Formed in 1967 as a way to share the benefits of transitioning gasoline vehicles to electric, the Electric Vehicle Association saw its membership as a result of two gas shortages in 1970 and 1973 that gripped the U.S. causing drivers to face around-the-block lines at their local gas stations. A group of Silicon Valley, CA engineers banded together to respond to this shortage.

They created an educational effort as part of the Electric Vehicle Association that offered to assist anyone interested in converting their gasoline cars to electric and reduce dependence on foreign oil. It was there the nonprofit’s first chapter was created and since then has evolved into an effort that has spurred electric vehicle market growth across an entire continent.