Community

Helping Consumers Plug in to EVs
By Paul Griffo

If you are considering buying or leasing an electric vehicle or are simply EV-curious, you’ll be able to learn more about them this month through nearly 200 in-person and virtual events nationwide.
Edison International, Southern California Edison’s parent company, is sponsoring four events held as part of Drive Electric Earth Day , a national campaign during April to get the public acquainted with EVs.

Monday, April 18, 7-8 p.m.: Sustainable Claremont , a nonprofit dedicated to creating a more sustainable community in the city, will hold an online event to promote the use of EVs.
Tuesday, April 19, 4-5:30 p.m.: Healthy Active Streets , an organization that focuses on underserved communities of color in Long Beach, will host an online event to introduce people to EVs and offer the opportunity to apply for incentive funding to purchase an EV.
Saturday, April 23, 3-6 p.m.: The Gardena Valley Chamber of Commerce will host an in-person event that will feature various EVs available for test drives, a DJ, a food truck and display tables from local businesses and sponsors. Location: The Ditch, 2800 Rosecrans Ave. Gardena, CA 90247
Wednesday, April 27, 4-5 p.m.: Happy50Plus , a company that focuses on older Chinese-speaking Americans, will host an online “Love Mother Earth, Drive an EV!” event in Mandarin Chinese for people interested in learning more about EVs.

“Drive Electric Earth Day is a great opportunity to learn about the advantages of driving electric,” said Carter Prescott, SCE Director of Electrification. “Electric vehicles can save you money on fuel, and they are much less expensive to maintain – and they’re just fun to drive.”
Prescott pointed out that SCE offers its customers a rebate of as much as $4,000 on buying or leasing a preowned EV. California residents can also get a rebate of up to $750 on a new EV through the Clean Fuel Reward program.
SCE offers an online tool where users can compare the cost of owning an EV to similar gas cars and find incentives for purchasing an EV.

Edison International-funded grants for the four events were awarded by Plug In America , a nonprofit organization aiming to accelerate the adoption of plug-in EVs.
“We are thrilled to have Edison International as a partner in furthering our mission to help consumers learn about plug-in EVs so they can make the most informed decision to fit their lifestyles and needs,” said Joel Levin, executive director of Plug In America.
Other Drive Electric Earth Day events are listed here .