“Spirit of Arizona” — The Meaning Behind the Design
This Rivian R1T wrap design is more than eye-catching — it’s a visual journey grounded in Indigenous wisdom, environmental responsibility, and the promise of clean energy.
The Sun on the Hood
To the Indigenous peoples of Arizona, the Sun is sacred — a life-giver, healer, and guide. It sustains all living things and marks the rhythm of seasons. Today, it also symbolizes the power of clean, renewable energy — fueling our homes, our vehicles, and a more sustainable future. The radiant sun on the hood of this electric truck bridges ancient tradition with modern innovation: honoring the past, empowering the future.
The Saguaro and the Desert Landscape
The Saguaro, towering in quiet resilience, stands as a sacred relative to many Arizona native nations. Rooted deeply in the desert, it survives heat, drought, and time — a teacher of strength, balance, and adaptation. As we confront climate change and seek harmony with the land, the Saguaro reminds us that resilience means learning from nature and leaning into interdependence.
The Horse and the Butterfly
Across cultures, the horse represents freedom, strength, and mobility. The butterfly, delicate yet powerful, reflects transformation and rebirth. In Indigenous traditions, both are deeply symbolic — and here, they represent the spirit of transition to electric vehicles. It’s more than switching technology — it’s a return to balance, a cleaner footprint, and a more just and hopeful journey for all.
The Rattlesnake
Powerful and aware, the rattlesnake moves with intention and gives fair warning — a guardian of balance, not a threat. For many Indigenous cultures, it is a symbol of transformation and sacred responsibility. As we shift our ways of moving through the world, the rattlesnake reminds us that true change comes with awareness, respect, and a deep listening — to the land, to each other, and to ancestral wisdom.
The Eagle on the front
The eagle, soaring high with far-reaching vision, is a sacred symbol of clarity, strength, and leadership. It calls us to rise above the noise and see the bigger picture — to seek not only innovation, but also justice, wisdom, and shared well-being. For DRIVE Electric Arizona, the eagle embodies our mission to educate and advocate for electric vehicles, guiding Arizona toward a cleaner, stronger future.
The Turtle and the Corn
The turtle carries endurance, and the sacred corn carries life’s gifts. EVs bring those gifts today — cost and time savings, cleaner air, and healthier families and communities. Together, they remind us that driving electric honors tradition while moving us toward a brighter tomorrow for all.
This truck doesn’t just run on electricity — it runs on intention.
Every symbol on the Spirit of Arizona R1T tells a story of balance, tradition, and transformation. Together, they invite us to drive not just with cleaner energy, but with deeper intention — honoring the land, listening to those who have long protected it, and moving toward a future where fairness, culture, and sustainability ride side by side.
Learn more at https://www.driveelectricaz.org/
Curator of Native Cultural Aspects
The Native American cultural elements of Spirit of Arizona are thoughtfully curated by Hans Klose, an enrolled member of the Salt River Pima-Maricopa Indian Community. Hans grew up on the Salt River, Gila River, and Tohono O’odham reservations, shaping his lifelong commitment to honoring Indigenous perspectives of sustainability, resilience, and sovereignty.
A graduate of Dartmouth College with a Bachelor of Arts in Religion and Native American Studies, Hans has been an active voice in Native advocacy, including his work with the Native American Alumni Association of Dartmouth. Professionally, he served as his tribe’s Director of Community Development, where he enhanced the Environmental Resources Division, and he has contributed nationally as a board member of the Indian Land Tenure Foundation.
With decades of experience in both tribal leadership and the private sector, Hans has consistently advanced Native American political, economic, educational, and resource sovereignty while supporting environmental sustainability. His role in this project ensures that Spirit of Arizona reflects not only the beauty of cultural symbolism but also the integrity, values, and wisdom of Arizona’s Indigenous communities.
Note: We are committed to respectful representation. Spirit of Arizona was developed to honor the land and celebrate cultural heritage. We welcome feedback and partnership with communities across Arizona.