Volunteer Spotlight: Rachel Culin
Helping Arizona Discover the Fun of Driving Electric
For Rachel Culin, helping someone understand electric vehicles often starts with a very simple invitation:
That philosophy has made the lifelong Mesa resident an enthusiastic volunteer with DRIVE Electric Arizona and the Valley of the Sun Electric Vehicle Association—and it reflects exactly what our Ride & Drive events are all about.
“We’re not selling anything,” Rachel says. “We just want everyone to drive an EV and see what it’s like.”
And Rachel knows firsthand how powerful that first drive can be. Her own EV journey began at a public Ride & Drive during the Tempe Arts Festival in 2010, where Nissan was giving people the opportunity to experience an electric vehicle.
Five years later, Rachel had a 2012 Nissan LEAF of her own.
She chose the LEAF because it was quirky, affordable, used recycled materials in its interior and fit perfectly into the more sustainable lifestyle she wanted for her family.
Today, Rachel drives a 2023 Chevrolet Bolt EUV and still has that original 2012 LEAF. Every once in a while, she also gets behind the wheel of husband Peter Culin’s Rivian R1S.
Meet Rachel’s “Sleeper EV”
Rachel has a nickname for her Bolt EUV: the “sleeper EV.”
Why?
Because at first glance, people don’t necessarily realize it’s electric.
Then she opens the doors. The surprisingly roomy interior often produces another surprise.
It’s a perfect example of why Rachel believes experiencing an EV in person can accomplish something specifications, advertisements and online debates simply can’t.
From EV Owner to EV Ambassador
Rachel became involved with Valley of the Sun Electric Vehicle Association along with Peter after meeting John Martinson through the Tesla Club. At the time, their family owned both a Tesla Model 3 and Nissan LEAF, and they were interested in connecting with the broader EV community.
When DRIVE Electric Arizona started, Rachel began helping in an executive role and has continued volunteering ever since.
These days, you’ll find her at Ride & Drives, setting up events, staffing community outreach tables and answering questions from people who are new to EVs.
That last part is important.
Someone who drives a pickup may want to experience an electric pickup. A family with an SUV may be more interested in an electric SUV. Someone looking for an inexpensive commuter car may discover that a used EV fits their budget better than they expected.
Rachel wants people to have options.
“EVs Are More Affordable Than They’ve Ever Been”
One misconception Rachel especially enjoys correcting is that electric vehicles are simply too expensive.
With many makes and models now available on the used market, she points out, shoppers may be surprised by the deals they can find.
But Rachel isn’t trying to convince someone to buy a car that day—or even necessarily to buy an EV.
She wants them to have enough firsthand experience to make an informed decision whenever their next vehicle purchase comes along.
“Even if our attendees can’t buy a new car today,” she says, “they will have the knowledge and the experiences to help them decide in the future.”
Making a Difference
Rachel recently had a coworker who was interested in buying an EV.
Rachel told her about the organization and helped connect her with other EV owners who could share their own experiences and answer questions.
The result? Her coworker bought an electric Chevrolet Bolt EUV and was thrilled with her decision.
That may be an understatement. It’s exactly the kind of person-to-person education DRIVE Electric Arizona and Valley of the Sun Electric Vehicle Association were created to provide.
And Then There’s Rachel’s Secret Weapon…
Rachel isn’t the only EV expert in the family.
Her son is a serious vehicle enthusiast—even though he isn’t old enough to drive yet.
“He loves all cars and learns everything he can,” Rachel says. “Sometimes, if I can’t remember a fact about a vehicle, he’s able to save the day with his knowledge.”
Even better, he enjoys talking with other future drivers at events.
Apparently, EV volunteering runs in the family, as Rachel, Peter, and their children Nathan and Agnes, are committed to supporting their passion for EVs and sharing that enthusiasm with others at monthly rallies, Ride & Drive events, and behind-the-scenes coordination.
Why Rachel Volunteers
Away from EV events, Rachel enjoys yoga and gardening and works part-time as a first-grade aide at a Mesa public school after previously working in accounting and life insurance customer service.
Volunteering has also become something her family shares.
“It has helped my whole family make new friends and have both new and varied experiences,” she says.
But underneath the cars, instant torque and fun is a simple reason Rachel keeps giving her time: People deserve the opportunity to experience different EVs without sales pressure.
“I volunteer because I feel it’s important that everyone has an opportunity to try different EVs without sales pressure so they can make educated decisions on their future vehicle purchase.”
And if Rachel could say just one thing to someone who remains unsure about electric vehicles?
Come try one.
“Even if you can’t purchase an EV today, we’re not selling anyway! We just want everyone to have their questions answered, their fears alleviated and to provide them with knowledge.”
Because, as Rachel puts it: “Knowledge is the power people need to make the decisions that work best for them.”