Drive Electric Month, now in its 16th year, is hosting more than 150 events across the US through early October, with a handful spilling into Canada. The annual program, organized by a coalition including Plug In America and the Sierra Club, comes at a moment when US gasoline prices have hit record highs, making the case for switching to electric vehicles more urgent for many drivers.
Most events are in-person gatherings where prospective buyers can talk directly with EV owners—an alternative to the often-pressured dealership experience—and see a range of vehicles, from electric trucks to DIY conversions. Larger festivals include test drives, food trucks, and family activities, while online webinars cover topics for those who cannot attend locally.
Organizers emphasize that events are locally run and vary widely in size, from church parking lot meetups to major showcases like the Knoxville Drive Electric Festival with 67 registered cars. Attendees can also learn about EV rebates, off-peak charging rates, and charging infrastructure rollouts, as well as career opportunities in electric mobility. The source notes that the timing is especially relevant given the current oil price spike, framing the events as a practical step toward energy independence.