EV Test Driver, EV Enthusiast, and a Guy Who’s Already Shopping for His Next EV
Some people enjoy driving electric vehicles. Others are passionate about them. And then there’s Scott Toughill, who drives EVs for a living, drives them for fun, volunteers to introduce others to them, and starts researching his next EV practically before the ink is dry on his current lease.
Scott recently leased a beautiful 2026 Polestar 4 Performance. Naturally, he’s already thinking about what might replace it. Not because he doesn’t love it. That’s just Scott.
A resident of Waddell, Arizona, for more than two decades, Scott grew up in Fridley, Minnesota, but his childhood was anything but ordinary. His father worked as a Hollywood stuntman, and Scott spent summers in California surrounded by actors and television personalities, including frequent visits to the Malibu home of Dan Haggerty, better known as Grizzly Adams. Apparently, hanging around Hollywood stuntmen was excellent preparation for a career testing high-performance electric vehicles.
Not Your Average Day at the Office
Scott is currently a senior prototype driver for Lucid Motors, conducting track-limit testing and helping validate powertrains, advanced driver-assistance systems, and vehicle software. Previously, he worked as a senior autopilot engineer at Tesla, collaborating with its Autopilot and Full Self-Driving teams.
He also played a major role in testing the Tesla Cybertruck before its public release. Imagine driving one of those futuristic trucks around Phoenix when almost nobody had seen one. Scott recalls motorists pointing, staring, and attempting to photograph the vehicle while driving. It was certainly an attention-getting assignment, although probably not the safest behavior from the surrounding traffic.
In other words, when Scott talks about EV performance, he’s not just repeating something he read on the internet. He’s probably tested it at speeds the rest of us should never attempt.
It Started With a 2022 Polestar 2—and a Few New Friends
Scott and his wife, Amanda, discovered the Valley of the Sun Electric Vehicle Association while looking for people who shared their interests. Their first event was such a positive experience that they kept coming back.
Today, Scott and Amanda serve as Westside Events Coordinators, helping organize activities throughout the West Valley while volunteering at DRIVE Electric Arizona events across the state.
For Scott, the friendships are every bit as important as the vehicles. He enjoys exchanging knowledge with other owners, discovering new EV models, and helping people who are curious about driving electric.
His favorite event this year? The Route 66 Centennial Fun Run, where he enjoyed traveling alongside classic automobiles and fellow EV enthusiasts from Seligman to Kingman. After 23 years in Arizona, it was his first real opportunity to explore that historic stretch of highway. He’s already looking forward to returning in 2027.
One Conversation, One New EV Owner
At our recent National Drive Electric Month Ride & Drive at Luke Elementary, Scott spent considerable time showing a visitor named Andrew his wife’s BMW i4. They discussed performance, handling, features, and why Amanda enjoys driving hers.
A few days later, Scott received a call from Russ Smith at Arrowhead BMW. Andrew had purchased a BMW i4!
That’s exactly why our volunteer-driven Ride & Drives matter. No sales pitch, no pressure—just an enthusiastic owner sharing real-world experience. The vehicles tend to do the rest.
Scott has also persuaded two longtime Minnesota friends to go electric. One now drives a Kia EV9, the other a Ford Mustang Mach-E. Apparently, Scott’s enthusiasm has a range considerably greater than most EV batteries.
EVs for the Long Haul
Ask about EV road trips and Scott will happily share his thoughts, providing helpful advice and knowledgeable information to put your mind at ease.
“The idea that electric vehicles cannot handle road trips overlooks current progress,” explains Scott. “By 2026, charging infrastructure has expanded significantly. Most travelers drive two to three hours before stopping for a break and fuel; this mirrors charging. You do not aim for a full charge but rather enough to reach the next destination, whether that takes three hours or another interval. Nearly everyone pauses for a restroom visit and food, which happens during fueling with either electrons or gasoline, so the timing aligns. Most electric vehicles today require about twenty minutes with fast charging, which is already available. Fast charging continues to improve as more vehicles use 800V systems or better charging curves, and the year-over-year gains are impressive.”
Did we mention that Scott knows a lot about EVs?
There’s More to Life Than EVs. Really.
When he’s not driving, testing, researching, or talking about electric vehicles, Scott enjoys spending time with Amanda and their daughter, traveling, and collecting transportation-themed LEGO sets to build in his free time.
He also maintains regular Xbox gaming sessions with friends back in Minnesota and enjoys riding his 2011 Victory Vegas Jackpot motorcycle—a birthday gift Amanda found for him.
Yes, an EV enthusiast who rides a gasoline-powered motorcycle. We promise not to revoke his charging privileges.
Why He Volunteers
Scott believes Arizona has enormous potential to lead in electric transportation, thanks to its growing EV industry, abundant sunshine, and expanding charging infrastructure. He especially appreciates helping people understand the practical benefits of EV ownership, including performance, reduced maintenance, and lower operating costs.
He also believes strongly in growing DEAZ’s partnerships and giving sponsors more visibility and opportunities to participate in events.
But what keeps him volunteering is the people: the friendships, the conversations, and the satisfaction of watching someone discover that electric driving might be right for them.
His entire EV philosophy fits into just five words:
And coming from someone who tests EVs professionally, volunteers with them on weekends, and is already researching his next one, that’s a pretty convincing endorsement.
Thank you, Scott, for your enthusiasm, friendship, expertise, and countless volunteer hours helping DRIVE Electric Arizona and Valley of the Sun EVA bring electric driving experiences to communities throughout Arizona.
And Scott, congratulations on that new Polestar 4. We look forward to hearing what you’re replacing it with.