona: 2024 Highlights and 2025 Goalsby DRIVE Electric Arizona
At DRIVE Electric Arizona, we are dedicated to accelerating the adoption of electric vehicles (EVs) and creating a cleaner, more sustainable state. As a brand-neutral nonprofit organization led by an all-volunteer board of directors and funded through grants and donations, we’ve worked tirelessly to educate and advocate for EV adoption.
2024: A Year of Remarkable Achievements
Since our founding on January 5, 2024, we’ve accomplished significant milestones: Building a Movement: Over 200 EV owners and enthusiasts have joined us, forming an all-volunteer organization that drives change through dedicated Working Groups on Dealer Engagement, Native Communities, and State and Local Governments. Our efforts earned recognition as a leading state organization in the Department of Energy’s multi-state DRIVE Electric USA Initiative.
Engaging the Public: In 2024, we hosted or participated in 77 events, including 9 Ride & Drives, where 847 individuals experienced the benefits of EVs firsthand by driving our volunteers’ personal vehicles. These events have proven to be a highly effective way to grow EV ownership across Arizona.
Fostering Collaboration: We’ve partnered with utilities, dealerships, municipalities, and other nonprofits to ensure more Arizonans understand the advantages of owning an EV.
Looking Ahead: Goals for 2025 In 2025, we are setting our sights even higher: Expanding Ride & Drives and Local Chapters: We aim to more than double our Ride & Drives and establish new chapters in Yavapai, Coconino, Pima, and Gila counties, as well as in Indian Nations. If you’re an EV owner or enthusiast in these areas, we’d love your help! Contact us at contact@driveelectricaz or to get involved.
Promoting EV Access for All: We’re committed to expanding EV access in underserved communities, including rural areas and Indian Nations, ensuring everyone can benefit from cleaner, more affordable transportation.
Launching Key Initiatives: Our Working Groups will intensify efforts in areas such as charging infrastructure, fleet engagement, and support for disadvantaged and rural communities. Additionally, our Dealership Engagement group will roll out a Preferred Dealership program focused on educating dealership sales staff and fostering EV-friendly dealership policies.
Join Us in Driving Arizona’s Future Together, we can make a lasting impact on Arizona’s economy, environment, and communities. If you’re interested in volunteering or supporting our mission, please reach out to us at contact@driveelectricaz.org. For more information, visit driveelectricaz.org and help us drive Arizona toward a cleaner, brighter future. |
| | |  | Please welcome Windows & Wheels Auto Detailing to DRIVE Electric Arizona!
Gilbert-based Windows & Wheels Auto Detailing is a STEK Black Label Installer and provides exclusive auto and car detailing and other premier services, including ceramic coating, vinyl wrap, window tinting, paint protection and correction, and more.
Contact Windows & Wheels Auto Detailing at 480-633-5961 or windowsandwheels.com. |
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| | EV LIVING
Maximizing Savings: How to Use a Home Back-Up Battery to Charge Your EV at Lower Utility Rates
Electric vehicles (EVs) are not just a step toward sustainable driving, but also an opportunity to reimagine how we use and store electricity at home. One increasingly popular strategy for EV owners is to combine their vehicle charging with a home back-up battery system. These systems can be used to store electricity when utility rates are low and discharge power to charge your EV when rates are higher, resulting in significant savings. Here’s how to make the most of a home back-up battery system to reduce your EV charging costs. |
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| 1. Understanding How Time-of-Use (TOU) Pricing Works Most utility companies, including those in many parts of the U.S., such as Arizona Public Service (APS) and Salt River Project (SRP), offer Time-of-Use (TOU) rate plans. Under these plans, electricity costs fluctuate throughout the day, with higher prices during peak demand periods and lower prices during off-peak times, often overnight or early in the morning. Charging your EV directly from the grid during peak hours can quickly add up, but there’s a way to avoid these high costs with a home battery. |
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| 2. How a Home Back-Up Battery System Helps A home back-up battery system, such as the Tesla Powerwall, LG Chem RESU, or similar devices, stores electricity for later use. This allows you to capture energy when rates are low and use it when electricity would otherwise be more expensive. Here’s how this works to your advantage when charging an EV: Store Energy During Off-Peak Hours: The battery charges itself from the grid during the off-peak hours when electricity is cheapest, typically late at night or early morning. If you have solar panels, it can also store excess solar energy generated during the day, which is essentially free power.
Use Stored Energy During Peak Hours: Instead of charging your EV directly from the grid during expensive peak times, you can use the energy stored in your battery. This can save you a significant amount on your electricity bill, as peak hour rates can be double or triple the cost of off-peak rates.
3. Creating a Charging Strategy
To make the most of your home battery system and take advantage of cheaper utility rates, you’ll want to create a well-planned strategy for both your battery usage and your EV charging. Here’s a step-by-step guide: Assess Your Utility Rate Plan First, evaluate the specifics of your utility company’s TOU plan. Identify when off-peak and peak times occur and what the rate differences are. If you have solar panels, factor in the times when your system produces the most energy. For example, in Arizona, utilities often offer “super off-peak” rates late at night, which is an ideal time for charging the battery.
Set Up Your Battery and EV Charger Next, configure your home battery system to charge during off-peak times. Most modern home battery systems allow for programmable settings that will only charge the battery during designated times. Similarly, many EV chargers (especially smart chargers) allow you to schedule charging sessions to pull power either from the grid or from the battery during specific hours. For example, if your utility offers cheap rates between midnight and 5 a.m., set your battery to charge during that window. Once your battery is full, you can program your EV to charge from the battery later in the day when you need it, avoiding higher costs. Optimize Battery Discharge Your goal is to use your home battery to charge the EV when electricity rates are high. You can set your system to prioritize using the battery during peak hours. Some batteries even allow for “self-consumption” modes, where the system discharges stored energy when it detects that electricity rates are more expensive. In combination with your EV’s smart charging capabilities, this allows you to charge your vehicle entirely from the cheaper stored energy.
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| 4. Capitalizing on Incentives
If you have or are considering solar panels, the combination of solar power, a home battery, and an EV can unlock even greater savings: Store Excess Solar Power: During the day, your solar panels may generate more electricity than your home uses. Instead of sending this power back to the grid, you can store it in your home battery. Then, you can use this stored solar power to charge your EV during the evening or at night, when grid rates are higher. This essentially allows you to drive on solar energy, reducing your reliance on grid electricity.
Use Solar Power for Peak Demand: By using your stored solar energy during peak hours, you avoid paying higher electricity rates while reducing your carbon footprint. Plus, any solar power you don’t use can be sent back to the grid for potential credits through net metering programs, further lowering your overall energy costs.
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| | 5. Track Your Energy Usage and Costs To ensure you’re maximizing savings, keep track of your energy usage and the performance of your home battery system. Many home battery systems and EV chargers come with companion apps that show detailed data on energy consumption, battery levels, and charging costs. By regularly monitoring these, you can fine-tune your strategy and adjust settings to optimize savings. |
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6. Consider the Long-Term Savings While the initial cost of installing a home battery system can be significant, the long-term savings can more than justify the investment. The combination of TOU savings, solar energy use, and the ability to avoid high peak-hour rates can make a home battery system a smart financial choice for EV owners, especially in states with large rate fluctuations like Arizona. Over time, as utility companies continue to adjust rates and as more renewable energy is integrated into the grid, having the ability to control and store your electricity can become even more advantageous. In addition, many states and utilities offer rebates or incentives for installing home battery systems, further lowering your initial costs. Making Cents While Making Sense For EV owners looking to reduce charging costs, a home back-up battery system is an excellent solution. By storing electricity when it’s cheapest and using that stored power during peak hours, you can significantly reduce your electricity bill. When paired with solar panels, the savings become even more substantial. With the right strategy and careful planning, a home battery system can help you make the most of cheaper utility rates, ensuring that your EV is always charged and ready while keeping costs low. |
| | DRIVE ELECTRIC ARIZONA CHAPTER UPDATES |
|  | DRIVE Electric Arizona Showcases EVs at Maricopa County Home Show |
| | A Diverse Lineup of EVsThe showcase featured a variety of vehicles, including: · Cadillac Lyriq · Chevrolet Bolt · Chevrolet Equinox EV · Ford F-150 Lightning · Ford Mustang Mach-E · Lucid Air · Nissan Ariya · Rivian R1S · Rivian R1T · Polestar 3 · Zero DSR/X Motorcycle
Most of the vehicles on display were privately owned and represented by their owners. As with all our showcases, none of the vehicles were for sale. The goal was education—providing attendees with real-world insights into EV ownership and dispelling common myths. |
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| Engaging Over 6,000 AttendeesDuring the three-day event, more than 6,000 visitors stopped by to learn about electric vehicles. Key takeaways included: |
| Variety of EVs: Attendees were surprised by the wide range of vehicles on display. Many initially assumed the vehicles were for sale, but once they learned they were privately owned and could speak directly with the owners, they were highly appreciative.
Broad Appeal: Visitors of all age groups expressed interest, with many stating that their next vehicle would be an EV.
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| Transitioning to EVs: Hybrid and plug-in hybrid (PHEV) owners were eager to move to fully electric vehicles (BEVs).
Growing Adoption: Attendees who already owned an EV were often exploring options for a second electric vehicle.
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|  | Photo Credits: Tanya Hughes |
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| Main Stage SeminarsEach day of the home show featured a Main Stage, at which DRIVE Electric Arizona presented and discussed “The EV Ownership Experience: Exploring Facts, Information, and Frequently Asked Questions About Using, Driving and Living with EVs Every Day.” Thank you to board members John Morrill (chief architect behind the presentation), Peter Culin, Bob Levitan and Rachel Culin for representing DRIVE Electric Arizona and helping event-goers to better understand electric vehicles and how they fit into people’s everyday lives. |
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| A Milestone EventThis was the first EV showcase in the history of the Maricopa County Home Show, and its success was undeniable. We’re excited to announce that we’ve already signed up to return next year! Thank You!A resounding THANK YOU to all our volunteers, sponsors and partners that made this event such a success: Bob Levitan, Courtesy Chevrolet, Curt Wilson, David Knight, Jeff Turner, John Deming, John Martinson, John Morrill, Kinga Wilson, Peter Culin, Rachel Culin, Salt River Project, San Tan Ford, Scott Toughill and Shaun Barnette. |
| Join Us in Driving Arizona ForwardEvents like these are made possible thanks to the dedication of our volunteers and partners. If you’d like to get involved in future showcases or learn more about electric vehicles, visit driveelectricaz.org. Together, we’re electrifying Arizona’s future!
Read More… |
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| |  | Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day Festival
Thanks to event sponsor Salt River Project (SRP), on Monday, January 20, 2025, volunteers and vehicles (Ford F-150 Lightning EV, Rivian R1S and R1T, Cadillac Lyriq, and Chevrolet Bolt) made their way to Margaret T. Hance Park in downtown Phoenix for the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Festival.
Community members, both young and old, conversed with our volunteers, as we discussed the many benefits of driving electric vehicles.
Volunteers John Martinson, John Morrill, Peter & Rachel Culin (and family) and Shaun Barnette made a significant impact, conversing with more than 1,400 attendees, inviting them to join our Ride & Drives and other community events where they could learn more and experience driving electric.
One memorable interaction included a large group of teenagers with the Phoenix Job Corps, playing loud music from the speakers of our display’s Chevrolet Bolt and Rivian R1T, while dancing and enjoying each other’s youthfulness. Their joy and community was a fantastic representation of the events of the day. |
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| |  | Photo Credits: Shaun Barnette & Peter Culin |
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| | |  | Three Rivers Tribes Becomes Tribal Nations
DRIVE Electric Arizona Three Rivers Tribes is now DRIVE Electric Arizona Tribal Nations.
“The Tribal Nations Chapter of DRIVE Electric Arizona is committed to the highest and best use of our world’s natural resources. By supporting the adoption of electric vehicles within tribal nations, we are also supporting improved air quality, reduced greenhouse gas emissions, and a decreased dependence on petroleum,” Hans Klose, Chapter President |
| | | A Free Loaner by John Morrill, Board Member, DRIVE Electric Arizona
I got new tires put on one of my EVs today. And (at least) one of them was improperly balanced, making my car shudder at almost any speed and causing me to take it back to the place who did the work. But that isn’t the point of my story. It’s only the preamble. See, it was late on a Friday afternoon. And so, to make my car right, I was given a loaner for the weekend. You should know that there are 3 EVs in my garage. No ICE. It’s been that way for two-and-a half years. So, I was quite taken aback when, while completing the paperwork for the loaner, the man said, “Oh, and don’t worry about replacing the GAS. We’ll take care of it.”
I’m like “Gas?!! What’s that? I haven’t bought any gas since 2022!” Even the last five times I’ve traveled by air, I’ve rented an EV when I got there.
So, I was given the key fob to a nearly new, moderately priced, 4-door, ICE sedan to get home in. I then proceeded to have the absolute worst driving experience I’ve had in 30 months. |
| It started with that first “Oh S#!+” moment when I let off the accelerator for the first time, and remembered in horror that I needed to press the brake pedal – this realization took one and a half seconds more than it probably should have taken. Needless to say, that first stop wasn’t smooth. But frankly, it didn’t get much better all the way home. The brakes were grabby, uneven, and clearly, I have gotten out of practice. |
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| But, having managed to navigate “safely” off the dealership’s parking lot without hitting the back of any other cars, I was headed into Friday rush hour traffic. A little way up the road at a stop sign, I had to make a right. I needed to pull out quickly, get over many lanes to insert into the left turn lanes that would lead me up onto the freeway on ramp. And I took it completely for granted that the car I was driving would accelerate and slip neatly into the traffic stream immediately when I stepped on the go pedal. It didn’t. The 4-cylinder stuttered and hesitated at first. Then it roared so that anybody who hadn’t already been looking at me pulling unwisely out into traffic could also turn and become aware of my lack of competence. Then some tires spun, as there wasn’t any computerized traction control making adjustments to the drive wheels 60 times a second, creating more noise…and I think some smoke. |
| | | | | CALL TO ACTION!
Support DRIVE Electric Arizona
As we work to grow Arizona's EV community, there are many easy ways to support DRIVE Electric Arizona: • please share this newsletter with your peeps • engage on our social media sites • participate in EVents • make a donation |
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| With your help, we are heightening awareness about DRIVE Electric Arizona and our three growing chapters: Valley of the Sun, Tribal Nations, and Route 66 Kingman. |
| | | FORCE FOR GOOD Arizona Impact for Good is a membership organization devoted to uniting nonprofits and philanthropy across the state. DRIVE Electric Arizona is working with AZ Impact for Good to strenghen our all-volunteer efforts to advance our mission to accelerate the adoption of electric vehicles throughout Arizona. |
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| |  | | | | | Help us sustain our momentum by tagging us in your posts
and using the following hashtags! |
| #DriveElectricAZ #VOTSEVA
#3RT
#Route66EV
#driveelectric |
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| #electricvehicle
#eva
#deaz
#electrified #zeroemissions |
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| | | Charge On!
John S Martinson and Peter Culin
Co-Founders
DRIVE Electric Arizona
Valley of the Sun Electric Vehicle Association |
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