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| | APRIL 2025 VOLUME 2 • ISSUE 4 |
| | | 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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| Welcome APS — Our Newest Utility Sponsor!
We’re thrilled to announce that Arizona Public Service (APS) is now an official sponsor of DRIVE Electric Arizona!
With APS’s support, we’ll expand Ride & Drive events, bring EV education to more communities, and help accelerate Arizona’s transition to clean transportation.
Together, we’re building a cleaner, healthier future for Arizona—one electric mile at a time.
Thank you, APS, for helping DRIVE Electric forward!
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| | | EV SPOTLIGHT
Nathan Culin Named EV Student of the YearSubmitted by Peter & Rachel Culin • DRIVE Electric Arizona • Blog |
| We are thrilled to share some incredibly exciting news from our family — our son, Nathan, has been named the Electric Vehicle Association’s EV Student of the Year for 2025.
From the moment he started building his epic EV Hot Wheels collection, we knew Nathan had a special passion for electric vehicles. That early spark turned into a full-on drive (pun intended) for learning, sharing, and leading in the EV community. |
| | Today, Nathan is proud to serve as the Youth Membership Manager for the Valley of the Sun Electric Vehicle Association (VOTSEVA) chapter, the founding chapter of DRIVE Electric Arizona. In this role, he helps encourage other young people to get excited about EVs, sustainability, and the future of clean transportation. Whether it's showcasing EVs at events, assisting with educational activities, or simply sharing his contagious enthusiasm, Nathan is making an impact far beyond his years.
If you’ve ever attended one of our events, you’ve almost certainly experienced Nathan’s presence and impact firsthand — welcoming guests, answering questions, and helping bring the energy that makes our EV community so special.
Read more… |
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| EV LIVING
Why You May Only Need to Charge Your EV on a 120V OutletYes, the humble wall plug may be all you needby Drive Electric Arizona • Education |
| When people first consider switching to an electric vehicle (EV), they often assume they’ll need to install a charging station at home. But here’s a surprising truth: for many EV drivers, a standard 120-volt household outlet—also called “Level 1 charging”—may be all you need. Let’s break down why this slow-but-steady charging method can work just fine for everyday life. |
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| 1. Most People Don’t Drive that Far on a Daily Basis The average American drives about 30–40 miles per day. Level 1 charging adds 3–5 miles of range per hour—which adds up to 30–50 miles overnight. That’s plenty to top off what you used during the day while you sleep. |
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| 2. It’s the Simplest and Cheapest Way to Charge For people who live in older homes, apartments, or rentals, 120V charging is a great way to ease into EV ownership without added costs.
3. It’s Easier on Your Battery Charging at lower speeds generates less heat, which can be gentler on your EV’s battery over time—especially in hot climates like Arizona. Many experts agree that Level 1 charging is ideal for battery longevity, particularly if you’re not in a rush.
When You Might Want to Upgrade |
| If you: Regularly drive 60+ miles a day Share your EV with a partner or teen driver Want faster charging for road trips or emergencies
Then a Level 2 charger (240V) is often worth the investment. But many EV owners go months—or years—on Level 1 without issue. Depending on your daily driving habits and goals, this could be an option. |
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| On April 13, John Martinson shared his experiences as an early EV-adopter and how that evolved into his current passion for DRIVE Electric Arizona on the Electrify Expo stage. Click here to see the video!
Peter Culin and John Martinson were interviewed on KYAY 91.1 FM Radio (San Carlos Apahe Radio) on April 17 to discuss DRIVE Electric Arizona’s two-day Static Display and Ride & Drive events in San Carlos and Bylas, Arizona, held on April 23 and 24.
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| MEMBER STORIES
How My Passion for EVs Evolved into DRIVE Electric Arizonaby John S Martinson, Co-Founder and President, DRIVE Electric Arizona |
| My journey into the world of electric vehicles was sparked long before the first EV charger was installed in Arizona, through my love of automotive design and technological innovation. As a kid growing up in New York’s Hudson River Valley, I was captivated by sleek, sporty cars—my bedroom wall was home to a photo of a 1962 British Racing Green MGB Roadster. In high school, I inherited my mom’s futuristic Oldsmobile Toronado, complete with electric hide-away headlights and power everything. That car didn’t just get me around—it ignited a lifelong love for innovation in automotive design.
After moving west in 1976 and spending years exploring the backcountry in a Jeep CJ7, I eventually co-founded China Mist Tea Company in 1982 and settled in Scottsdale, Arizona. My dream car at the time? A red Porsche 911. That is, until a serendipitous flight in 2000 changed everything. |
| While flying home from a business trip, I struck up a conversation with the man seated next to me—Bill Post, then-CEO of Arizona Public Service. I asked him about a car I’d just read about in a magazine: the General Motors EV1. “Nobody’s ever going to buy an electric car,” he said. But then he added, “We have a few. If you want to try one, call my secretary.” A few days later, I did just that.
That Friday, I picked up a sleek silver EV1 from APS headquarters. It was quick, quiet, and unlike anything I’d driven. I was hooked. I sold my beloved Porsche and leased a Generation II EV1. For the next three years, that 70-mile-range car was my daily driver—charged at home, powered by curiosity and a vision of a cleaner future. |
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| From Porsche 911 to GM’s EV1, John’s electric evolution started a lifelong passion. Photo credits: John S Martinson, Suzanne Martinson |
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| When GM took back and crushed the EV1s in 2003, I, like many early adopters, was heartbroken. It would take a decade before I returned to electric driving with a 2013 Tesla Model S. By 2016, my wife Suzanne and I had become an all-EV household, and I completed my Executive Master of Sustainability Leadership at ASU. We haven’t purchased a gas-powered vehicle since. |
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| John’s 2013 Tesla Model S (red), 2018 Tesla Model 3 road trip car (sky blue & green custom wrap), and 2018 Model 3 (Scottsdale EVA multi-colored custom wrap). Photo credit: John S Martinson |
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| In 2018, I took our son on a 6,200-mile Tesla Model 3 road trip around the Western U.S. and Canada. That adventure inspired me to create what’s now a thriving online community: EV Road Trippers, with over 9,200 members sharing EV travel tips. Through that journey and countless meetups, I connected with fellow enthusiasts like Peter Culin—another East Coast transplant turned Arizona EV advocate. By 2022, I had joined the McDowell Sonoran Conservancy and met Raejean Fellows, Past President of the Electric Vehicle Association (EVA). She encouraged me to start a local EVA chapter, and shortly thereafter, Peter and I co-founded the Scottsdale Electric Vehicle Association, which quickly grew into the Valley of the Sun Electric Vehicle Association.
Then came the electric truck—the Rivian R1T. My new adventure vehicle. It brought me full circle, back to off-roading in the West, this time without emissions. In September 2023, we held our largest Ride & Drive yet with the City of Phoenix and Valley of the Sun Clean Cities Coalition. That success led to a 3-year grant opportunity through the U.S. Department of Energy to launch a statewide EV organization. On January 5, 2024, we officially incorporated DRIVE Electric Arizona, folding in Valley of the Sun EVA as our first chapter. |
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| Since then, DRIVE Electric Arizona’s momentum has only grown. With over 200 passionate volunteers, we’ve launched new programs, added chapters, hosted or participated in nearly 60 events, and completed nearly a dozen Ride & Drives in just our first year. |
| This is just the beginning. My childhood passion for cars plus my degree in Sustainability Leadership evolved into a commitment to clean transportation—and with DRIVE Electric Arizona, we’re driving change for communities across the state. Join us. Get involved. The road ahead is electric.
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| John’s current electric ride, a 2022 Rivian R1T. Photo credit: John S Martinson |
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| | DRIVE ELECTRIC ARIZONA CHAPTER UPDATES |
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| First-Ever Electric Vehicle Ride & Drive Hosted with the San Carlos Apache Tribe! |
| On Wednesday, April 23rd, DRIVE Electric Arizona made history by hosting the first-ever static electric vehicle informational display in San Carlos during the Earth Day Expo, in partnership with the San Carlos Apache Tribe. San Carlos, a community of approximately 4,769 residents as of 2023, welcomed us with enthusiasm as we connected with attendees and helped them discover what it’s really like to drive electric. |
| Our display featured an exciting lineup of vehicles — including the Chevrolet Bolt EUV, Kia EV6, Lucid Air, Rivian R1S, Rivian R1T, GMC Hummer EV, and a very special guest: an IC Bus Electric School Bus! One of the highlights of the day was seeing dozens of students with their teachers step aboard the electric bus to enjoy the powerful air conditioning — all without a single puff of toxic exhaust. Instead of fumes, the bus filled the air with cool breezes and the soft hum of fans, showcasing a cleaner, healthier future for school transportation.
At the event, attendees were invited to the FIRST EVER Electric Vehicle Ride and Drive hosted with the San Carlos Apache Tribe, held the next day in Bylas, AZ. In addition to vehicles seen the day prior, drivable vehicles included a Chevrolet Bolt, Ford Mustang Mach-E, Nissan Ariya, and Ford F-150 Lightning. For almost everyone, it was their very first time behind the wheel of an electric vehicle — and the smiles per mile were absolutely contagious!
Leading up to the event, DRIVE Electric Arizona President John Martinson and Vice President Peter Culin joined Christy Sangster-Begay of the San Carlos Apache Tribe Department of Environmental Protection for a 45-minute live, on-air radio discussion promoting the upcoming events. Their conversation helped build excitement, answer community questions, and spotlight the opportunities electric vehicles can bring to tribal communities.
Read more… |
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| Photo credits: Shaun Barnette, Peter Culin
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| DRIVE Electric Arizona Shines at the Arizona Science Center Sustainability Fair! |
| | Our information booth and electric vehicle display were buzzing with energy all day long! Featured front and center were two of today’s ultimate family haulers — the Rivian R1S and the Cadillac Lyriq — drawing curiosity and admiration from families, sustainability enthusiasts, and EV newcomers alike. From young kids marveling at the technology to adults eager to ask questions about EV ownership, it was clear: the future of driving electric is bright.
We were especially excited to engage with youth and their teachers from the Hopi Tribe, who brought thoughtful questions and a deep interest in sustainable solutions for their communities. Connecting with the next generation of leaders and changemakers is what events like this are all about!
Through out the day, our team shared real world-EV ownership experiences, helped …
Read more… |
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| Photo credits: Peter Culin, Rachel Culin |
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| | | Record-Breaking Phoenix Ride & Drive! |
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| | • Plug In America
• San Tan Ford
• ELAINE Transportation
• City of Phoenix Office of Sustainability
• Tiger Mountain Foundation
• Shining Light Foundation
• APS
• Courtesy Chevrolet • Courtesy Polestar |
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| • Courtesy Volvo
• City of Phoenix Water Services Department
• South Mountain Community Library
• ICF / SRP HEA
• Trees Matter
• Our World Energy
• Roll & Charge • Ohmmu Energy |
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| We also want to give a huge shoutout to our dedicated volunteers whose unwavering support and enthusiasm were essential in making this event such a success. Your commitment helped ensure smooth operations, warm welcomes, and meaningful interactions throughout the day.
Read more here… And here… |
| | Photo credits: Shaun Barnette, Suzanne Martinson |
| | Electric Vehicles Take Center Stage at Concours in the Hills! |
| The Electric Vehicle section at Concours in the Hills 2025 was a standout success, drawing crowds of all ages to experience the future of automotive innovation. Against the stunning backdrop of Fountain Park, EV owners and enthusiasts proudly showcased a wide range of models — from cutting-edge luxury EVs to modified performance models and even some unique electric conversions. |
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| Photo credits: CJ Schmid, Josh Benson, Sonny Shrivastava |
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| Highlights: Strong Turnout: The EV area featured an impressive lineup of vehicles, representing the growing shift toward sustainable transportation. Incredible Public Interest: Attendees were eager to learn about EV ownership, charging, range, and performance firsthand from passionate owners. Interactive Displays: Many EV owners popped hoods, opened frunks, showed charging setups, and even featured a Rivian campsite, creating a welcoming and educational experience. First-Timer Excitement: Several visitors shared that it was their very first time sitting inside an EV or exploring an all-electric drivetrain up close — and left seriously considering making the switch! Community Collaboration: The success of the EV section was made possible by the Valley of the Sun Electric Vehicle Association, DRIVE Electric Arizona, Tesla Drivers Club, and their dedicated volunteers.
A huge thank you to everyone who brought their EV, shared their story, and helped drive the conversation toward a more sustainable future!
Read more… |
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| | DRIVE Electric Arizona at Electrify Expo Phoenix! |
| Thank you to everyone who visited DRIVE Electric Arizona at Electrify Expo Phoenix on April 12–13, 2025! We were thrilled to be part of the nation's largest electric vehicle festival, bringing EV education and excitement to the community.
Throughout the weekend, our team connected with hundreds of attendees at our booth, answering questions about electric vehicle ownership, charging options, incentives, and the transition to sustainable transportation. The energy and enthusiasm for EVs were incredible! |
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| Our featured electric vehicles included a Rivian R1T, Cadillac Lyriq, Tesla Model Y Widebody, and a Rivian R1S towing a travel trailer. Interestingly, the two Rivians in our group were the only Rivians present at the entire event!
A special highlight: John Martinson participated in the Electrify Expo’s “EV Reality Check” panel, representing a unique perspective on EV ownership spanning decades!
Additionally, Board Member Shaun Barnette’s Chevrolet Bolt — cleverly disguised as an Opel Ampera-e — took center stage at the EV Reality Check panel area as part of the GreenCars exhibit, drawing lots of interest from curious attendees!
Read more here… And here… |
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| Photo credit: Peter Culin |
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| | | Glendale Community College Earth Day EV Showcase! |
| On April 8th, DRIVE Electric Arizona and Valley of the Sun EVA proudly participated in Glendale Community College’s annual Earth Day celebration, bringing the excitement of electric vehicles (EVs) to campus!
Set against a vibrant backdrop of student clubs, sustainability vendors, and guest speakers, our EV showcase drew strong interest from students, faculty, and community members alike. Visitors had the chance to check out a diverse lineup of electric vehicles — from practical daily drivers to cutting-edge models — and speak directly with the passionate owners who drive them every day. |
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| Photo credit: Peter Culin |
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| Throughout the event, attendees explored the environmental, economic, and performance benefits of electric vehicles. Our EV owners shared their personal experiences, answered questions, and helped break down common myths about EV ownership. Many visitors were surprised to learn about the incredible savings EVs offer — including lower fueling costs, minimal maintenance needs, and the fun, exhilarating experience of driving electric!
Glendale Community College’s commitment to sustainability made it a perfect match for this engaging event. Together, we helped spark important conversations about clean transportation and inspired a new generation to consider making the switch to electric.
A huge thank you to GCC for hosting us, and to our amazing vehicle owners and volunteers for making this event a success!
Read more… |
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| | American Lung Association Fight for Air Climb! |
| | The event brought together passionate individuals committed to advancing clean air initiatives. Our 10x10 informational booth and EV display welcomed participants, sparking great conversations about how electric vehicles play a key role in the future of clean transportation and healthier communities.
We were thrilled to see so many climbers, supporters, and families stop by to learn about EV ownership, charging options, and the environmental benefits of going electric. Thank you to everyone who visited our booth, asked thoughtful questions, and showed excitement for a cleaner, greener future!
A special thank you to the American Lung Association for organizing such a meaningful event, and to all the climbers who pushed themselves for such an important cause.
Read more… |
| | Photo credits: Peter Culin, Rachel Culin |
| | | | 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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