Volunteer Profile: Shaun Barnette
Service, Curiosity, and the Joy of Driving Electric
If you’ve attended one of our rallies or Ride & Drives, chances are you’ve met Shaun Barnette—or at least felt the calm, knowledgeable presence of someone who genuinely enjoys helping others learn.
Shaun grew up between Southern California and Phoenix and has called Arizona home for more than 40 years. After a 25-year career with the Maricopa County Sheriff’s Office, Shaun retired from law enforcement but didn’t slow down. He’s now been a school bus driver for eight years, and thanks to a grant-funded fleet upgrade, he’s even driving one of 13 new electric school buses—something he considers himself fortunate to do every day.
“I love that I get to drive an EV bus,” Shaun says. “It’s another way to reduce emissions and show people that electric transportation works in the real world.”
A Life of Service—On and Off the Road
Shaun’s career and life experiences are remarkably diverse. During his time at MCSO, he was among the first officers assigned to the early ‘In Tents’ jail, served on the chain gang detail, and earned the ‘Top Gun’ award in MCSO Deputy Academy Class #1. Later, he became part of the Critical Incident Stress Management Team, teaching topics such as use of force, ethics, and stress response.
Outside of law enforcement, Shaun is a longtime photographer, having spent several years as part of the official photography team for Phoenix Comicon (now Phoenix Fan Fusion). He’s also a vinyl record collector, a hobby that reflects his appreciation for analog craft alongside modern technology.
At just 17 years old, Shaun enlisted in the Arizona National Guard, serving with the 855th Military Police Company during Desert Shield and Desert Storm—another chapter in a life defined by public service.
Why Shaun Drives Electric
Shaun’s EV journey began with practicality. His first electric vehicle was a 2020 Chevy Bolt, chosen because it fit his budget and delivered outstanding efficiency. Today, his household includes a 2018 Chrysler Pacifica PHEV, the Bolt, and a recently purchased 2024 Kia EV6.
“What I love most about driving electric is lessening my environmental impact,” Shaun explains. “Years ago, my wife and I added solar to our home with the capacity to support future EV use. The lower cost and reduced carbon footprint have given me an added sense of freedom—whether it’s a quick trip to the store or cruising Route 66.”
When talking with curious neighbors or event attendees, Shaun enjoys correcting one persistent myth: that EV batteries will become hazardous waste.
“People are often surprised to learn how long EV batteries last,” he says, “and that they’re nearly 100% recyclable or can be repurposed for energy storage. The data over the past few years keeps getting better.”
Shaun Barnette - “Driving an EV is instant fun all the time, without the time and expense of buying fuel and oil changes.”
Volunteering Where It Matters Most
Shaun first connected with the Electric Vehicle Association online and soon began attending EV displays during National Drive Electric Month. One early experience in Kingman, where he met Mike and Jessica May (DRIVE Electric Route 66 Kingman), helped inspire his deeper involvement—especially with Route 66 events and Ride & Drives.
Today, Shaun volunteers across many roles:
Board of Directors, DRIVE Electric Arizona
Ride & Drive events
Event setup and logistics
Community tabling and outreach
Answering questions about his EV experience
Photography and videography
“I volunteer because these events let people learn directly from owners,” Shaun says. “There’s so much information online—and a lot of misinformation. Ride & Drives cut through that and help people focus on what actually applies to their needs.”
One of his favorite moments this past year came at the Gila River Indian Community Earth Day Celebration, where Shaun not only saw Dr. Jane Goodall in person, but also watched a group of elementary school students pile into his Chevy Bolt—delightedly using the PA system to call out to their teacher.
“That one made me smile,” he says.
Looking Ahead
Shaun believes Arizona is uniquely positioned to lead on EV adoption thanks to its solar potential—both at homes and charging sites. He hopes DRIVE Electric Arizona and Valley of the Sun EVA continue helping people make informed, confident decisions about EVs that benefit families, communities, and future generations.
When asked what he’d say to someone unsure about electric vehicles, Shaun keeps it simple: listen first, share trusted resources, and encourage hands-on experience. “I would tell them about resources such as https://www.driveelectricaz.org/ev-info and share that EV sales for 2025 in the US reached over 1.3 million by November so they can see how many people are making the choice to go electric.”
“Uncertainty is understandable,” he says. “But EVs are far more practical than social media makes them seem. The best way to learn is to see them up close—and take one for a drive.”
Thank you, Shaun, for your service, curiosity, and generosity—and for helping move Arizona forward, one conversation (and one test drive) at a time.