National Drive Electric Week

(Formerly National Plug in Day)

An overview by the Space Coast EV Drivers

Josh Pritt and Brenna Kaminski

National Drive Electric Week is a Nationwide Celebration that Aims to

• Heighten awareness of today's widespread availability of plug-in vehicles and highlight the benefits of all-electric and plug-in hybrid-electric cars, trucks, motorcycles, and more
• Show the public that they are fun to drive
• Less expensive (fueling and maintenance)
• More convenient to fuel than gasoline vehicles
• Better for the environment
• Promote local jobs
• Reduce our dependence on foreign oil

Facts

Plug In America, Sierra Club, and the Electric Auto Association serve as the national team providing support to the events throughout the country. They are pleased to partner with the many other organizations and individuals working to bring National Drive Electric Week to communities across the country.

• Started in 2011
• Originally national plug in day (Changed this year to national drive electric week)
• Each event is led by local plug-in drivers and advocates and typically includes some combination of
• EV parades, ride-and-drives, electric tailgate parties, press conferences, award ceremonies, informational booths, and more

Embracing the Event and Positive Impact �

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• National plug in day has impact on the market
• Nissan reported record sales for the Leaf that month
• Spokesperson for California EV rebate project noted that rebate requests set a record immediately after the weekend

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World Wide National Plug in Day 2013

• 98 gatherings
• 36,000 attendees
• Approx 3000 EV owners showed their cars
• Over 2700 rides or drives taken by attendees

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National Plug in Day 2013 �

Huntsville Alabama Results

• 25 Regisiterd attendees
• 7 Regisitered Vehicles
• 86 People attended
• 14 EVs participated
• 35 Test rides were given

Florida 2013 Plug in Day Events

City Support in 2013

Sarasota Florida

• Mayor and chair of county commission both read proclamations for national plug in day

Temple Terrace Florida

• Mayor and city council opened the event by issuing a proclamation

2014 Florida City Participation Sign up to Date

• Melbourne
• Jacksonville
• Oldsmar
• Sarasota

Huntsville Alabama 2013 Highlights

• Gave certificate awards with donations from local businesses like Chick-Fil-A, Krispy Kreme, Local Grocery Star Market, Panera Bread, and 1892 East for milestones such as most EV miles, newest EV, oldest EV, and longest distance driven to the event.

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• Supported by the City with a Proclamation signed and delivered by Mayor Tommy Battle during a televised City Council meeting.

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• Was held at a locally owned Solar Energy Display park with two charging stations and ample parking in the city center.

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Ride and Drives Important Information

• It is a personal decision what the owners let guests do with their vehicles
• look at it, sit in, ride in, or drive it. Indicate special rules with a notice on your car. “The more you let test-drivers do, the more likely they are to be enthusiastic, but it's important to balance that with your comfort level with having others in your car.” – Plug In America
• Volunteers should check their insurance policy beforehand or check with their agent to inquire about coverage when allowing people to drive personal cars.
• Most people can probably let others drive the car for quick trips, but should check first, as a few policies will not cover even that.
• Note that you can't accept money for rides or drives, as that would count as commercial use.
• Ask for a valid driver license from anyone wishing to drive.
• While on a test ride, here are some things that you might point out:
• Quietness
• Lack of vibration
• No jerking or shifting while accelerating
• Immediate throttle response – no need to wait for downshifting, RPMs, or a turbo
• Power regeneration, rather than wasting energy in braking

Corporate and municipal involvement

Participation may involve donating money, food, or materials to offset the costs of the event; providing vehicles for showcase/test-rides; setting up a table or booth with information; providing a speaker; and publicizing the event to their customers/constituents, etc.

City captains are encouraged to ask their cities to officially sponsor the event and perhaps even pass a city council resolution naming September 20 2014, as “Melbourne Drive Electric Day.”

General Suggestions for Corporate or City Involvement:

• Provide event space at a parking lot or elsewhere.
• Promote Drive Electric Week by issuing a press release, sending an email or mailing to customers, and/or trumpeting Drive Electric Week on social media.
• Donate food or other items to help offset the costs of local events.
• Contribute funds to offset the costs of local events.
• Provide information at a booth or table at local event(s).
• Provide vehicles or charging units to showcase.
• Provide charging units for event participants to use to charge their vehicles.
• Provide vehicles for test-drives or test-rides.

The Role of City Captain�

• Companies or corporate representatives �may not play the role of “city captain” by taking the lead in organizing local Plug In Day events.
• The city captain role needs to be played by a nonprofit group or an individual EV advocate with strong community ties. This will allow the retention of the independent grassroots flavor that helps to make the week a success.

This will put Melbourne on the map.

Saturday September 20, 2014.