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| | JUNE 2025 VOLUME 2 • ISSUE 6 |
| | | 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. DRIVE Electric Arizona engages 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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| | | | Electric Vehicles: Driving Toward Cleaner Air and Healthier Lungs in Arizona by Kristen Miraglia, Advocacy Manager | Clean Outdoor, American Lung Association |
| As we face the mounting impacts of climate change, it has become increasingly clear that this crisis is also a public health emergency. Here in Arizona, where air quality challenges persist, our efforts to transition to cleaner transportation options are gaining momentum. One of the most promising solutions is the widespread adoption of electric vehicles (EVs), which offer a powerful tool to both mitigate climate change and improve lung health.
Pollution and Its Impact on Health
Transportation is one of the largest sources of harmful air and climate pollution in the United States. Tailpipe emissions from gasoline- and diesel-powered vehicles release a mix of pollutants that contribute to the formation of ozone pollution, also known as smog. This form of air pollution poses serious health risks to everyone, but especially to vulnerable groups like children, older adults, and those living with chronic lung diseases such as asthma or COPD. |
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| Ozone pollution doesn’t just cause irritation; it’s linked to life-threatening conditions. High ozone levels can trigger asthma attacks, worsen lung disease, increase the risk of heart attacks and strokes, and even lead to premature death. In our 2025 State of the Air report, Maricopa, Pima, Pinal, and Gila counties all received failing grades for ozone pollution. Maricopa County ranked 6th worst in the nation for the number of high ozone days, highlighting the urgent need for action. |
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| Benefits of Electric Vehicles
In our report, Zeroing in on Healthy Air, the American Lung Association detailed the significant public health and climate benefits of widespread transportation electrification. In Arizona alone, our state could see an estimated $15.1 billion in cumulative public health benefits through reduced pollution. This would include preventing more than 1,360 premature deaths, 38,500 asthma attacks, and over 182,000 lost workdays - powerful reminders of how clean air translates directly into healthier lives and stronger communities.
Arizonans recognize the promise of this clean transportation future. In December, the American Lung Association released polling that showed strong bipartisan support among Arizona voters for policies that accelerate the transition to electric vehicles and expand public charging infrastructure. These results reflect a growing consensus that investments in EVs are not only good for the environment, but also for our economy and our health.
The benefits are clear: cleaner vehicles mean cleaner air, and cleaner air means healthier lungs. As Arizona continues to make strides toward a zero-emission transportation future, the positive impact on public health will be profound. Every step we take toward electrifying our roads is a step toward breathing easier.
Visit https://www.lung.org/ to learn more about the work of the American Lung Association.
For more… |
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| EV LIVING
Why Electric Vehicles are Perfect for Hot Climates Like Arizona by DRIVE Electric Arizona • Blog |
| Cooler, Cleaner, and Smarter - EVs Beat the Heat
In Arizona, summer isn't just a season—it's a way of life. With temperatures regularly soaring past 110°F, staying cool isn’t a luxury—it’s survival. While conventional gas-powered vehicles labor under the heat, electric vehicles (EVs) are quietly proving they’re the real MVPs of hot weather driving. If you live in the desert Southwest or anywhere with sizzling summers, here’s why EVs are not just better for the planet—but better for you.
Cabin Pre-Conditioning: Comfort without Compromise
One of the most game-changing features of EVs in hot climates is cabin pre-conditioning. Imagine stepping into a car that’s already at your perfect temperature, even if it’s been parked in the sun all day. With an EV, you can remotely cool the cabin using your phone—without ever starting the car. Unlike gas vehicles, EVs don’t need the engine running to power the AC. That means: You can pre-cool your car while it’s still plugged in, using grid power instead of draining the battery. The cabin stays cooler even when idling, since there’s no engine heat adding to the problem. It’s quieter, faster, and more efficient.
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| | No Tailpipe, No Extra Heat
Internal combustion engines generate a lot of excess heat—both under the hood and from the exhaust. In a city full of gas-powered cars, that heat adds up fast. EVs? They produce far less waste heat and no tailpipe emissions, which helps reduce urban heat and smog buildup.
That means: |
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| Superior Thermal Management Systems
EV batteries are sensitive to temperature, so manufacturers equip them with advanced thermal management systems. That’s a bonus for drivers in hot places, because: These systems actively cool the battery during use and charging. Battery longevity is protected—even during a Phoenix heatwave. Your car is smarter about managing heat than the average gas vehicle.
Read about more ways that EVs are perfect for Arizona… |
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| | DRIVE ELECTRIC ARIZONA CHAPTER UPDATES |
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| | On Saturday, June 21, we gathered for our June Rally: a scenic drive to the historic mining town of Jerome. The event featured 14 EVs and 25 enthusiastic participants who set off early in the morning for a high desert adventure.
After arriving in Jerome, the group gathered for a lively lunch at The Haunted Hamburger, sharing stories and building connections over great food. Several newcomers joined us, adding new energy to our growing EV community.
Following lunch, most of the group continued on to Prescott via the breathtaking drive up and over Mingus Mountain. A handful of participants extended the day even further with a loop back through Wickenburg, where the route offered equally stunning views—and a mostly downhill grade that highlighted just how efficient EVs can be thanks to regenerative braking. Drivers appreciated watching their range go up as they cruised through the desert landscape.
Read more about the June Rally to Jerome… |
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| Photo credits: Rachel Culin, Peter Culin, Kenny Craig, Suzanne Martinson |
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| Celebrating Juneteenth at Eastlake Park |
| DRIVE Electric Arizona’s Valley of the Sun chapter was proud to showcase a few electric vehicles at the Juneteenth Celebration on Saturday, June 14th, at Eastlake Park in Phoenix. We’re grateful to our valued sponsor and partner, SRP, for inviting us to take part in this meaningful community event. It was a great opportunity to share our passion for EVs and connect with attendees about the benefits of clean, electric transportation.
For more… |
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| Photo credits: Nathan Culin, Peter Culin |
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| | | Why Arizona Should Lead the Charge on Electric Vehiclesby John S Martinson, Co-Founder and President, DRIVE Electric Arizona |
| In Cheaper, Faster, Better: How We’ll Win the Climate War, Tom Steyer makes a compelling case that the clean energy transition isn’t just necessary—it’s a once-in-a-generation economic opportunity. For Arizona, the shift to electric vehicles (EVs) offers cleaner air, stronger consumer savings, and global competitiveness. The time to act is now. 1. EVs Are Cleaner—and Already Cheaper EVs embody what Steyer calls “climate capitalism”: better products at lower costs. Battery prices have fallen dramatically, with another estimated 80% drop this decade. That means longer ranges, faster charging, and lower sticker prices. Like solar and wind—now the cheapest forms of power—EVs are winning not by mandate, but by market. |
| | 2. Performance Without Compromise EVs aren’t just greener—they’re better to drive. Instant torque, smooth handling, and quiet power make EVs more fun and more functional than their gas-powered counterparts. 3. Smart Economics for Arizona Households and Businesses EVs reduce fuel and maintenance costs, and as our grid shifts toward renewables, charging becomes even cheaper. For Arizona’s families and fleets, EVs are no longer luxuries—they’re smart financial choices. |
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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 and
Valley of the Sun Electric Vehicle Association |
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