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| | MARCH 2025 VOLUME 2 • ISSUE 3 |
| | | 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!
April 5, 2025 | Fight for Air Climb/American Lung Association, Scottsdale
April 8, 2025 | Earth Day @ Glendale Community College, Glendale
April 12-13, 2025 | Electrify Expo, Glendale
April 19, 2025 | Phoenix Electric Vehicle Ride & Drive, Phoenix (new venue)
April 19, 2025 | Concours in the Hills, Fountain Hills (rescheduled from February)
April 23, 2025 | Earth Day Expo (Day 1) - San Carlos Apache Tribe, San Carlos
April 24, 2025 | Earth Day Expo (Day 2) - San Carlos Apache Tribe, Bylas
May 2-4, 2025 | 2025 Historic Route 66 Arizona “Electrified” Fun Run, Kingman |
| |  | Phoenix EV Ride and Drive is on April 19th!
❓Ever wanted to test drive an electric vehicle? THIS EVENT IS FOR YOU! ❓Already an EV owner and want to offer test drives or display your car? THIS EVENT IS FOR YOU, TOO! ❓Are you part of an organization that supports EV adoption? Sign up to TABLE WITH US! |
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| | | EV SPOTLIGHT
Advancing Clean Transportation:2024 Impact and 2025 Outlook© DRIVE Electric Arizona • 2025 |
| 2024 Engagement Overview
DRIVE Electric Arizona made significant strides in public EV outreach in its first year. The organization held 9 Ride & Drive events, giving almost 700 Arizonans hands-on EV driving experiences, and participated in 50 static display events (with an average of 13 EVs showcased per event) that collectively attracted about 360,000 attendees. These efforts provided thousands of Arizona residents with their first up-close look at electric vehicles, building awareness andinterest across the state.
EV Adoption Influence
Conversion from TestDrives to EV Purchases: Industry research shows that well-run EV test drive events can achieve roughly a 10% conversion rate of participants eventually purchasing an EV. This means exposure works – consumers are “overwhelmingly more likely to buy” an electric car after even a single test drive. Applying this benchmark to DRIVE Electric AZ’s 700 Ride & Drive participants in 2024 suggests that 70 new EV buyers could result from these events. In fact, program evaluations by other EV outreach groups have found that participants’ likelihood of purchasing an EV increased significantly after a test drive, with local dealerships reporting noticeable sales bumps following Ride & Drive events. Even those who don’t buy immediately are more likely to consider an EV for their next vehicle, boosting future adoption.
Influence of Static Display Events: Static EV displays – where attendees could see a variety of EVs and talk with volunteer owners – served to educate a far larger audience (≈360,000 people) in 2024. While the conversion rate from casual observers is naturally lower than for test drivers, the sheer scale means even a small impact yields results. Seeing and learning about EVs in person demystifies the technology and can plant the seed for a future purchase. Surveys have found that a person’s willingness to buy an EV increases as they (or someone close to them) sees, rides in, or drives an EV. Even without a test drive, static displays allow attendees to ask questions, sit in vehicles, and hear real ownership experiences – all which chip away at misconceptions (about range, cost, etc.) and add EVs to the consideration list of potential buyers. If only 5% of the 360k attendees left with a decision to seriously consider an EV, that’s 18,000 new EV-intenders influenced by these events. Thus, the static displays likely had a sizable cumulative effect on consumer attitudes and future purchasing decisions across Arizona.
Long-Term Experiential Impact on EV Adoption: Perhaps the greatest value of these Ride & Drives and displays is their long-term effect on Arizona’s EV adoption rate. Car purchases have long cycles; someone who test-drove an EV in 2024 might not buy a new car for a year or more, but the positive EV experience will linger. This experiential education helps convert curiosity into confidence. Over time, such grassroots efforts contribute to measurable shifts in the market. Arizona’s EV adoption is already accelerating – the state now has over 65,000 electric vehicles (about 1% of all registered vehicles) on the road, and the market is “on the rise.” Each person who gains first-hand EV exposure through DRIVE Electric Arizona’s events becomes more likely to choose electric when the time comes (and some have already made the switch). These educated consumers also help spread adoption via word-of-mouth. In essence, 2024’s engagements created EV ambassadors: participants who will share their enthusiasm with friends, family, andc olleagues, seeding further adoption beyond what one organization can directly reach.
Read more… |
| | Support DRIVE Electric Arizona on Tuesday, April 1st |
|  | | | EV LIVING
How to use Tesla NACS Chargers for a Non-Tesla EV:A Step-by-Step Guideby Drive Electric Arizona • Education |
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As the electric vehicle (EV) market expands, the infrastructure for charging is evolving rapidly. Tesla’s North American Charging Standard (NACS), previously known as the Tesla connector, has become one of the most widespread charging networks in the U.S., providing fast and efficient charging through thousands of Superchargers. But what if you own a non-Tesla EV? Can you take advantage of the Tesla NACS chargers? The answer is yes—but it depends on your EV model and whether you have the necessary adapter. This guide will walk you through everything you need to know about using Tesla NACS chargers with a non-Tesla EV, helping you tap into this extensive network. |
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| Important Considerations:
• Adapter Availability: For EVs requiring adapters, availability and pricing may vary by manufacturer. Contact your vehicle’s manufacturer or dealership for specific details. To ensure safety and compatibility, only use adapters that are approved by your vehicle manufacturer, as unapproved adapters may cause charging issues or damage.
• Supercharger Compatibility: Not all Tesla Supercharger stations may be immediately compatible with non-Tesla EVs. Tesla is progressively opening select Supercharger stations to other EVs equipped with NACS or appropriate adapters.
• Charging Rates: Charging rates and fees may differ for non-Tesla vehicles using the Supercharger network. It’s recommended to consult Tesla’s official resources or your vehicle manufacturer for the most accurate information. |
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| As the EV landscape evolves, more manufacturers are collaborating with Tesla to provide their customers with access to the extensive Supercharger network, enhancing the overall charging infrastructure for EV owners. |
| | 1. Understanding the Tesla NACS Connector
Tesla’s NACS connector is sleek, compact, and efficient, offering both AC (Level 1 and Level 2) and DC fast charging (Supercharging) through a single plug. Originally, it was only available to Tesla vehicles, but more and more non-Tesla EVs can now use this charging standard with adapters or direct compatibility through emerging partnerships in the EV industry. Several automakers, such as Ford, GM, and Rivian, have announced partnerships to integrate the NACS connector directly into their future vehicles, which will make accessing Tesla Superchargers even easier for non-Tesla EV owners. However, for current non-Tesla EVs, an adapter is often required. |
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| 2. Check if Your EV is Compatible
The first step in using Tesla NACS chargers with your non-Tesla EV is to determine compatibility. As of March 27, 2025, several electric vehicle (EV) brands have gained access to Tesla’s 250 kW Supercharger network through various means, including native compatibility and the use of adapters. Here’s an overview:
Read more… |
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| |  | DRIVE Electric Arizona’s Peter Culin was recently interviewed by Arizona’s Family TV3 about upcoming federal HOV lane change rules that will make it illegal for EVs to drive in Arizona HOV lanes without a passenger.
Click here to see the video! |
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| | DRIVE ELECTRIC ARIZONA CHAPTER UPDATES |
|  | Gila River Indian Community Earth Day Event |
| On March 28, 2025, DRIVE Electric Arizona proudly participated in the Gila Indian Community’s Earth Day Celebration, showcasing five electric vehicles in an engaging, hands-on display. The lineup featured a Ford F-150 Lightning provided by SRP, as well as a Ford Mustang Mach-E GT, Kia EV6, Rivian R1T, and Chevrolet Bolt—all presented by dedicated volunteers from our Tribal Nations and Valley of the Sun chapters. |
|  |  | Photo credits: John Martinson, Shaun Barnette |
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| Over the course of the four-hour event, our passionate EV owner-volunteers engaged with 204 tribal members and community attendees, answering questions, sharing personal experiences, and clearing up common myths and misconceptions about electric vehicles. Guests were also invited to attend our upcoming Ride & Drive event on April 19 at South Mountain Community College for a chance to get behind the wheel themselves.
In addition to community members of all ages—including many curious elementary school students—the event welcomed a very special guest, Dr. Jane Goodall, who addressed the crowd with an inspiring message of environmental stewardship.
Read more… |
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| |  | March Rally: EV Off-Road Adventure to Sheep Bridge |
| (March 22, 2025) We kicked off our day with breakfast and good vibes at Black Mountain Cafe in Carefree, fueling up (ourselves, not the cars!) before heading out on an unforgettable off-road adventure to Sheep Bridge with an all-electric crew:
🔋 1 Ford F-150 Lightning
🔋 3 Rivian R1S
🔋 5 Rivian R1T
🔋 1 Subaru Solterra
And a big shout-out to the BMW iX and Tesla Model X that joined us for breakfast!
The route was slow-going at times with steep, rocky grades and creek crossings, but the rewards were plenty — panoramic vistas, challenging terrain, and a ton of off-road fun with a tight-knit group of EV enthusiasts. We aired down our tires for optimal traction and comfort, and every vehicle in the group handled the trail with ease.
One of the biggest surprises of the day? The Subaru Solterra keeping up effortlessly with the tanky Rivians and powerful Ford Lightning. Then again… it’s a Subaru — are we really surprised?
Read more… |
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| | Photo credits: Worldwide Drone Solutions, Greg Berstein, Peter Culin, and John Martinson |
| | | | “Cars of Encanterra” Car Show 2025 |
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|  |  | Photo credit: Adam Draper, John Morrill, and Bryan Ehrenfreund |
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| We're Charged Up! ⚡️
A huge thank you to everyone who joined us at the Cars of Encanterra Car Show on Saturday, March 22nd!
We had an awesome lineup, featuring a custom Tesla Model Y Performance, a sleek Cadillac Lyriq, and the eye-catching Volkswagen ID.BUZZ.
More than 200 community members stopped by to chat, check out the cars, and learn more about the future of electric driving. Your support helps DRIVE Electric Arizona keep the momentum going toward a cleaner, more sustainable future!
Stay tuned for more events — and keep driving electric!
Read more… |
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| | Arizona Electric Fleet Day at ASU Showcases State’s Commitment to Sustainable Transportation |
| (Tempe, AZ — March 12, 2025) Arizona State University (ASU) hosted the Arizona Electric Fleet Day at the Memorial Union, bringing together fleet owners, operators, policymakers, and sustainability advocates to explore the transition to electric transportation. The event featured a comprehensive agenda with expert panels, networking opportunities, and exhibitions of the latest electric vehicle (EV) technologies.
A notable session titled "Utilities as Your Long-Term Fleet Electrification Partner" featured representatives from Arizona Public Service (APS), Salt River Project (SRP), and Tucson Electric Power (TEP). The panelists discussed collaborative approaches between utilities and fleet operators to facilitate seamless electrification, highlighting available resources and support mechanisms. |
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| Throughout the event, attendees had the opportunity to engage with exhibitors showcasing cutting-edge EV technologies and services. Among the exhibitors were DRIVE Electric Arizona and Valley of the Sun Electric Vehicle Association, both instrumental in promoting EV adoption and education across the state. DRIVE Electric Arizona, an all-volunteer organization launched in January 2024, focuses on accelerating the transition to electric vehicles through education and advocacy, working with utilities, EV auto dealerships and OEMs statewide. Valley of the Sun Electric Vehicle Association, a chapter of both the Electric Vehicle Association and DRIVE Electric Arizona, serves as a community for EV enthusiasts in the Phoenix metro area, organizing events and providing resources for current and prospective EV owners.
Arizona Electric Fleet Day at ASU underscored the state's proactive approach to embracing sustainable transportation solutions. By fostering collaboration among industry leaders, utilities, and advocacy groups like DRIVE Electric Arizona and Valley of the Sun Electric Vehicle Association, Arizona is paving the way for a cleaner, more efficient transportation future. |
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| | | | | | 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
#indigenousEVowners
#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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