|
| | 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, 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) |
|
| |  | Visit our website to see WATTS HAPPENING and to RSVP to get involved!
November 23 | November Rally: Meetup & Drive, Surprise
December 14-16 | December Rally: Meetup & Drive/Ride & Drive Events, Sedona
January 10-12, 2025 | Maricopa County Home Show, Arizona State Fair Grounds
January 25, 2025 | Cave Creek Ride & Drive, Cave Creek
February 15, 2025 | Eastmark & Cadence Community EV Car Show, Mesa
February 21-23, 2025 | Fountain Festival, Fountain Hills
February 22, 2025 | Chandler Innovation Fair, Chandler |
| | | | EV LIVING
Why Battery Electric Vehicles (BEVs) are a Better, More Economical Choice than Hybrids
As electric vehicle (EV) options continue to grow, consumers often face a key decision: should they choose a fully electric Battery Electric Vehicle (BEV) or a Hybrid Electric Vehicle (HEV) that combines an electric motor with a gas engine? While hybrids may seem like a safer middle ground, BEVs offer distinct advantages that make them both a better and more economical choice. Here’s why going fully electric with a BEV might be the smartest move.
1. Significantly Lower Fuel Costs
Hybrid vehicles still rely on gasoline for power, meaning owners are still vulnerable to rising fuel prices. BEVs, on the other hand, run exclusively on electricity, which costs far less per mile than gasoline. By charging at home or at low-cost public stations, BEV owners can save hundreds or even thousands annually in fuel costs. These savings add up, making BEVs more affordable over the long term.
2. Reduced Maintenance Costs
Since hybrids have both an internal combustion engine and an electric motor, they come with maintenance needs for both systems, including oil changes, exhaust maintenance, and regular engine servicing. BEVs, however, have far fewer moving parts and do not require oil changes, spark plugs, or timing belts. This translates to lower maintenance costs and fewer trips to the mechanic, reducing both hassle and expense. |
| 3. Environmental Benefits: Zero Emissions
Battery Electric Vehicles produce zero tailpipe emissions, thus reducing local emissions, and improving air quality in your own community, making them a better choice for environmentally conscious drivers. Hybrid vehicles, while more efficient than traditional gas cars, still emit carbon dioxide and other pollutants. With growing environmental awareness, many consumers prefer BEVs for their ability to reduce air pollution and decrease greenhouse gas emissions. |
|
| |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| 4. Incentives and Tax Credits
Government incentives for BEVs are often higher than those for hybrids, offering significant savings for new EV buyers. In the U.S., federal tax credits can reach up to $7,500 for new BEV purchases, while some states add additional rebates or incentives, making BEVs even more affordable. Many of these incentives do not apply to hybrids or are less substantial, giving BEVs a distinct economic advantage.
5. The Advantage of Simple Charging Options
Charging a BEV is generally simple, with options to charge at home, work, or public stations. As charging infrastructure rapidly expands, BEV drivers have more charging options than ever before. While hybrids offer flexibility with both fuel and electric power, BEVs increasingly fit seamlessly into daily routines, with charging stations in convenient locations and quick home charging solutions that let you skip the gas station entirely. |
| | 6. Future-Proofing Your Investment
BEVs represent the future of transportation as more automakers and governments shift toward zero-emission targets. Choosing a BEV today means investing in a technology that will only grow in capability, value, and support. As fuel prices rise and carbon restrictions increase, BEVs are likely to retain their value better than hybrids, offering an economic edge for the long term.
Making the Move to BEVs for Smart Savings and Sustainability
Battery Electric Vehicles are not only more economical than hybrids over the long run but also provide a cleaner, simpler, and more sustainable driving experience. With lower fuel and maintenance costs, better incentives, and a clear environmental advantage, BEVs are an investment in both a greener future and your own financial well-being. If you’re considering a switch to electric, going fully electric with a BEV might be the smartest choice. |
| | | | | SPONSOR NEWS
SAN TAN FORD END-OF-YEAR EV DEALS! |
|  | San Tan Ford is now in the top ten of all Ford Dealerships (more than 2,850 in the U.S.) in terms of EV sales for 23-24. Our dedication to sell and support EV sales has not wavered since setting a record in August for the most (ever) sold number of EVs in a calendar month by any franchised dealer brand. We are prepared for the last 5 weeks of the 2024-selling year, with a record number of more than (200) EVs on-site. These include all (4) Mach-E trim levels (if you include the GT Rally version) and all (5) trim levels of the F-150 Lightning. STF has an even better program than the National Ford Pro Power Program because our store can sell both chargers and we have certified electricians who install them faster than the national program. We offer the TOTAL EV SOLUTION for new owners, this includes a huge selection of vehicles, chargers, their install, a book on all things EV and post-sale support of their vehicles. This summer, Ford introduced the Mustang Mach-E Rally Edition! It offers an enhanced powertrain rated at 480 horsepower and 650 lb.-ft of torque, specialty springs, Magne-ride shocks, a rally sport off road driving mode. Unique visual cues include, 19” white, alloy wheels, hood stripes, and a rear wing spoiler. If you’d like more information, a test ride or a VIP Dealership Experience, please feel free to contact me. John Deming 602 315-4466 JOHN DEMING EV Champion 602. 315. 4466 johndeming@santanford.com 1429 E Motorplex Loop Gilbert, AZ 85297 |
|  | | DRIVE ELECTRIC ARIZONA CHAPTER UPDATES |
|  | | SRP SUSTAINABILITY FAIR
On Tuesday, October 29, 2024, Valley of the Sun EVA featured a static EV display at SRP’s Annual Sustainability Fair, located at their Project Administration Building in Tempe.
This annual event features many Valley-wide organizations that support sustainability in every facet of our day-to-day lives. SRP employees are invited to participate in the fair and are provided lunch and some “free bucks” to shop at different vendor booths. Almost 800 employees participated this year!
As an SRP partner, we featured four vehicles, including a Chevrolet Bolt EUV, Ford Mustang Mach-E, Rivian R1T and Rivian R1S. SRP hosted two electric workhorses - a Ford F-150 Lightning Pro and Chevrolet Silverado EV 3WT.
Read More… |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| | ARIZONA FALL FESTIVAL
On Saturday, November 9, 2024, Valley of the Sun EVA featured a static EV display, sponsored by SRP, at Arizona Fall Fest in downtown Phoenix.
9 volunteers and 5 electric vehicles were staged in the middle of the event, which saw many thousands of people come through. Non-stop from 10am until 5pm, our volunteers engaged more than 2,000 people directly at our display.
Read More… |
| | | BEST OF ARIZONA CARS & COFFEE
Saturday, November 16, 2024, brought together an eclectic mix of fantastic vehicles, for the first ever “Best of Arizona Cars and Coffee.”
Held at the One AZ Credit Union headquarters, and put together by our friends at BESPOKEV, this event was unlike any other. Bringing together more than a dozen car clubs from around the state, the event featured more than 200 vehicles. From modern electrics, to supercars, classic muscle cars, and everything in between, it was quite a spectacle.
Check out our photos, featuring a tricked out Toyota Prius, Tesla Cybertruck, GMC Hummer EV (with camper shell) and the “Grape Tesla.”
Read More… |
|
| |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| | | | |
Breathing Easy in Paris by Bob Levitan, Board Member, DRIVE Electric Arizona
My wife and I have been frequent visitors to Paris, France, for decades. Paris is a beautiful city anytime but our trip this past September the city was especially sparkling and beautiful. Sure, the city has been in non-stop construction mode for years getting ready for the Olympics and the Paralympics with Metro station upgrades and other projects on what seemed like every street corner. This trip felt different. Not just because of the Olympic and Paralympic buzz or Notre Dame getting closer to re-opening, but rather the air was noticeably clean and fresh. I didn’t feel the need to wash my face after a long day of walking the city to remove street grime. |
| Paris launched the “Paris Respire” (Paris Breathes) in 2016 and has implemented a remarkable number of initiatives to improve air quality and drastically reduce the number of vehicles in many parts of the city. Being in tune with everything alternative fuel, I marveled at the number of BEV (Battery Electric Vehicles) and hybrid buses roaming the streets of Paris. From my research on RATP, the Paris public transport operator, they currently operate 1000 BE and 1000 hybrid buses. RATP’s BUS2025 plan aims to replace the remaining diesel buses with 1500 BE buses and 2220 biogas (biomethane) buses by the end of 2025. This project includes significant upgrades to 25 bus depots to accommodate electric, biomethane and hybrid buses. There are almost 18,000 BEV or plug-in hybrid taxies in the city and NO gas or diesel taxis. |
|
|  | Photo by Bob Levitan • 2024 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| The city will ban all diesel passenger cars over 14 years old starting on January 1, 2025, and has plans to ban all gas and diesel vehicles by 2030. Paris has taken other measures to reduce pollution including temporary driving bans, no-car zones, banning traffic from the Champs-Elysees monthly, rental bicycles and e-bikes and a fully electric city vehicle fleet. Just this week Paris announced the implementation of several limited traffic zones or “ZTL” approved recently by the city council.
Paris has taken on climate change and reducing pollution head on. While the plans may not be perfect and there are certainly critics, we certainly stood up and took notice. I’m guessing many others have too. We have plans to return to Paris at the end of May and I look forward to breathing easy in Paris again.
Sources: RATP Group, G7 Taxi Group, City of Paris, Euro News |
|  | Image credit: Guilian Bruno/Shutterstock.com (Licensed by Robert Levitan) |
|
|  | Image credit: Here Now/Shutterstock.com (Licensed by Robert Levitan) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| | | SPONSORSHIP OPPORTUNITIES
As a non-profit organization, sponsorships are an important/vital part of DRIVE Electric Arizona and its mission to accelerate the transition to electric vehicles. Sponsorships also provide a benefit to our membership, such as a discount for your product or service, free charging, home charger installation, special opportunities, etc.
Become a $500 annual sponsor of DRIVE Electric Arizona and receive the following benefits: • your logo with direct link on the DRIVE Electric Arizona website and monthly newsletter • an annual post on social media announcing your sponsorship and benefits to our membership by relevant DRIVE Electric Arizona chapter(s) - Valley of the Sun, Three Rivers Tribes, or Route 66 Kingman • an annual opportunity to host one event with DRIVE Electric Arizona • an annual opportunity to be featured or provide a story for the DRIVE Electric Arizona newsletter
Additional sponsorship level opportunities are also available. Please contact us through email or through the button below for more information! |
| | | CALL TO ACTION!
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, or make a donation. With your help, we are heightening awareness about DRIVE Electric Arizona and our three growing chapters: Valley of the Sun, Three Rivers Tribes, 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. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |  | | | | #VOTSEVA
#3RT
#Route66EV
#driveelectric
#zeroemissions |
|
| #electricvehicle
#eva
#deaz
#electrified #driveelectricaz |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| | | Charge On!
John S Martinson and Peter Culin
Co-Founders
DRIVE Electric Arizona
Valley of the Sun Electric Vehicle Association |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| | |  | | | | | |  | | |
|
|
|
| |
|
