| Powering Arizona’s EV Future Through Community, Education, Advocacy & EVents |
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| | JUNE 2026 NEWSLETTER VOLUME 3 • ISSUE 6 |
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| Chill Out at Our July EV Rally! |
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| | | | VOLUNTEER PROFILE: Marc Wenning |
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| Powering Arizona’s EV Community—One Conversation, One Test Drive and One Drone Flight at a Time |
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| Marc Wenning has a simple way of describing electric driving: “Quick, quiet, smooth and virtually no maintenance.” What’s not to love?
A San Tan Valley resident for 26 years, Marc grew up in Batesville, Indiana, and works as a senior solutions engineer (Pre-Sales Consultant) for a software company. He began his EV journey with a 2018 Tesla Model 3, attracted by its styling, driving experience and affordability. Today, he drives a 2021 Tesla Model Y Performance—and charges it at home using solar energy.
Marc met Peter Culin and John Martinson at early EV events before the Valley of the Sun Electric Vehicle Association and DRIVE Electric Arizona were formed. When Peter invited him to join the boards, Marc readily agreed. He now manages the websites for both organizations while also helping with Ride & Drive events, setup and logistics, technical support, social media, photography and videography.
What Marc enjoys most is talking with people who are curious—but sometimes uncertain—about EVs. |
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| “I like being able to clear up EV misconceptions, answer people’s questions and hopefully make their decision to move to an EV easier,” Marc said.
One misconception he especially enjoys correcting is that EVs are only suitable for city driving. Marc regularly explains that EVs are excellent road-trip vehicles, particularly as charging networks continue to expand. Some of his most rewarding moments occur when people return to a later event and tell him that the information and firsthand experience they received helped them purchase their first EV. |
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| For Marc Wenning, two of the many benefits of driving electric include not having “to worry about fluctuating gas prices and being able to charge my car off my solar panels.” |
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| Ride & Drive events are a particular favorite. Marc loves watching someone experience an EV’s quiet ride, smooth acceleration and instant power for the first time. That reaction reminds him of taking his parents for their first EV ride—they were amazed by how quiet, smooth and quick it was. “They were shocked!” he recalled.
Marc also helps capture the action from above with his drone and records photos and videos using an Insta360 camera. Away from EVs, he enjoys Formula 1 and IndyCar, golf and building LEGO sets. (Fun fact: Since taking up the hobby during the pandemic, he has completed more than 120 sets!)
For Marc, volunteering is also about community. It has introduced him to a great group of people who share his passion for electric transportation—and even a few fellow LEGO enthusiasts. “Most of my friends also have EVs, a few of my co-workers have EVs, and we even have an internal Slack channel where I work that is dedicated to electric vehicles,” he shared. Driving electric also provides additional benefits for causes that are important to Marc – clean air and health, climate and environment, energy independence, saving money, and protecting future generations.
His advice to anyone considering an EV is direct:
“Do it. You won’t regret it. Once you do, you will never want to go back to a gas car.”
Thank you, Marc, for your time and effort to keep our websites running, document our events and help Arizonans discover the benefits of driving electric.
Read Marc’s Volunteer Profile here… |
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| | Beat the Heat on July 18! Join Us in Flagstaff for the Historic Route 66 Centennial EV Ride & Drive! |
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| The Mother Road is getting a charge. |
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| 2026 is the 100th anniversary year of Historic Route 66 and DRIVE Electric Arizona is partnering with the City of Flagstaff to host a special Historic Route 66 Centennial EV Ride & Drive in the heart of Historic Downtown Flagstaff.
This free community event will celebrate the legacy of America’s most iconic highway while giving attendees a firsthand look at the future of transportation traveling that very same roadway.
Date: Saturday, July 18, 2026
Time: 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM
Location: 15 N. Beaver St., Flagstaff, AZ 86001
Cost: Free to attend Test Drive Requirements: Drivers must sign a digital waiver and provide a valid driver’s license.
For generations, Route 66 has symbolized freedom, exploration, innovation, and the rise of the American automobile. Now, nearly a century later, electric vehicles are helping write the next chapter of that story.
Set along the Route 66 corridor in highly visible, walkable Downtown Flagstaff, this event will give attendees a rare opportunity to experience electric vehicles on a designated segment of the Mother Road itself. Rather than serving only as a historic backdrop, Route 66 will become part of the hands-on learning experience.
In addition to test drives, the event will feature a wide variety of static EV displays representing different vehicle types, lifestyles, and price points. Experienced EV owners and trained volunteers will be on hand for owner-to-owner conversations about charging, range, road trips, maintenance, cost savings, and what it is really like to drive electric in Arizona.
The Flagstaff Ride & Drive will also include family-friendly entertainment, a food truck, and easy pedestrian access to downtown businesses, museums, restaurants, and Route 66 landmarks—creating a welcoming festival atmosphere for residents, visitors, families, students, and Route 66 travelers of all ages.
Much like Route 66 once introduced Americans to a new era of mobility and adventure, today’s electric vehicle revolution represents another transformational moment in transportation history.
Join DRIVE Electric Arizona and the City of Flagstaff on Saturday, July 18, as we celebrate the past, experience the present, and help shape the road ahead—right on Historic Route 66.
Read the article here…
Sign up to attend here… |
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| | John Martinson Elected to Valley of the Sun Clean Cities Coalition Board |
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| John Martinson, co-founder and president of the Valley of the Sun Electric Vehicle Association and DRIVE Electric Arizona, has been elected to the Board of Directors of the Valley of the Sun Clean Cities Coalition.
The Valley of the Sun Clean Cities Coalition (VSCCC) is an Arizona-based nonprofit organization working to advance cleaner, more efficient transportation across central and northern Arizona. It is part of the U.S. Department of Energy’s nationwide Clean Cities and Communities network, a partnership of more than 75 regional coalitions that help communities reduce petroleum use, improve air quality, strengthen energy security, and deploy alternative transportation technologies.
DRIVE Electric Arizona is Arizona’s statewide program under the U.S. Department of Energy’s DRIVE Electric USA initiative. It works with utilities, businesses, government agencies, nonprofits, dealerships, community organizations, and volunteers to accelerate electric vehicle adoption through education, outreach, vehicle showcases, Ride & Drives, and community partnerships. |
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| | Martinson co-founded the Valley of the Sun Electric Vehicle Association and DRIVE Electric Arizona with Peter Culin, who serves as vice president and board chair of both organizations. Together, Martinson and Culin have helped build a growing grassroots movement that brings EV education, community events, vehicle showcases, Ride & Drives, and partnership-building to communities throughout Arizona. |
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| The appointment also builds on a strong relationship between DRIVE Electric Arizona and the Valley of the Sun Clean Cities Coalition. The two organizations have worked together since DRIVE Electric Arizona’s founding, and VSCCC Executive Director Don Covert serves as secretary of DRIVE Electric Arizona’s Executive Committee.
Martinson brings decades of business, nonprofit, community leadership, and sustainability experience to the coalition’s board. He earned an Executive Master of Sustainability Leadership from Arizona State University’s School of Sustainability. His appointment will further strengthen the connection between Arizona’s grassroots electric vehicle community and the broader network of organizations working to advance cleaner, more efficient, and more resilient transportation.
Martinson will continue in his leadership roles with both DRIVE Electric Arizona and the Valley of the Sun Electric Vehicle Association while taking on his new responsibilities with the VSCCC Board of Directors. He looks forward to supporting the coalition’s work, expanding regional partnerships, and helping Arizona communities and fleets navigate the transition to cleaner transportation technologies.
“This is an opportunity to bring more people and organizations to the table,” Martinson said. “Arizona’s transportation future will be shaped by collaboration, practical solutions, and a willingness to share knowledge and resources. I am honored to contribute to that work.”
Read the article here… |
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| | DRIVE ELECTRIC ARIZONA CHAPTER UPDATES |
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| June Rally to Jerome Brings Together EV Enthusiasts from Across the Southwest |
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| Our June EV Rally to Jerome was another fantastic success, bringing together 20 EV enthusiasts in 13 electric vehicles for a memorable day exploring some of Arizona's most scenic roads. |
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| Participants traveled from across the Southwest, including Tucson, Bullhead City, Las Vegas, and throughout the Phoenix metropolitan area, to enjoy the winding drive through Prescott and Jerome while sharing their passion for electric vehicles. The rally showcased the growing strength of Arizona's EV community. Owners representing a wide variety of electric vehicles gathered to exchange experiences, answer questions, and enjoy the journey together.
Events like these demonstrate that EV ownership is about more than transportation. It is about building community, exploring incredible destinations, and showing that electric vehicles are ready for every adventure Arizona has to offer.
A huge thank you to everyone who joined us. We look forward to seeing both familiar faces and first-time participants at our next DRIVE Electric Arizona adventure!
Read the article here… |
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| Photo credit: Shaun Barnette |
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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, Native 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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