| Powering Arizona’s EV Future Through Community, Education, Advocacy & EVents |
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| | MARCH 2026 NEWSLETTER VOLUME 3 • ISSUE 3 |
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DRIVE Electric Arizona Launches Native Nations Chapter |
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Advancing electric vehicle education through partnership, trust, and community leadership |
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DRIVE Electric Arizona has launched DRIVE Electric Native Nations, a new chapter dedicated to supporting electric vehicle (EV) education in partnership with Native communities across Arizona. This initiative reflects a long‑term commitment to collaboration, respect, and relationship‑building with Arizona’s twenty‑one federally recognized tribes.
The chapter is led by Hans‑Dieter Klose, a registered member of the Salt River Pima‑Maricopa Indian Community, and centers Native leadership and community priorities in conversations about clean transportation. By working directly with tribal communities, DRIVE Electric Native Nations aims to provide practical, real‑world EV education that aligns with local needs, values, and long‑standing traditions of caring for the land and future generations.
As part of this work, DRIVE Electric Native Nations is partnering with the Valley of the Sun Electric Vehicle Association to host an Electric Vehicle Ride & Drive during the Salt River Pima‑Maricopa Indian Community’s Earth Day Celebration. The event will take place on April 25, 2026, from 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM, at the Academic Learning Academy in Scottsdale, located on the community’s sovereign land.
This Ride & Drive is part of Drive Electric Earth Month (DEEM), a national initiative led by Plug In America that brings hands‑on EV education directly into local communities. Attendees will have the opportunity to see and drive electric vehicles, talk one‑on‑one with EV owners, and learn how electric transportation works in everyday conditions—including home charging and longer‑distance travel.
Electric vehicles can offer meaningful benefits for rural Native Nations, including reduced fuel and maintenance costs over time, improved air quality, and greater local control over transportation choices. Community‑based education helps ensure residents can make informed decisions about whether EVs are the right fit for their households and communities.
The Ride & Drive event is open to all and welcomes community members, families, and visitors who are curious about clean transportation and its role in building healthier, more resilient communities through informed choice, partnership, and shared stewardship.
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DRIVE Electric USA Chapters (See state of Arizona – all that is green in Arizona is DRIVE Electric Native Nations Chapter) |
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Drive Electric Earth Month 2026 Is Here!
Drive Electric Earth Month (DEEM) is a national celebration of electric transportation—giving people the chance to see EVs up close, ask questions, take test drives, and hear directly from real owners. In Arizona, Valley of the Sun Electric Vehicle Association and DRIVE Electric Arizona are bringing DEEM to life with events that showcase how electric vehicles fit Arizona’s roads, communities, and lifestyles.
Explore Arizona by EV: Four Peaks Run On Sunday, April 12, 2026, Valley of the Sun Electric Vehicle Association and DRIVE Electric Arizona will host the 3rd Annual Four Peaks Run, starting at Rainbow Donuts in Fountain Hills. The event includes an all-electric 4x4 adventure on Four Peaks Road for high-clearance EVs, along with a separate on-road caravan to Payson for lunch. It is a great example of how DEEM can be about adventure as much as education.
A Special Earth Day Ride & Drive at SRPMIC On Saturday, April 25, 2026, Valley of the Sun Electric Vehicle Association will host the Earth Day EV Ride & Drive at the Academic Learning Academy on the Salt River Pima-Maricopa Indian Community (SRPMIC) in Scottsdale. Hosted in partnership with the Salt River Pima-Maricopa Indian Community, DRIVE Electric Native Nations, and Salt River Project, the Ride & Drive is being held as part of the Tribal Community’s broader Earth Day Celebration. The event will feature test drives, ride-alongs, and EV education in a welcoming community setting. |
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Route 66 Meets Drive Electric Earth Month DEEM continues on Saturday, May 2, 2026, with the Historic Route 66 Centennial EV Showcase at Peach Springs, held adjacent to the Hualapai Tribe’s Cultural Center. Led by DRIVE Electric Native Nations and DRIVE Electric Route 66 Kingman, this event brings EV education to one of Arizona’s most iconic travel corridors during the Route 66 Arizona Fun Run weekend. |
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| Join Us This Earth Month Together, these events show what makes Arizona’s DEEM calendar so special: scenic drives, hands-on experiences, and community-centered events that make EVs real, practical, and accessible. Whether you are EV-curious, actively shopping, or already driving electric, Drive Electric Earth Month is the perfect time to experience electric transportation for yourself. To learn more and register, visit the official event pages for the Earth Day EV Ride & Drive, 3rd Annual Four Peaks Run, and Historic Route 66 Centennial EV Showcase at Peach Springs.
Drive Electric Earth Month offers you the chance to: Explore a wide variety of EV models through test drives, rides, and/or EV displays. Talk with real EV owners. Learn about charging at home and on the road. Get answers to all your EV questions. Discover incentives that make EVs more affordable. And much more!
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| | | Earth Day EV Ride & Drive to Highlight Clean Transportation Leadership at SRPMIC A special Earth Day event is coming to the Salt River Pima-Maricopa Indian Community (SRPMIC) on Saturday, April 25, 2026. Hosted in partnership with the Valley of the Sun Electric Vehicle Association and DRIVE Electric Native Nations, the Earth Day EV Ride & Drive will offer community members and visitors an opportunity to learn about electric vehicles in a welcoming, community-centered setting. The EV Ride & Drive event is part of Drive Electric Earth Month, a national celebration of electric transportation and clean energy education. This partnership creates an opportunity to highlight Tribal leadership in sustainability, transportation, and community health. Honoring Community Leadership The Salt River Pima-Maricopa Indian Community is home to two distinct peoples: the Onk Akimel O’odham and the Xalychidom Piipaash. The Community’s work in sustainability and transportation reflects a forward-looking commitment to supporting community well-being, environmental responsibility, and future generations. The Earth Day EV Ride & Drive reflects collaboration among: Salt River Pima-Maricopa Indian Community Valley of the Sun Electric Vehicle Association DRIVE Electric Native Nations chapter of DRIVE Electric Arizona Salt River Project (SRP)
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Supporting a Broader Community Vision The Salt River Pima-Maricopa Indian Community has already demonstrated leadership in clean transportation and sustainability. This event gives attendees a chance to see how electric transportation can support cleaner air, lower operating costs, and long-term community resilience. |
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It also offers an opportunity to learn how clean transportation fits into the Community’s broader Earth Day celebration and sustainability efforts.
What to Expect Whether you are curious about EVs or already drive one, the Earth Day Ride & Drive is designed to be informative, friendly, and accessible. Attendees can expect: Hands-on experience with a variety of electric vehicles Conversations with EV drivers and volunteers about charging, range, ownership costs, and day-to-day driving A chance to take part in the Community’s broader Earth Day celebration and learn more about clean transportation in Arizona Free Air Quality Monitor for Maricopa County homeowners courtesy of American Lung Association (while supplies last).
Event Details When: Saturday, April 25, 2026 | 9:00 AM – 1:00 PM MST
Where: Academic Learning Academy, 4827 N. Country Club Drive, Scottsdale, AZ 85256
Registration: Free! Sign up to attend, volunteer, or show your vehicle at the official event page. Join us in celebrating Earth Day, community leadership, and the growing role of clean transportation in Arizona. |
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VOLUNTEER PROFILE: Adam Draper |
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If you have spent time around a DRIVE Electric Arizona event, there is a good chance you have seen Adam Draper in the middle of the action—managing traffic flow at Ride & Drives, helping with setup, taking photos, talking with attendees, answering questions, and helping people better understand the benefits of EVs.
Adam grew up in Illinois and has lived in Scottsdale for the past three years. He works in sales, and outside of EVs he enjoys “baseball, music, and happiness.” One thing that may surprise people is that he has written several songs!
Adam’s current electric ride is an E Move Cruiser S. Fittingly, his first EV experience began with electric scooters, which appealed to him because they were practical and affordable. That same focus on practicality still shapes the way he talks to others about electric transportation today. What Adam loves most about driving electric is simple: the cost-effectiveness and the chance to help the environment at the same time. |
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One of the biggest misconceptions he enjoys correcting is the idea that EVs are too expensive. For Adam, that misunderstanding comes up again and again—and he has seen firsthand how powerful accurate information can be. One of his most memorable moments came when a couple decided to buy an EV after he and other volunteers shared the facts clearly and honestly. That kind of moment stays with him, because so many people assume EVs are out of reach until someone takes the time to explain the real costs of owning and driving one.
Adam got involved in the EV community |
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EV volunteer Adam Draper enjoys helping Arizonans discover that driving electric can be practical, affordable, and surprisingly easy. |
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| through his uncle, John Morrill, an avid EV owner and longtime enthusiast who has inspired him with both technical knowledge and a generous willingness to help others. Adam now gives his own time to DRIVE Electric Arizona and Valley of the Sun EVA events and is an important part of logistics, tabling, and community outreach. What he enjoys most is both the sense of community and the chance to help others discover something that can genuinely improve their lives.
Learn more about Adam and his passion for helping others learn about EVs… |
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Why EVs Can Cost Less to Drive in Arizona |
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In Arizona, driving electric can dramatically cut what you spend to get around. With gasoline prices climbing and electricity rates staying relatively stable—especially overnight—many drivers are finding that EVs are simply cheaper than fuel and easier to budget for.
Gasoline and Diesel Prices: Expensive and Unpredictable |
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These prices have risen sharply. Regular gas is up more than $1.27 in just one month and $1.15 over the past year, while diesel has jumped nearly $2.00. |
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| Gas and diesel prices are heavily influenced by global oil markets, refinery outages, and seasonal demand. That volatility hits Arizona drivers especially hard, with prices often running above the national average.
For the latest Arizona fuel prices, DRIVE Electric Arizona links directly to AAA’s Arizona Gas Prices page.
Electricity Costs: Stable and Often Very Cheap at Night
Electricity works differently. Most Arizona utilities offer Time‑of‑Use (TOU) plans that reward drivers who charge during low‑demand hours—typically evenings, nights, and weekends. For EV owners who charge at home overnight, the cost per mile is often less than one‑third the cost of gasoline. |
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| | | DRIVE ELECTRIC ARIZONA CHAPTER UPDATES |
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Featured vehicles included John Martinson’s Rivian R1T Quad Motor, Shaun Barnette’s Kia EV6, Ted Blair’s Tesla Cybertruck, Luis Martinez’s Chevrolet Silverado EV Truck, and Naresh Kosgi’s Lucid Air Touring. Over the course of just four hours, the event generated an outstanding 1,037 contacts, reflecting the growing curiosity and enthusiasm around electric vehicles in Arizona. From performance and design to practicality and charging, attendees had the chance to explore a diverse group of EVs and engage in valuable conversations with owners about the real-world benefits of driving electric.
Read the article here… |
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| Photo credit: John Martinson |
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| | Prescott Regional SciTech Fest & March Rally |
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DRIVE Electric Arizona had a wonderful event at the Prescott Regional SciTech Festival, connecting with families, students, and community members from across Northern Arizona and beyond. The day began with a gathering of electric vehicles and their owners at Pangea Bakery in Prescott, where attendees enjoyed coffee, pastries, and lively conversation centered around electric vehicles. As we work with local Prescott community members to launch a new chapter supporting Northern Arizona, gatherings like these are critical for networking, collaboration, and building a foundation for long-term success. After the bakery gathering, a group of eight EVs made their way to the university, where another local Prescott resident joined the lineup. |
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Photo credit: Rachel Culin |
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Throughout the day, our team engaged with a steady flow of attendees who were curious about electric vehicles and eager to learn more. Conversations ranged from basic questions about charging and range to deeper discussions about ownership experiences, costs, and the transition to electric transportation. The event provided a valuable opportunity to meet people where they are and offer real-world insight in a welcoming, no-pressure environment. This event was supported by an incredible volunteer effort from across the state. Volunteers and EV owners traveled from Bullhead City, Prescott, Prescott Valley, Goodyear, Phoenix, Scottsdale, Mesa, and beyond to participate. This level of statewide engagement highlights the strength of Arizona’s EV community and the shared commitment to advancing education and awareness around electric vehicles. We extend our thanks to Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University and the SciTech … Finish the article here… |
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| | February EV Rally Brings Owners Together in Wickenburg |
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A beautiful Arizona morning set the stage for DRIVE Electric Arizona’s February EV Rally, as 18 electric vehicles and 25 participants gathered in Wickenburg to explore new charging infrastructure and connect with fellow EV drivers. The group met at the newly opened Tesla Supercharger in Wickenburg, where drivers had the opportunity to try out the new chargers, check out the site, and catch up with other members of Arizona’s growing EV community. Conversations ranged from road trip planning and charging strategies to new vehicle experiences and the rapidly expanding fast-charging network across the state of Arizona. |
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| At 11:00 AM, the group made the short drive into downtown Wickenburg for lunch at Anita’s Cocina, where most of the attendees continued the conversation over great food. Conveniently located next to the Rivian Adventure Network chargers, the stop also gave participants a chance to see Rivian’s fast-charging site up close. The Rivian charging station now includes two NACS plugs in addition to four CCS plugs. This is an early example of how non-Tesla charging networks are beginning to adopt the NACS charging standard, reflecting the broader industry shift toward a more unified charging connector for electric vehicles. These new Tesla and Rivian charging installations represent an important step forward for travel in Arizona. Both sites are… To continue, click here… |
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Photo credit: Rachel 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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