Kylie Morgan, Program Coordinator at Plug In America, gave this presentation at Forth's webinar on August 6, 2019

2. EV Test Drive
Events
• 18+ events this year
• Focus on disadvantaged communities and workplaces
• 1,200+ test drives and rides
• Key Trends
• Little knowledge on basics of EVs
• Impressed by vehicle’s performance and cost-
saving benefits
• Challenges/Lessons Learned
• Avoid standalone test drive event
• Community v. workplace event
• Incentives make a big difference
• Brand loyalty in specific communities

3. General Ride and Drive Tips
• Liability
– Insurance coverage for all entities involved
– Check driver’s licenses and have waivers for test drivers and
riders to sign
• Safety
– Clear pedestrian and vehicle pathways (use signs, cones, yellow
tape, etc.)
– Staff stationed in areas where vehicles enter and exit
– Staff stationed where vehicles exit can tally total drives and
rides in each vehicle
• Test Drive Route
– About 15 minutes per drive
– Right hand turns
– Driving on the streets vs. in a parking lot

4. Resources to
organize EV
ride and drive
Connect
Connect with EV
owners to display
their vehicle and
share their
experience
•Plug In America’s
network of EV owners
•Local Electric Auto
Association chapter
•Find local EV clubs on
Facebook
Partner
Partners
•Community-based
organizations
•Local utility
•Reach out to local Clean
Cities Coalition
•Partner with cycling
groups (interest in clean
air) and other potential
exhibitors
Invite
Invite local dealers
•Incentivize salesperson
with a gift card
•Create discount for
employees or local
residents
•Weekdays are less busy
for dealerships
•Dealers are generally
unavailable toward the
end of the month

5. Value of EV test drive events
Data courtesy of National Renewable Energy Laboratory.

6. Factors affecting EV adoption
• Charging station awareness
– Those unaware of charging stations reported the greatest
increase in expectation to consider.
– Willingness to consider an AEV was highest amongst those
that regularly pass charging stations.
• Technology tested
– Willingness to consider increased more for the specific
technology tested.
– Willingness to consider a PHEV rose the most (18%) for those
that tested only a PHEV.
– Willingness to consider a AEV rose the most (16%) for those
that tested only an AEV.
– Those testing only an PHEV reported a much lower
willingness to consider an AEV.
Data courtesy of National Renewable Energy Laboratory.

7. Tools for
potential EV
buyers
PlugStar online shopping tool
Shows all current models,
prices, and purchase
incentives by zipcode
Information on available
charging stations for
each vehicle and prices
Connects shoppers with
EV events and local
dealers
The PlugStar team trains
salespeople on the basics of EVs.

8. National Drive Electric Week /
Drive Electric Earth Day
• National Drive Electric Week Sept. 14-22, 2019
– Events across all 50 states
– EV parades, dealer test drives, and more
– Engagement with local officials
– Chance to showcase local EV programs and
initiatives
• Drive Electric Earth Day (every April)
– 188 events in 171 cities, 44 US states, and 5
countries
– 2,000+ test drives and rides, 200+ volunteers,
2,000+ registered vehicles in attendance
• NDEW / DEED Event Resources
– Registered events receive free online event page,
printed materials, banner, press contacts, and online
resources
Columbia, SC photo © 2018 Alan Buck