NEW LOCAL CHAPTER PUTS ARIZONA ON THE NATIONAL EV SCENE

BIG THANKS 
Thank you for your tremendous support in launching DRIVE Electric Arizona (DE-AZ)! Your membership, newsletter shares, social media engagement, and EVent participation is helping DRIVE Electric Arizona put the pedal to the metal in its mission to accelerate the statewide adoption of EVs. As the co-founders of Valley of the Sun Electric Vehicle Association (VOTSEVA) and DE-AZ, we are grateful for your important role in growing Arizona’s EV community.

INTRODUCING THREE RIVERS TRIBES CHAPTER
We are thrilled to announce the launch of DRIVE Electric Arizona’s Three Rivers Tribes Chapter, the country’s first Native American chapter. The chapter will officially kick off with a three-part EVent on April 6. Keep reading to learn more about chapter president Hans Klose and the exciting launch of the new Three Rivers Tribes Chapter.

INTRODUCING ROUTE 66 KINGMAN CHAPTER
DRIVE Electric Arizona’s explosive growth is exemplified by its launch of TWO new chapters in the coming weeks. The rapid expansion into rural areas and Tribal Lands is a remarkable nod to the need for programs and support across the entire state. Chapter co-chairs Tosha O’Neill and Jessica May are already actively working to launch a fun and meaningful chapter at the heart of Route 66. More exciting details to come!

GEAR UP FOR “DEEM”
April may be the most exciting time of year for Arizona’s EV enthusiasts. This is prime time for world-class weather, majestic natural beauty, and special EVents celebrating Earth Day. Drive Electric Earth Month (DEEM) is Earth Day on steroids. Thanks to DRIVE Electric USA and its DEEM sponsor, Plug In America, our WATTS HAPPENING calendar is packed to the brim with fun opportunities to celebrate. Join us for a variety of unique and memorable opportunities to connect with EV enthusiasts and influence innovation in the Valley of the Sun and beyond.

Charge On!
John S Martinson and Peter Culin
Co-Founders

INTRODUCING THREE RIVERS TRIBES
DRIVE Electric Arizona is Arizona’s statewide “Drive Electric” program developed 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 is accelerating the transition to electric vehicles. A primary growth strategy for DE-AZ is establishing regional chapters around the state.

The Three Rivers Tribes Chapter will officially launch on April 6 as the first Native American chapter in the country. The chapter will serve three Indigenous communities: Fort McDowell Yavapai Nation, the Salt River Pima-Maricopa Indian Community, and the Gila River Indian Community. Its name pays homage to the three rivers that flow through their communities: the Verde, Salt, and Gila Rivers.

The Three Rivers Tribes Chapter and other planned Native American Chapters in the state will give voice to historically underserved and rural communities. For example, there is a stark lack of charging infrastructure in Arizona’s Tribal and rural areas. There are no convenient DC fast chargers from Flagstaff to the Four Corners. The Three Rivers Tribes Chapter will amplify DE-AZ’s statewide voice in support of transportation electrification across the state.

THE KICKOFF
The new chapter kickoff includes a first-of-its-kind multi-pronged electric vehicle car show presented at the three American Indian Communities that make up the Three Rivers Tribes Chapter. Salt River Project (SRP) will host tasty treats at each stop of the day-long celebration.

• 8:00 – 9:30 AM @ We-Ko-Pa Casino Resort
• 10:00 – 11:30 AM @ Talking Stick Resort
• Noon – 2:00 PM @ Wild Horse Pass Resort + Casino

MEET HANS KLOSE
Chapter president Hans Klose is a member of the Salt River Pima-Maricopa Indian Community and a local small business owner.

Hans has a remarkable leadership and community service history on Tribal Lands and across Arizona. He’s a Plug In America board member and chair of DE-AZ’s Working Group on Native Communities. Hans is also a past board chair of Casino Arizona, a past board member of Valley Leadership, and the current chair of the Arizona State Board for Charter Schools.

“The Greatest Car Show on Grass,” a memorable fundraiser for Phoenix Children’s Hospital, was a huge success!

Answering questions and sharing personal ownership stories are an important part of EV car shows. Our presence is a valuable opportunity to accelerate the adoption of EVs. Thank you to our engaging volunteers who hosted more than 50,000 spectators with electrifying enthusiasm.

Photo Gallery + Event Recap

Guests will enjoy an exhilarating opportunity to ride or drive a variety of EVs on a local 2.8-mile route. Bring your car and personal energy for this opportunity to accelerate Arizona’s adoption of electric vehicles. Special thanks to SRP for their generous sponsorship.

Register Here

We are delighted to welcome AutoNation Ford Scottsdale to our family of generous sponsors.

Accelerating the statewide adoption of EVs is a team effort. We are grateful to our sponsors, members, and volunteers for helping us achieve our mission!

Sponsor Opportunities

March 23: Cars of Encanterra Car Show
March 23: BESPOKEV Cars and Coffee
April 2024: Drive Electric Earth Month
April 3: Arizona Electric Fleet Day
April 5: Fight for Air Climb
April 6 (New Chapter!): Three Rivers Tribes Chapter Kickoff (Part 1) (Part 2) (Part 3)
April 13: Cars for HopeKids
April 20 (Signature Event!): Earth Day 2024 – Phoenix Ride and Drive Day
April 20: Salt River Pima–Maricopa Indian Community Earth Day Celebration
April 20: Carefree Earth Day Celebration
April 27: D.E.E.M. Ride & Drive (Hosted by SRP)
May 4: (New Chapter!): Route 66 Kingman Chapter Kickoff
May 4: Peach Springs Electric Vehicle Show
May 3-5: Historic Route 66 Arizona “Electrified”  Fun Run
 

MEMBERS ENJOY EXCLUSIVE BENEFITS
Our Chapter defines “members” as having joined the national Electric Vehicle Association (EVA) as a current dues-paying “member” and then having completed our Chapter Sign-Up Form at no additional cost. The benefits of being a paid EVA member include those listed on the national EVA’s national website. Members of our Valley of the Sun EVA Chapter also have the ability to place classified ads on our website for free and access to the Member Deals section with members-only offers from our generous sponsors.

Dues-paying VOTSEVA members now have exclusive access to substantial discounts. Contact us or go to our Sponsor Page for your referral/discount code. If you’re not yet a member, please join here to unlock these valuable benefits!

SRP

• Electric Vehicle (EV) Incentives

Distinct Detail

• Known in the industry as some of the best detailers in the world, Distinct Detail excels at meeting client’s needs and produces excellent results.

AutoNation Ford Scottsdale

Sun Valley Solar Solutions

• Up to $1000 off a solar energy system
• 10% off an EV outlet installation

Bulldog Detail

• 10% off car care and customization services

Scan Global Logistics

• Uncomplicate Your World
• We see it as our shared responsibility to find sustainable solutions to limit global warming.

Buzze

• Get charged up in your neighborhood!

Please contact us if you or a company you know and trust would like to learn more about our charitable sponsorship opportunities.