Electric vehicles (EVs) are a more economical choice for drivers, with lower fueling costs—charging at home overnight is equivalent to paying $1.50 per gallon of gasoline; lower vehicle maintenance costs—no more oil changes; and rebates and incentives that can make buying or leasing more affordable than traditional gas-powered cars.
Hundreds of people have shown up for several EV shows that were conducted via National Drive Electric Week which happens during the latter half of September. The Sierra Club and its partner, EV Advocates, were quite active in events from Santa Maria (Sept. 22), Port of Hueneme (Sept. 30) and Oct. 1 at Ventura Harbor.
The Harbor show was quite popular with 75 cars comprising 37 different models, with 225 people who signed up to come, not including the public.
Sierra Club staff during Ventura Harbor EV show 2023. From right: Steve Colome, Julie Henszey and Holly Shalla. Photo courtesy of Julie Henszey.
“The cars that signed up comprise over 3 million miles driven,” said Kent Bullard, who is the Sierra Club’s Transportation Chair and key organizer of the shows, sometimes partnering with the SB Community Environmental Council which has a robust EV and solar section of its website.
“It’s pretty exciting,” Bullard said, especially since he’s been involved with EVs for years with his wife Cathy. One of his car’s license plates is a hybrid, reading “Sort of EV.”
About 838,000 EVs were on California roads in 2021, and under the state mandate, it’s expected to surge to 12.5 million by 2035. Meanwhile, numerous new electric chargers are popping up like spring flowers, easy “range anxiety.” Condor John is one who replaced his beloved Hyundai Ioniq with 140 miles range to a Chevy Bolt with 250 miles of range.
To join the movement, there are plenty of resources available, the best being going to the EV shows and talking to the owners. SB Community Environmental Council has a webinar and website dedicated to answer all your questions here: https://cecsb.org/webinars/tag/ EV+101
Also, the EV Advocates of Ventura County can be relied on for advice through Facebook and Google Groups. They often partner with our Sierra Club as one of its founders, Kent Bullard, is our Transportation Chair.
A non-partisan group keeps you up to date with the latest nationwide and a questionnaire can lead you to the EV most suited for you. https://www.PluginAmerica.org