Plug In America: Driving the Transition to Electric Vehicles
Transitioning to electric vehicles (EVs) can feel overwhelming for many consumers and policymakers. Plug In America serves as a critical bridge in this transition, providing objective, practical information to help drivers, manufacturers, and government officials understand the tangible benefits of switching to plug-in transportation. By focusing on education, hands-on experience, and policy advocacy, the organization works to make sustainable transport accessible to everyone.
Key Facts
- Core Mission: Providing objective information to help consumers select the best plug-in vehicles for their needs.
- Major Events: Orchestrates National Drive Electric Week (September) and Drive Electric Earth Day (April).
- Policy Focus: Advocates for federal tax credits, charging infrastructure, and zero-emission mandates.
- Dealer Support: Operates the PlugStar program to train automotive dealers in EV sales and incentives.
- Direct Assistance: Offers a one-on-one EV Support Program for current and prospective drivers.
Hands-On Experience and Community Outreach
One of the most effective ways to encourage EV adoption is through direct experience. Plug In America organizes ride-alongs and test drives across the United States to demystify electric driving. A cornerstone of these efforts is National Drive Electric Week, an annual September event held in partnership with the Sierra Club and the Electric Auto Association.
The scale of these events is significant. In 2018, National Drive Electric Week saw over 185,000 attendees across 321 events spanning all 50 U.S. states, as well as Canada and New Zealand. These gatherings feature a variety of activities, including car showcases, parades, press conferences, and speeches from elected officials.
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Expanding its reach, the organization launched Drive Electric Earth Day (DEED) in April 2019. This initiative integrates EV promotion with global Earth Day celebrations across the U.S., Canada, and other international locations. Additionally, the group has partnered with the Department of Energy and local utilities—such as Southern California Edison and the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power—to host ride-and-drive events in Georgia, San Diego, the Northeast, and the greater Los Angeles area.
Policy Advocacy and Legislative Impact
Beyond consumer education, Plug In America actively lobbies for policies that lower the barrier to EV entry. Their advocacy focuses on several key areas: extending the federal EV tax credit, increasing access to High Occupancy Vehicle (HOV) lanes, expanding charging infrastructure, and implementing registration incentives.
In 2017, the organization mobilized supporters to contact Congress to protect the $7,500 federal EV tax credit. During the same year, they promoted EV-friendly legislation in numerous states, including California, Colorado, Connecticut, Georgia, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Jersey, Oregon, Pennsylvania, and Washington. To ensure lawmakers understand the technology firsthand, they host an annual EV ride-and-drive specifically for U.S. senators.
To assist local governments, Plug In America released the AchiEVe toolkit in June 2018, providing a comprehensive set of policies designed to promote EV adoption at the state and local levels.
Improving the Purchase Experience: PlugStar and Support
Buying an electric car often requires different knowledge than buying a traditional internal combustion engine vehicle. To address this, Plug In America developed PlugStar, a program designed to improve the dealership experience. PlugStar provides automotive dealers with training on government incentives, utility rates, and EV sales best practices.
The PlugStar pilot programs began in 2017 in San Diego and Boston, later expanding to Los Angeles and Sacramento. For consumers, PlugStar offers online tools for vehicle comparisons, charging equipment information, and a directory of certified dealers.
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Furthering their commitment to driver success, the organization launched an EV Support Program in 2019, offering personalized, one-on-one assistance to both current and potential EV owners. Additionally, the organization recognizes industry leaders through the annual Drive Electric Awards, first presented in 2018.
Program Summary
| Program/Initiative | Primary Goal | Key Activities |
|---|---|---|
| National Drive Electric Week | Public Awareness | Ride-and-drives, showcases, and parades in September. |
| Drive Electric Earth Day | Environmental Integration | EV events aligned with Earth Day in April. |
| PlugStar | Dealer & Consumer Education | Dealer training and online vehicle comparison tools. |
| AchiEVe Toolkit | Policy Guidance | Policy frameworks for state and local governments. |
| EV Support Program | Personalized Assistance | One-on-one support for EV drivers. |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main purpose of Plug In America?
Plug In America provides objective information and resources to help consumers, policymakers, and manufacturers understand the benefits of electric vehicles and select the best options for their needs.
What is National Drive Electric Week?
It is an annual event held every September in partnership with the Sierra Club and Electric Auto Association, featuring ride-and-drives and car showcases to promote EV adoption globally.
How does the PlugStar program help consumers?
PlugStar trains automotive dealers to better assist customers with EV-specific questions and provides consumers with online tools for comparing vehicles and finding incentives.
What specific policies does Plug In America advocate for?
The organization advocates for the extension of the $7,500 federal EV tax credit, expanded zero-emission vehicle mandates, better charging infrastructure, and HOV lane access.
What is the AchiEVe toolkit?
Released in June 2018, the AchiEVe toolkit is a resource for state and local governments containing policies designed to accelerate the adoption of electric vehicles.