For Immediate Release: Wednesday, September 21, 2022
Contacts:
Linda Engle, Climate Associate
Ryan McGoldrick, Program Manager, Conservation Voters for Idaho
Lisa Young, Director, Sierra Club – Idaho Chapter
Randi Walkins, Coordinator, Treasure Valley Clean Cities Coalition
Mike Engle, Chair, Portneuf Resource Council
Drive Electric Week Powers Across Idaho
New federal incentives, Idaho grants, and Electric Vehicle Fairs are creating a real buzz
BOISE, ID – The 12th annual National Drive Electric Week, which runs between September 23 and October 2, 2022, is a nationwide celebration to raise awareness of the many benefits of all-electric and plug-in hybrid cars, trucks, motorcycles, and more.
Events are scheduled in Boise, Pocatello, and Moscow showcasing Electric Vehicles (EVs) and providing information from utilities, local organizations, cities, universities, and other partners. A full list of sponsoring organizations is provided via event links.
The recent passage of the Inflation Reduction Act also provides new incentives for the purchase of both new electric vehicles (up to $7,500), along with a first-ever federal rebate for used EVs (up to $4,000). Additional investments in charging infrastructure, credits for conversion of commercial EV fleets are also included in the federal legislation.
On September 1, the Idaho Office of Energy and Mineral Resources and Department of Environmental Quality announced $2.6 million in funding for EV charging stations across rural Idaho.
“As an Idahoan and EV owner, it’s exciting to see the expansion of charging stations across the state. Electric cars are not only fun to drive but are efficient, help to keep our air clean and are becoming more affordable,” said Linda Engle, Climate Associate with the Idaho Conservation League.
“We are so glad to see personal electric cars becoming more affordable and accessible—and to see public transit and school buses switching from dirty diesel to clean electric engines. We want everyone to benefit from our transition to cleaner energy sources, particularly marginalized communities,” said Lisa Young, Director of the Idaho Chapter of the Sierra Club.
“In person events like this are valuable for increasing EV adoption in Idaho because it gives prospective buyers a firsthand experience. Before purchasing their own EV, people want to see the vehicles, learn about the options, and chat with owners about the benefits.” said Ryan McGoldrick, Program Manager at Conservation Voters for Idaho
“The adoption of electric vehicles frees Americans from the gas pump and reduces air pollution; plus, these cars are incredibly fun, efficient and convenient to drive,” said Mike Engle, Chair of the Portneuf Resource Council. “This Drive Electric Week event is an opportunity to highlight to our community that many people are enjoying these cars without the need for gasoline.”
There are now nearly 2 million EVs on the road in the United States, and a 2022 survey by Consumer Reports showed that more than ⅓ would consider buying an electric vehicle today. There are now more than 32 models available in the U.S., with many of the newer models having a range of 200-300 miles or more.
Idaho National Drive Electric Week Events
Boise, Saturday, Sept. 24, 9-1 pm
1500 Shoreline Dr. (next to Boise Farmers Market)
DriveElectricWeek.org/event?
Pocatello, Saturday, Oct. 1, 9-2 pm
301 N. Main St.
DriveElectricWeek.org/event?
Moscow, Saturday, Oct. 1, 10-3 pm
Palouse-Clearwater Environmental Institute, 1040 Rodeo Drive
DriveElectricWeek.org/event?
Rural Idaho EV Infrastructure funding
The final round of funding from the VW Clean Air Act Settlement was announced Sept. 1, adding 48 charging ports for electric vehicles around the state, including:
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$73,923 awarded to Blaine County for the County Annex Building in Hailey
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$277,093 awarded to the city of Arco for the Idaho Science Center
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$77,334 awarded to the city of Bonners Ferry for its Visitor Center
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$324,960 awarded to the city of Driggs for the Driggs Community Center
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$349,696 awarded to the city of Island Park for its City Building
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$217,379 awarded to Cloninger’s in Grangeville
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$207,683 awarded to Cloninger’s in Kamiah
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$155,188 awarded to Eagle Landing’s Fuel Station 76 in Coeur d’Alene
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$155,539 awarded to the Fall River Cooperative Headquarters in Ashton
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$291,158 awarded to May’s Hardware in McCall
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$149,828 awarded to the Nez Perce Tribe for the Clearwater River Casino in Lewiston
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$79,768 awarded to the Northern Lights Headquarters in Sagle
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National Drive Electric Week 2022 is presented by national sponsors Plug In America, the Electric Auto Association, the Sierra Club, and EVHybridNoire. Nissan LEAF® is the exclusive automotive sponsor of NDEW 2022 and Wells Fargo is the exclusive banking sponsor of NDEW 2022. Normal Now is the Silver level sponsor, and Edison International is the Bronze level sponsor.