This week is National Drive Electric Week, a nationwide celebration to heighten awareness of today’s widespread availability and benefits of electric vehicles. Communities around the nation, including right here in Idaho, are hosting events that promote and celebrate the perks of driving electric.
Idaho is no stranger to electric vehicles. Free electric charging stations can now be found across the state – from Twin Falls to Sandpoint and everywhere in between. Idaho Governor Brad Little acknowledged the importance of electric vehicles to Idaho’s future this past winter when he declared February 14 as Electric Vehicle Day.
In Idaho, we enjoy some of the cleanest and low-cost electricity in the nation, with much of it being produced right here in Idaho. Conversely, Idaho imports 100 percent of our transportation fuels which exposes Idahoans to price fluctuations, potential disruptions in supply and international security concerns while draining nearly $3 billion out of our state each year.
Driving electric vehicles promotes energy development that is produced, purchased and consumed within our state’s borders while bringing in jobs and tax revenue and keeping our air clean. In his Electric Vehicle Day proclamation, Governor Little summarized some of the top benefits of EV usage, “zero-emission electric vehicles with clean energy produced in our state protects our health while creating new good-paying jobs, especially in rural communities.”
Idaho has a great opportunity to expand electric vehicle usage in our state. Two years ago, the U.S. government approved a settlement against Volkswagen for almost 15 billion dollars. A large portion of the settlement has been divided up among states and tribal nations to fund local pollution mitigation and to invest in green vehicle technology. Idaho received $17.3 million, which we believe should be leveraged to expand electric vehicles and charging infrastructure.
Interested in going electric? Check out the wide array of electric vehicles and speak with EV owners in person at the following events in Idaho:
IDAHO FALLS
When: Wednesday, September 18, 2019
1:00 p.m. – 3:30 p.m.
Where: City of Idaho Falls Council Chambers
680 Park Avenue
Idaho Falls, ID 83402
This event will focus on the importance of electric vehicles as an alternative fuel and share basic information about different electric vehicles and electric vehicle charging infrastructure. They will also discuss funding opportunities that can aid businesses in purchasing electric vehicles and discuss various ways that individual consumers can get involved with the growing electric vehicle market and purchase an electric vehicle.
NAMPA
When: Saturday, September 21, 2019
8:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.
Where: Nampa Farmers Market
13th Avenue South
Nampa, ID 83651
A group of EV enthusiasts will have an electric vehicle show at the Nampa Farmer’s Market on Saturday, September 21st to showcase a wide range of vehicle types. EV owners will be on-site to tell attendees about their personal experience with owning an EV and answer questions.