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| | MAY 2025 VOLUME 2 • ISSUE 5 |
| | | 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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| DRIVE Electric Arizona’s “Trusted EV Dealership Program” - Arizona’s First Program Dedicated to EV Buyer Confidence and EV Dealership Transparency by DRIVE Electric Arizona • Dealer Engagement Working Group |
| We’re proud to officially launch the DRIVE Electric Arizona Trusted EV Dealership Program, a first-of-its-kind initiative to ensure Arizonans have access to knowledgeable, transparent, and EV-focused dealerships when shopping for electric vehicles. This program sets a new standard in the Arizona EV market—connecting buyers and lessees with EV dealerships that are trained, vetted, and committed to providing the same seamless experience you’d expect when shopping for a traditional gas vehicle. From browsing and test-driving to purchasing or leasing, these dealerships are equipped to guide you confidently into electric mobility.
What Makes an EV Dealership “Trusted”?
Participating EV dealerships meet key criteria, including: No more automated oil change reminders or irrelevant fuel system inspections. Trusted EV Dealerships follow EV-appropriate maintenance schedules that reflect your vehicle’s actual needs—helping you avoid unnecessary service costs while preserving trust. Buying a used EV? Trusted EV dealerships offer third-party battery health reports, giving you full visibility into the condition of the most important (and expensive) component of the vehicle. Sales teams at Trusted EV Dealerships are trained to answer questions about range, charging, incentives, and more—ensuring you’re never left in the dark. Honesty is a hallmark of the program. Trusted EV Dealerships commit to transparent, pressure-free sales practices designed around your needs, not just their bottom line.
See It. Test It. Buy It.
One of the program’s core goals is to ensure that EV buyers in Arizona have the same convenient access to electric vehicles as traditional cars—meaning you can walk in, view a sele tion of EVs, take a test drive, and make a purchase with confidence.
Find Trusted EV Dealerships Near You
You can now explore a searchable map of participating EV dealerships on our website, clearly marked with the DRIVE Electric Arizona logo: ![A black background with white textDescription automatically generated]()
As of launch, DRIVE Electric Arizona’s first Trusted EV Dealership is San Tan Ford in Gilbert—recognized as the third-largest Ford EV dealer in the nation. More dealerships will be added soon, and we’ll keep you updated in each monthly newsletter as new locations qualify. |
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| Visit DRIVE Electric Arizona’s Trusted EV Dealership Hub
To explore the program, visit driveelectricaz.org. Under the RESOURCES menu, select TRUSTED EV DEALERSHIPS to access:
Built for Community, Backed by Experience In tandem with this program, DRIVE Electric Arizona continues to host Ride & Drive events statewide, allowing you to test EVs, talk with real owners, and build confidence through hands-on experience and community support.
This Is Just the Beginning The Trusted EV Dealership Program marks a major step forward in making EVs more accessible and buyer-friendly in Arizona. Whether you’re ready to switch today or just starting your research, this program ensures you have the right support, knowledge, and options to make your journey electric. Your EV journey starts here with DRIVE Electric Arizona and the Trusted EV Dealership Program—powered by trust, guided by experience. |
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| EV LIVING
Rooted in the Desert, Driving Toward the Future:How the Saguaro Inspires Our Missionby Drive Electric Arizona |
| Towering against Arizona’s endless skies, the Saguaro cactus isn’t just a symbol of the Sonoran Desert—it’s a living example of sustainability and resilience. At DRIVE Electric Arizona, we see the Saguaro as more than a natural wonder. It’s a powerful metaphor for the clean transportation future we’re building together. |
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| A Blueprint for Sustainability The Saguaro survives in one of the harshest climates on Earth by doing exactly what sustainability demands: conserving resources, adapting to extremes, and living in harmony with its surroundings. Its pleated skin stores precious rainwater. Its roots stretch wide to capture every drop. And it shares what it has—providing shelter, food, and support to a vibrant desert ecosystem. Like the Saguaro, DRIVE Electric Arizona takes a long-term approach to sustainability. We champion electric vehicles (EVs) as a cleaner, more resilient alternative to gas-powered transportation. We empower Arizonans with hands-on education, local engagement, and policy advocacy—helping communities shift toward zero-emission choices that benefit both public health and the planet. |
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| Standing Tall in Challenging Times Saguaros grow slowly and deliberately, taking decades to reach full height. Their patience is their strength—weathering droughts, dust storms, and heat waves by adapting instead of retreating. In today’s climate and economic uncertainty, that kind of resilience is exactly what Arizona needs. At DRIVE Electric Arizona, we embody that same spirit. We’re not just reacting to the moment—we’re investing in lasting infrastructure, equitable access, and informed EV adoption across the state. Like the Saguaro, we’re rooted in Arizona’s environment and culture while reaching toward a bold, sustainable future. A Desert Icon, A Movement’s Symbol For generations, the Saguaro has held cultural and spiritual significance for Indigenous communities in the region. It’s a reminder that sustainability isn’t just technical—it’s deeply personal. At DRIVE Electric Arizona, we honor that wisdom as we work alongside communities to drive real change through education, partnerships, and action. The Saguaro teaches us to conserve, to adapt, and to support the ecosystems around us. And that’s exactly what we aim to do—by making electric vehicles accessible, reliable, and empowering for all Arizonans. |
| | DRIVE ELECTRIC ARIZONA CHAPTER UPDATES |
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| 2025 Historic Route 66 Arizona “Electrified” Fun Run: A Milestone for EV Enthusiasts |
| From May 2–4, 2025, the 36th Annual Historic Route 66 Fun Run once again brought together hundreds of classic and custom vehicles for an unforgettable cruise through Arizona’s most iconic stretch of highway. For the third year in a row, the event proudly featured a growing “Electrified” section, showcasing the increasing momentum behind electric vehicle adoption across the state.
A Journey Through History and Innovation
Kicking off in Seligman—the heart of the Route 66 revival—the three-day, 140-mile cruise took participants through Kingman and Oatman, and wrapped up in Topock. With over 800 registered vehicles, this year’s run continued the beloved tradition of celebrating America’s “Mother Road,” while also embracing its electrified future. |
| EV Show N Shine in Kingman
The Saturday car show in downtown Kingman featured a dedicated section for EVs, giving attendees a close-up look at the latest electric models. DRIVE Electric Arizona: Route 66 Kingman coordinated the EV display, helping organize participants and engage with the public throughout the event. This year, Alex Murray took home “Best EV” honors for his stunning Northern Lights Edition Nissan Ariya, which wowed judges and spectators alike with its color-shift paint, finish, and attention to detail.
Charging Along the Route
As a key travel hub along I-40 and Route 66, Kingman has emerged as a vital stopover for EV drivers, offering multiple public charging stations—including Level 2 and DC fast chargers—conveniently located throughout the city. Several local hotels also offer Level 2 charging onsite, making it easy for EV participants to recharge overnight while enjoying the weekend’s festivities.
Growing Community of EV Drivers
With participation growing each year, the EV community was well-represented, creating a visible and exciting presence along the route while engaging with curious onlookers and fellow enthusiasts.
Paving the Way to the Centennial
With the 100th anniversary of Route 66 on the horizon in 2026, this year’s “Electrified” Fun Run showed that innovation and nostalgia can go hand in hand. As the EV movement continues to grow, events like this play a key role in building awareness, accessibility, and excitement around electric vehicles.
Read more… |
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| Photo credit: Peter Culin
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| May Rally - Meet the Lightship Electric Travel Trailer! |
| Location: JR Garage, Scottsdale Airpark Date: Saturday, May 10, 2025
DRIVE Electric Arizona welcomed EV enthusiasts, families, and sustainability advocates to the May Rally on May 10, 2025, where guests had the chance to experience the innovative Lightship AE.1 Cosmos Edition — a groundbreaking all-electric travel trailer designed for off-grid adventures. |
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| Photo credits: Peter Culin, Suzanne Martinson |
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| Event Highlights: Lightship AE.1 Cosmos Edition Showcase: Attendees toured the trailer's modern, aerodynamic design and learned how its self-propulsion system minimizes towing range loss. The trailer features an 80-kWh battery, solar integration, and supports up to a week of off-grid electric living — all without propane or generators.
Interactive Discussions: Experts from Lightship and DRIVE Electric Arizona shared insights on the future of sustainable RV travel and how electric mobility is transforming recreation.
Community Connection: The event featured EVs on display, informative conversations about charging infrastructure, and opportunities to connect with like-minded individuals passionate about clean transportation.
Special Thanks:
A huge thank you to our co-sponsors — JR Garage, Tesla Drivers Club, and BESPOKEV — for their support in bringing this event to life.
Learn More:
Visit lightshiprv.com to explore the Lightship AE.1, and stay up to date with future events and news at driveelectricaz.org.
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| | Arizona Department of Transportation (ADOT)DBE & Small Business Transportation EXPO |
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| On May 20, 2025, DRIVE Electric Arizona tabled at the Arizona Department of Transportation’s Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) and Small Business Transportation EXPO, connecting with Disadvantaged and Small Business Enterprises (DBE/SBE) from across the state. These connections support our mission to build an inclusive EV ecosystem, expand clean transportation access, and strengthen Arizona’s diverse clean energy economy. In particular, we met with Arizona Electric Vehicle Service Equipment (EVSE) contractors, both large and small. One of DRIVE Electric Arizona’s emerging projects is to partner with EVSE manufacturers and contractors to broaden the scope of all levels of EV charging infrastructure throughout Arizona.
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| | Photo credits: Peter Culin, John Martinson |
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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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