Special thanks to SMUD and Sacramento Clean Cities for their support.

After the Sacramento International Auto Show, this was the Sacramento area’s largest EV outreach event of the year and was jointly developed by SacEV, the local utility SMUD, Sacramento Clean Cities and the Environmental Council of Sacramento (ECOS).  We recorded 761 EV-related conversations, roughly in line with ECOS Earth Day events in prior years.  SMUD reported over 100 test drives (not yet included in conversation count.)

This was a joint partnership between SacEV, SMUD and ECOS.   While so many volunteers contributed time to the event, it would be hard to overstate the importance of ECOS and SMUD in organizing, energizing and delivering the Earth Day EV Showcase.  This year’s showcase was more closely integrated into the ECOS Earth Day event and SMUD not only returned with a full ride and drive, but created balloon displays and signage to draw event attendees into the showcase. 

SacEV volunteers provided over 20 EVs and engaged the community about EV ownership.  SMUD provided six test drive vehicles for over 100 test drives (Chevy Bolt, Nissan Leaf, Toyota bZ4X, VW ID.4, Ford Lighting, Ford Mach-E) and coordinated with Tesla and Lucid for another five EVs.   ECOS was the show host and provided leadership providing the venue, structuring the event and connecting EV-related partners.   Additionally, there were notable contributions from several other organizations and individuals including:

• Sacramento Clean Cities: Developed a great handout piece on workforce development summarizing Fleet-related EV careers.   They also funded lunch and refreshments for the event volunteers.

• Phil Haupt Electric, not only brought an F150 Lightning, but also loaded the frunk with ice and water for volunteers and event attendees.  He kept it loaded and chilled for the full six-hour event.

• Beth Schwehr developed and donated a kids science table with hands-on activities related to solar and electricity.  Mark Williams shared it with families walking by.

• David Link developed and refreshed two 2’ x 3’ display boards with detailed information on new and used EVs on the market.  (We also used them at the Roseville Earth Day EVent.) 

• Cynthia Shallit and Thomas Hall developed a handout on how to take advantage of the IRA incentives for private party sales and a large sign illustrating the affordability of the EVs using her recent purchase of the Chevy Bolt EUV.

• Victoria Hall allowed children to draw on her Nissan LEAF.

Not to be overlooked are the hours contributed and personal vehicles displayed by SacEV volunteers.  Throughout the day volunteers were kept busy engaging attendees.  It was so impactful that we were able to show our EVs, share our experience driving electric and provide key information about EV ownership with topics including charging, the driving experience, range, maintenance, and prices.