National Drive Electric Week 2021 – In-Person & Virtual Events

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
September 21, 2021

Contacts:
General Questions: Lyz Bantilan, APCD Public Information Officer, (805) 961-8819
Applicant Questions: Alex Economou, APCD Air Quality Specialist / C5 Coordinator, (805) 961-8894

Santa Barbara County Air Pollution Control District, Central Coast Clean Cities Coalition, and Electric Drive 805 Coalition Partners Invite Public to Learn About Benefits of Driving Electric

Organizations Push for Swift Change and Commitment During National Drive Electric Week

SANTA BARBARA COUNTY, Calif. – Santa Barbara County Air Pollution Control District (APCD), Central Coast Clean Cities Coalition (C5), the Community Environmental Council (CEC), and Electric Drive 805 coalition partners are proud to sponsor a variety of free in-person and virtual National Drive Electric Week events in September and October. The public is invited to learn about the wide range of electric vehicles (EVs) that can fit most every lifestyle and budget.

National Drive Electric Week (September 25 – October 3) is a nationwide celebration to help the U.S. transition rapidly and equitably to cleaner transportation that protects communities from pollution and worsening climate change impacts. Since transportation alone is responsible for more than half of all of California’s carbon emissions, 80 percent of smog-forming pollution, and 95 percent of toxic diesel emissions, switching to an electric vehicle is among the most impactful environmental actions individuals can take. These statistics are behind California’s push to have five million zero-emission vehicles on the roads by 2030 and 100 percent zero-emission car sales by 2035.

The celebration is also working to share the message that electric vehicles are for everyone, regardless of income level. Increased incentives are available for eligible low-to-moderate income households. Here is a current list of incentives, with additional State funding anticipated later in 2021 or early 2022:

The California Clean Fuel Rewards program
Southern California E dison EV Rebates & Incentives
Central Coast Community Energy Electrify Your Ride
Clean Vehicle Rebate Project (waitlisting new applicants due to high EV incentive demand and limited funding)
Clean Vehicle Assistance program (currently closed)

A range of free events leading up to and throughout the week highlight the many benefits – including affordability – of all-electric and plug-in hybrid cars, trucks, motorcycles, and more. They also highlight the strong growth of electric charging stations and other infrastructure that makes it easier than ever to drive electric.

Virtual events:

Catered to community members who are new to the electric vehicle movement, each webinar is free and requires advanced registration.

Cars are Overrated: e-Bikes, Buses, and Box Trucks, Oh My! – Saturday, September 25

11:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. PT

Hear from a panel of leading spokespeople who will help get you moving on two wheels! This expert panel will touch on topics including cycle logistics, city planning, transportation policy, and equity issues.

CEC’s Climate Action Webinar Series: National Drive Electric Week EV 101 – Tuesday, September 28

7:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. PT

People curious about whether electric vehicles are right for them are particularly encouraged to attend. Experts in the field will share everything you need to know to start driving electric.

In-person events:

Experience electric vehicles firsthand, get questions answered, and gain the support and confidence required to make the switch to electric. A team of EV experts and volunteer EV owners will be at each event, available to assist attendees and give guidance so others can find the perfect electric vehicle for their transportation needs. For greater detail and to register for these events, go to www.electricdrive805.org/events.

Channel Islands Harbor EV Showcase and Ride & Drive – Sunday, September 26

10:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.

Channel Islands Harbor

3610 South Harbor Blvd., Oxnard CA 93035

Goleta Farmers’ Market EV Showcase – Sunday, September 26

10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.

Camino Real Marketplace

7004 Market Place Dr., Goleta, CA 93117

SLO Farmers’ Market Electrify Your Life Showcase – Thursday, September 30

6:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.

SLO Farmers’ Market

1022 Morro St., San Luis Obispo, CA 93401

Madonna Inn EV Ride & Drive – Saturday, October 2

9:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.

Madonna Inn

100 Madonna Rd., San Luis Obispo, CA 93405

Live events will adhere to all Public Health COVID guidelines and are subject to change based on these guidelines. All attendees and volunteers are required to wear face masks whenever they are within six feet of another person at all National Drive Electric Week 2021 events. For more information, see the in-person event safety requirements we are following at https://driveelectricweek.org/event-safety.

About Santa Barbara County APCD

The mission of Santa Barbara County Air Pollution Control District is to protect the people and the environment of Santa Barbara County from the effects of air pollution. More information is available on our website: www.OurAir.org.

About C5

The Central Coast Clean Cities Coalition (C5) is a group of local stakeholders whose mission is to expand the use of alternative fuel vehicles and fueling infrastructure throughout the Central Coast. To learn more about C5, visit www.c-5.org.

About CEC
Recognized as a 2020 California Nonprofit of the Year and a 2020 City of Santa Barbara Climate Hero, CEC has worked since 1970 to incubate and innovate real life environmental solutions that directly affect the California Central Coast. Our current work advances rapid and equitable solutions to the climate crisis – including ambitious zero carbon goals, drawdown of excess carbon, and protection against the impacts of climate change. Our programs lead to clean vehicles, solar energy, resilient food systems and reduction of single-use plastic. Learn more about why CEC is one of only eight Santa Barbara County nonprofits to have the highest possible ratings on independent watchdogs Charity Navigator and Guidestar at CECSB.org/impact, and find CEC on the web at CECSB.org and on Facebook.com/CECSB, Instagram.com/CEC_SB, and Twitter.com/CECSB.

About Electric Drive 805

Electric Drive 805 is a coalition led by the Community Environmental Council that is dedicated to achieving a rapid transition to electric vehicles in San Luis Obispo, Santa Barbara, and Ventura Counties. We help businesses and communities improve health and prosperity by reducing emissions from the largest source of pollution in our region: the cars we drive. Learn more at ElectricDrive805.org.

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