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| Powering Arizona’s EV Future Through Community, Education, Advocacy & EVents |
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| | JANUARY 2026 NEWSLETTER VOLUME 3 • ISSUE 1 |
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Virtual Power Plants (VPPs): A Smart, Flexible Energy Approach for Arizona Households |
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Across Arizona, electricity demand is growing—driven by population growth, data centers, transportation electrification, and expanding industry. That has utilities exploring new ways to manage demand, increase reliability, and control costs. For many households, especially those in suburban, rural, and Tribal communities, combining solar, electric vehicles (EVs), and Virtual Power Plants (VPPs) offers a practical and future-ready path for energy management and resilience. Rather than relying on just one technology, the smart approach brings multiple tools together so households can increase their resiliency today, participate in emerging grid programs, and potentially reduce costs tomorrow.
Why EVs Are a Core Energy Asset
People often think of EVs only as transportation. But an EV’s battery—especially one capable of bidirectional charging (the ability to not only put power into the battery but also take stored energy in the battery and use it to power a house or other load) is one of the largest energy storage assets a household can own. For example: A typical residential battery system might store ~25–30 kWh of energy at a cost that approaches $30,000 installed. A bidirectional-capable EV such as a Nissan Leaf- offers 75 kWh of energy storage for similar overall dollars spent—and also provides daily transportation. With the right equipment, an EV can: Power household loads during outages Store solar energy for later use Shift energy uses away from expensive peak times
For reference, the average residential home in Arizona uses about 1,000 kWh per month, or ~35 kWh per day (Source). While EVs don’t eliminate the role of home batteries today, they will likely reduce their benefits in the future and can significantly expand household flexibility and resilience today.
But Home Batteries Still Matter Today
Until bidirectional charging and utility programs are fully widespread, behind-the-meter home batteries remain an important option for: Supporting household loads during grid outages Storing excess solar energy for use during peak times Participating in early grid support programs that can provide customers with additional payments for their performance
A system design pairing Solar → Home Battery → EV (with optional bidirectional charging and VPP participation), provides a layered approach that gives families multiple benefits today while positioning them for likely increased benefits in the future. |
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Virtual Power Plants (VPPs): What They Are |
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| A Virtual Power Plant is a network of distributed energy assets—solar panels, batteries, EVs, smart thermostats and other devices—that can be coordinated to act like a single power plant when the grid needs capacity or demand reduction. These resources can help manage peak demand and reduce stress on the grid by providing coordinated capacity back to the system when needed. |
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| Check out our website’s EVENT CALENDAR and RSVP to get involved - attend, volunteer!
February 1, 2026 | Asian Festival, Mesa
February 20-22, 2026 | Fountain Festival, Fountain Hills
February 21, 2026 | Chandler Innovation Fair, Chandler
February 28, 2026 | February Rally to Wickenburg, Wickenburg
March 7, 2026 | Prescott Regional SciTech Fest, Prescott
March 21, 2026 | Cars of Encanterra, San Tan Valley
April 7, 2026 | Earth Day @ Estrella Mountain Community College, Avondale
May 1-3, 2026 | 100th Anniversary Route 66 Fun Run, Kingman |
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VOLUNTEER PROFILE: Shaun Barnette |
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| Service, Curiosity, and the Joy of Driving Electric |
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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. |
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| 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.
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Shaun Barnette - “Driving an EV is instant fun all the time, without the time and expense of buying fuel and oil changes.” |
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“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.”
Read more about Shaun, his passion for volunteering, and his take on the future of EVs… |
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Driving Cleaner Air in Arizona |
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| Air pollution remains one of the most serious public health challenges facing Arizona—especially in the Phoenix–Mesa metro area. Recent reporting by the Arizona Center for Investigative Reporting confirms what many residents already experience: Phoenix consistently ranks among the worst metro areas in the nation for ozone (smog) pollution, a key contributor to asthma, heart disease, and other respiratory illnesses. |
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The American Lung Association’s State of the Air report echoes this finding, giving the region failing grades for unhealthy ozone days. |
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Transportation emissions are a major driver of this problem. Gasoline and diesel vehicles release pollutants that react in sunlight to form smog—exactly the conditions common during Arizona’s long, hot summers. That’s where DRIVE Electric Arizona and the Valley of the Sun Electric Vehicle Association are making a difference.
By accelerating the adoption of electric vehicles—especially in the Phoenix metro area—our organizations help reduce the tailpipe emissions that contribute directly to smog and fine particle pollution. Every gas vehicle replaced by an EV means fewer nitrogen oxides and fewer volatile organic compounds released into the air we breathe.
Our impact comes through action: Ride & Drive events that let people experience EVs firsthand and replace misinformation with facts Community education and outreach that connects cleaner transportation to real health benefits Partnerships with utilities, cities, dealerships, and health organizations to expand access to EVs and charging Ongoing peer-to-peer support that helps new EV drivers stay confident and engaged
Cleaner transportation isn’t just about technology—it’s about health. Fewer emissions mean fewer asthma attacks, fewer missed school and workdays, and healthier outcomes for children, seniors, and those who spend time outdoors. Arizona’s air quality challenges are real. So are the solutions. By helping more drivers go electric, DRIVE Electric Arizona and the Valley of the Sun Electric Vehicle Association are turning individual choices into collective impact—moving our region toward cleaner air and healthier communities. |
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| DRIVE Electric Arizona is once again partnering with the American Lung Association to provide free PurpleAir air quality monitors to residents who want to join the movement for cleaner air. These small, Wi-Fi-connected sensors let you monitor your air quality in real time, right from your phone or computer—so you can take control of the air you breathe. You can pick one up at our upcoming events! |
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| | DRIVE ELECTRIC ARIZONA CHAPTER UPDATES |
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| EVs in the Spotlight at the Maricopa Home & Garden Show |
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Our display featured an impressive and varying lineup of electric vehicles throughout the three-day event, giving attendees the opportunity to experience a wide range of EV options up close. Vehicles on display included the Cadillac Lyriq, Ford F-150 Lightning, GMC Hummer EV, Kia EV6, Lucid Gravity, Polestar 2, Polestar 4, Rivian R1S, and Tesla Model Y. In addition, neighboring vendors—unassociated with our display—also showcased a Rivian R1T and another Ford F-150 Lightning, reinforcing the growing visibility of electric vehicles across the show floor.
A defining highlight of the weekend as the energy and dedication of our volunteers. Our team remained active and engaging throughout the event, logging more than 4,000 direct conversations with show attendees. Visitors were encouraged to sit inside vehicles, ask questions of real EV owners, and learn about ownership, charging, costs, and daily driving in a relaxed, no-sales-pressure environment. These one-on-one conversations continue to be one of the most effective ways to build confidence and curiosity around driving electric.
Finish the article here… |
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| Photo credit: Shaun Barnette |
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Sparking Curiosity: Community Engagement at the Odysea Aquarium Conservation Expo |
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(January 17, 2026) The OdySea Aquarium Conservation Expo was a fantastic day of connection, curiosity, and conversation. Our booth—anchored by the Spirit of Arizona electric vehicle—was a constant hub of activity, drawing in community members and families eager to learn more about driving electric and how it fits into a more sustainable future. From curious kids to first-time EV shoppers, the energy never let up; it was truly nonstop engagement from start to finish.
Throughout the event, our volunteers shared real-world EV experiences, answered thoughtful questions, and extended many personal invitations to attend our upcoming Cave Creek EV Ride & Drive. Hosting our display at OdySea Aquarium proved to be an ideal setting for hands-on education and meaningful conversations, and it reinforced just how powerful in-person outreach can be in helping families imagine their next car being electric. |
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Driving Change on MLK Day: Community, Conversation, and the Future of Electric Vehicles |
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| (January 19, 2026) Our MLK Day event at Margaret T. Hance Park was a fantastic celebration of community, curiosity, and clean transportation. Located in the heart of downtown Phoenix, the park provided a vibrant setting for meaningful conversations and hands-on learning around electric vehicles.
Our display featured five spectacular EVs—the Cadillac Lyriq, Ford F-150 Lightning, Rivian R1S, Rivian R1T (Spirit of Arizona), and the always-eye-catching Tesla Cybertruck—which drew in community members and their families throughout the day. |
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| Photo credit: Peter Culin |
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A highlight of the display was Nathan, our Youth Membership Manager, who set up his popular Hot Wheels EV collection. The display quickly became the star of our space, drawing in families and creating a welcoming entry point for kids and parents alike to stop, explore, and engage with our volunteers.
The interactions were wonderfully engaging, with attendees asking thoughtful questions, sharing personal experiences, and exploring what driving electric could look like in their daily lives. We were especially excited to extend many personal invitations to our upcoming Cave Creek EV Ride & Drive, helping carry the momentum forward beyond the event. |
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We extend our sincere thanks to our valued sponsor, Salt River Project (SRP). Their support made our presence at this meaningful community event possible, and we’re grateful for their continued partnership in advancing EV education and awareness across Arizona.
Read the article here… |
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Connecting with Students at the Changemaker Nonprofit Fair at ASU in Tempe |
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On January 21, DRIVE Electric Arizona President John Martinson participated in the ASU Changemaker Nonprofit Fair at ASU’s Tempe campus, showcasing the Spirit of Arizona Discovery EV and connecting with students about volunteer opportunities. Several students and staff followed up by participating in the Cave Creek EV Ride & Drive the following weekend. |
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From Curiosity to the Driver’s Seat: Cave Creek’s EV Ride & Drive a Resounding Success |
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The Cave Creek EV Ride & Drive exceeded expectations in every way. Thanks to weeks of in-person conversations and personal invitations at events across the Valley, turnout far surpassed our original projections and demonstrated the growing momentum around electric vehicles in our community. |
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| The weather cooperated beautifully, allowing us to host the event outdoors and enjoy crisp air paired with warm sunshine—ideal conditions for test drives and conversations. For many volunteers and EV owners, the day kicked off just down the road at Big Earl’s Greasy Eats, where a hearty breakfast fueled the energy and excitement that carried through the entire event. Community members traveled from across the Valley to experience EVs firsthand in the unique setting of Cave Creek. We extend a special thank you to Desert Foothills Library for hosting us and for providing a perfect space for engaging the local community and supporting meaningful conversations throughout the day.
Test drive opportunities featured an impressive and diverse lineup of electric vehicles, giving attendees the chance to experience a wide range of styles, performance levels, and price points. Vehicles available for test drives included the BMW i4, Cadillac Lyriq, Chevrolet Bolt, Ford Mustang Mach-E, Hyundai Ioniq 5, Kia EV6, Lucid Air, Polestar 2, Rivian R1S, Rivian R1T, and a Tesla Model Y—complete with a demonstration of its “Full Self-Driving” capabilities, which sparked plenty of curiosity and conversation.
Finish the article here… |
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Photo credit: Shaun Barnette and Peter Culin |
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| ABOUT DRIVE ELECTRIC ARIZONA
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.
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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 • engage on our social media sites • participate in EVents • make a donation |
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| | | | 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! |
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| #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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