EVs for posterity
Sacramento chapter supports museum exhibit
EVs on display at the California Automobile Museum
The Sacramento Electric Vehicle Association (SacEV) has a history of holding chapter meetings at the California Automobile Museum, but until last year, it was on a very occasional basis. Then, in October of 2021, when former SacEV President George Parrot gave a substantial contribution in Tesla stock to the museum, use of the meeting space became permanent.
“We’ve been very lucky because the museum recently improved on the large multi-purpose event hall,” said SacEV Infrastructure Board Member Eugen Dunlap, citing new insulation as one of the major energy upgrades to the museum. “It’s been great to have this room as a regular home for our meetings.”
SacEV chapter meets at the California Automobile Museum
According to Dunlap, the museum has called upon the chapter for insight when it comes to electric vehicles (EVs). “They asked us for comments and suggestions in the planning stages of their Alternative Propulsion exhibit,” he explained. “We went to planning meetings and we gave them input.”
Delayed due to pandemic concerns, the exhibit opened in June, runs through October, and costs $10 for adults (or free if attended concurrently with a SacEV chapter meeting).
“It’s the only place in Northern California where you can see an original GM EV1 in person,” Dunlap said, adding that other vehicles on display include a steam car, the Tango commuter car, a Nissan Hypermini, a first generation Toyota Rav4 EV, and a lime-green Tesla Plaid loaned by Parrot.
“The exhibit is very well placed,” Dunlap continued. “It’s right where you enter the museum. Everyone who visits sees it right away.”
SacEV display outside the California Automotile Museum
Appreciation on both sides
“SacEV has been an important benefactor here,” said California Automobile Museum Executive Director David Flatt, explaining that in addition to help with the exhibit, he has appreciated the chapter’s assistance with a number of museum events.
This has included EV Coast to Coast, the Alternative Propulsion exhibit opening which also marked the successful termination of EVA member Daphne Dixon’s cross country trip in a Ford Mustang Mach-E.
“Chapter members bring their EVs to our car shows, which enables a good mix of cars for people to see,” Flatt continued. “They even show-up at museum events where they’re not directly involved.”
Additionally, the chapter has been collaborating with the museum in applying for two educational grants, and “We’re also in discussion with them about the possibility of installing a charging station here,” Flatt said.
Capital perch
SacEV is engaged with state legislation perhaps more than any other chapter in the country. Working with the California Air Resources Board (CARB), the California Energy Commission, and other organizations, a major focus has been on charging infrastructure for multi-unit developments.
Locally, “We try to be heard on the county and city level when grants are available,” Dunlap said. “A group of us have been working with the cities of Davis and Sacramento because we want to make sure they go the progressive route on infrastructure. This is especially important for the underserved. Everything is about using technology if you’re not so well off.”
The chapter has also been meeting with Pacific, Gas & Electric (PG&E) to suggest commercial locations for fast chargers, and it has been assisting communities in applying for fast charger installation.
“Right now, we’re working with Woodland, a community north of Sacramento,” Dunlap explained. “Whoever comes to us, we help them write a grant.”
Setting a personal example
Dunlap’s connection to EVs goes back to his leasing of an EV1 in the 1990’s. “I rode my bike to work, so my wife drove the EV1,” Dunlap explained. When the program was terminated, “She pretty much chained herself to the car. It was quite a drama until she finally gave it up.”
Eugen Dunlap’s wife protesting return of EV1
During the EV1 lease, the Dunlaps saw an improvement in their son’s high school academic performance. “We told him if he raised his grades, he could take the EV1 to school. It was a great motivator,” Dunlap said. “In his senior year, he won ‘Best Ride’ in a school car competition.”
“I’ve told that story to many folks with kids in high school and some of them have done the same thing,” he continued. “The grades go up every time.”
Three of 26 chargers added at Eugen Dunlap’s condo building in Davis
More of late, Dunlap has been very active at his townhouse complex in Davis, where “We put in 26 chargers for 26 units,” he said. “We applied to PG&E to fund 95% of the cost. They agreed to fund 10 at the beginning, but with 10 you’re always arguing over who gets to charge at the cheapest times of the day. We wanted the same solution that single-family homeowners have, and the utility ultimately funded all 26.”
“It’s great to be involved in promoting EVs on so many levels,” Dunlap concluded. “SacEV is a chapter that pushes constantly to improve driving electric. I’m happy to be joining my fellow volunteers to make the world more sustainable.”
Alternative Propulsion exhibit at the California Automobile Museum