Flagstaff Embraces the Future: Two-Day EV Ride & Drive Events a Major Success
Flagstaff residents and city employees turned out in impressive numbers for a two-day celebration of electric vehicles, test drives, and clean transportation education on May 30–31. The back-to-back EV Ride & Drive events, hosted by DRIVE Electric Arizona, the City of Flagstaff Office of Sustainability and Northern Arizona Univeristy, gave attendees an up-close and hands-on look at the benefits of driving electric—right in the heart of Northern Arizona.
Friday’s event was held exclusively for City of Flagstaff employees, offering staff the chance to explore EV options for both personal use and potential fleet integration. The event featured 29 different vehicles, representing 12 brands and 22 models, giving attendees a wide view of today’s EV market. Employees spoke directly with EV owners, charging experts, and sustainability advocates about how electric transportation fits Flagstaff’s unique climate and topography.
Saturday’s public event welcomed the broader Flagstaff community and featured 15 brands and 25 different models available for ride and drives or on display. Community members came ready with questions and left with experience—getting behind the wheel, talking with current EV drivers, and exploring incentives, charging options, and the future of sustainable transportation in Northern Arizona.
In total, the two-day event hosted more than 160 test drives and received support from nine different dealerships, showcasing the growing momentum for EV adoption in Northern Arizona.
The events also saw engagement from Northern Arizona University students and young professionals. One NAU student discovered the event after seeing a Snapchat reel shared by Oxendale GMC and came out specifically to take test drives—highlighting the power of digital outreach and community partnerships.
DRIVE Electric Arizona, the City of Flagstaff Office of Sustainability and Northern Arizona University extend sincere thanks to the participating dealerships, volunteers, and supporting organizations who made the events possible. With a large number of residents experiencing the benefits of electric vehicles and countless meaningful conversations sparked, Flagstaff made it clear: the road to an electric future runs right through this mountain town.
Special thanks go to the nine participating dealerships whose support made the event possible: Babbitt Ford, Findlay Honda, Flagstaff Subaru, Mercedes-Benz of Northern Arizona, Oxendale GMC, Planet Dodge, Planet Fiat, San Tan Ford, and Tesla of Glendale. We also extend our appreciation to EvolvedEV for showcasing their Ford F-150 Lightning and for their valuable assistance in supporting the City of Flagstaff’s EV charging infrastructure planning efforts. Additional thanks to Councilmember David Spence for showcasing the hauling and towing capabilities of the Chevrolet Silverado EV, and to Councilmember Anthony Garcia for his participation in Saturday’s event.
Photo Credit: City of Flagstaff
