Volunteer Profile: John Morrill

He Bought It Because It Was Beautiful… Then Discovered It Was Electric

Most people buy an EV because they're interested in the technology.

John Morrill bought one because it looked cool.

John Morrill fell in love with an original Fisker Karma, soon igniting his passion for EVs and EV education.

Back in 2015, John stumbled across an original Fisker Karma with just 3,000 miles on it for less than half its original price after Fisker Automotive went bankrupt (the first time!). The Karma's dramatic styling and car-show appeal caught his eye.

There was just one small detail…

It happened to be electric.

Today we'd call the Karma an Extended Range Electric Vehicle (EREV), an electric drivetrain with a gasoline engine that can recharge the battery while driving. But John wasn't shopping for cutting-edge technology. He just thought it was one of the most beautiful cars on the road.

Then he drove it.

Like so many EV owners, he quickly discovered that smooth, silent acceleration has a way of spoiling you. Before long, “noisy, jerky, drippy, stinky gasoline cars” simply weren't as appealing, he said.

John Morrill with his 2024 Cadillac Lyriq at the Historic Route 66 Fun Run in Kingman, Arizona. 

Four years and 40,000 miles later, John replaced the Karma with a 2019 Jaguar I-PACE, one of the earliest luxury EVs available in the U.S. He later added a 2019 Chevrolet Bolt for his son Alec, a 2022 Kia EV6 (one of the first 800-volt architecture/under 20-minute charging cars) as the other family car, and most recently replaced the I-PACE with a 2024 Cadillac Lyriq and upgraded the Kia EV6 to a newer model, giving him firsthand experience with everything from affordable commuter EVs to premium luxury models.

John's journey with DRIVE Electric Arizona began in 2019 when he met Peter Culin at a Valley of the Sun Electric Vehicle Association EV Ride & Drive. One event led to another, a friendship developed, and today John serves on the DRIVE Electric Arizona Board of Directors, where he has been involved since the organization was founded. A dedicated volunteer, he is an integral part of nearly every EV event and enthusiastically shares his knowledge, expertise, and guidance on all things EV.

A computer engineer by profession, John enjoys understanding how every EV is designed and why manufacturers make different engineering choices. More importantly, he has a knack for translating complex technical information into simple terms and concepts.

At our events, you'll often hear John tell visitors: "If you want to know what it's really like to own an EV, ask someone who actually owns one—not someone who's only imagined it."

It's simple advice backed by experience.

Whether he's showing off his latest EV, answering questions at a Ride & Drive, or helping someone overcome range anxiety, John brings enthusiasm, knowledge, and just the right amount of humor to every conversation.

After all, it's hard to argue with someone who accidentally bought an EV... and then never went back to gasoline.

Thanks, John, for helping Arizona discover what driving electric is really all about!