EVA Leaders and Chapters in the News
Grant Gerke, Senior Communications Specialist at the EVA
While summer is known for long days and being outdoors, EVA chapter leaders and members are working hard this summer to support EV events across the country. Recent chapters in the news include the EVA of Greater Washington DC chapter, South Carolina, Northeast Ohio, Knoxville EVA, and more:
Bob Erdman of the Washington DC EVA chapter and others listen to an Rivian owner at the Washington event.
The Washington DC EVA chapter leaders were instrumental in organizing and obtaining permits for the Route Zero Relay event in Washington D.C., held on June 28. Bob Erdman of the DC chapter livestreamed the press conference and made several new connections with local organizations supporting Route Zero Relay and EV adoption. Also, a shout out goes to Ron Kaltenbough and Scott Wilson for their help in obtaining permits to showcase EVs near the press conference. And Ron is also participating in Aaron Choate’s EVA data team pilot – reach out to communications-team@myeva.org for more information.
As mentioned, it’s summer and outdoor fun is being had by families and friends. The Knoxville EVA held their 2023 EVs in the Smokies in early July and the event included fun in the sun, EV ownership discussion, and showcasing new EV models to family and friends. Participants drove and displayed their Nissan Ariyas, Volkswagen ID.4s, F150 lightnings and the top-selling Tesla Model Y. Besides this event, President Eric Cardwell and the rest of the chapter have been very active this year, with chapter members attending established events in Knoxville.
Drive Electric Northeast Ohio and Michael Benson, EVA member, delivered the goods for the Route Zero Relay stop in Cleveland, which included a press conference and featured a Model Y customized cop vehicle from Model PD. See video below:
National EVA Board member, Kate Kruk, was in Washington D.C. in July to attend a Department of Transportation EV Infrastructure event. Kate runs the National EVA policy committee and works at the Livingston Energy Group promoting EV charging infrastructure for commercial and consumer interests. Kate met with Scott Wilson and Bob Erdman from the Washington DC chapter, see picture below.
Kate Kruk, National Board Member at the EVA, meets up with fellow DC chapter members, Bob Erdman and Scott Wilson.
Besides the Route Zero Relay campaign, Department of Energy’s Jennifer Granholm went on a clean energy tour of the Southeast in late June and South Carolina EVA Chapter President, Bruce Cole, attended the 1st event. “We had a fun day in Charlotte learning about EV and battery manufacturing investments being made in the Southeast,” says Cole. “Some people are calling the Southeast the Battery Belt.”
Start an EVA Chapter Today!
The Electric Vehicle Association is always looking for new chapters to help educate and inform friends, neighbors, and family about #EV ownership and technology. To start the process, email us at membership@myeva.org. Once you connect with the EVA, you'll receive our chapter Leaders Guide that includes these topics below and more: