Drive Electric Earth Month
Carbondale Drive Electric Earth Month
Carbondale, IL
Apr 25 2026

Event Report

This year marked a significant milestone as we hosted the first-ever Drive Electric Earth Month event in the Carbondale area! It was also the inaugural public event for the newly established Southern Illinois Electric Vehicle Association (EVA).

Held at the scenic Lenus Turley Park, the showcase brought together a diverse crowd, from long-time EV enthusiasts to local residents curious about making the switch to electric transport.

Key Highlights

• Community Engagement: We reached approximately 115 people, with 30 attendees engaging with owners to learn about the realities of EV daily life.

• The Fleet: Five unique plug-in vehicles were on display, providing a hands-on look at the latest in electric technology.

• "No Sales Pressure" Environment: Our Southern Illinois EVA members focused on authentic peer-to-peer education, answering questions about charging, range, and performance in a relaxed, community-focused setting.

• The Venue: Lenus Turley Park provided a wonderful atmosphere for families and passersby to stop and chat, contributing to the "exposed" audience of over 100 people who got their first up-close look at an EV.

Special Thanks

We would like to thank our local volunteers and the members of the Southern Illinois EVA for their planning and dedication. We also appreciate the support of the national Drive Electric Earth Month organizers and our primary affiliate, the Electric Vehicle Association, for helping us put Carbondale on the electric map!

photo by: Robb Hutchinson, Vice President of the Southern Illinois EVA Group of gathering to learn more about EV's before things got busy.

Event Description