Drive Electric Earth Month Drives EV Adoption in April 2025

It’s that time of year again—when communities across the country come together to celebrate sustainability and showcase the power of electric vehicles. That’s right, it’s Drive Electric Earth Month!

Drive Electric Earth Month (DEEM) is the springtime sibling of National Drive Electric Week, an annual celebration of EVs held each fall. Originally launched as Drive Electric Earth Day, the event quickly grew into a month-long celebration to better accommodate communities with different schedules throughout April. It’s all brought together by Plug In America, Sierra Club, Electric Vehicle Association (EVA), EV Hybrid Noire, and Drive Electric USA.

“Now is the best time to buy or lease an EV,” said Joel Levin, executive director of Plug In America, a national nonprofit whose mission is to accelerate the shift to EVs and one of the organizations behind Drive Electric Earth Month. “There is more choice in the EV market than ever before, and the federal EV tax credit is in place for now. Besides saving on the initial acquisition with the tax credit, families can save thousands of dollars a year on reduced maintenance and fuel costs by driving electric.”

What Happens at a DEEM Event?

Each event is a little different, but they often include Ride & Drive opportunities, where you can test drive several electric vehicles in one place. The events also feature Meet-and-greets with EV owners who are happy to share what it’s like to own and live with an electric car—no sales pitch, just real talk. Local Earth Day-style celebrations are often included, with family-friendly activities, food, music, and more.

As of now, there are over 150 events across the U.S.

Events are already underway, including one inspiring example in Asheville, NC, where EVs were showcased in an area impacted by Hurricane Helene. A highlight was the resilient Rivian R1T, which famously survived being dragged 100 feet through mud and kept on trucking—literally.

EVs Are Gaining Momentum

With nearly 6.4 million EVs now on U.S. roads and more than 1.6 million plug-in EVs sold in 2024 alone, it’s clear the EV revolution is well underway. That 2024 figure represents an 11% increase over 2023, reflecting growing consumer interest and a strong upward trajectory.

“Once you drive electric, you won’t go back,” Levin said. “Come out to one of the events, talk to drivers and experience one for yourself.”

Why the surge? EVs aren’t just better for the planet—they’re also more fun to drive, cheaper to maintain, and cleaner to operate. And EV owners are loving the experience: Plug In America’s annual survey consistently finds that the vast majority of EV drivers plan to make their next vehicle electric, too.

National sponsors supporting Drive Electric Earth Month include platinum sponsor General Motors, silver sponsor Electric Vehicle Adoption Leadership (EVAL) program and bronze sponsor Edison International.

Upcoming Highlights: Events You Shouldn’t Miss

While there are events all month long, the weekends of April 19–20 and 26–27 are shaping up to be the busiest. And while big cities host plenty, there are some incredible small-town celebrations too. Here are just a few standout events to look out for:

• Melbourne, FL (April 19) – The Space Coast Drive Electric Event at the American Muscle Car Museum features over 40 registered EVs and positions today’s EVs as the “muscle cars” of the 21st century. Admission is free, but the museum requests a donation.
  
  
• Hattiesburg, MS (April 19) – At EV Mississippi’s Spring Event, you’ll find test drives, raffle prizes, food, and even adoptable pets.
  
  
• Waimea, HI (April 26) – Big Island EV owners will cruise from towns across the island and meet for a picnic on Mauna Kea’s Saddle Road, sharing what it’s like to own an EV in Hawaii.
  
  
• Santa Barbara, CA (April 26–27) – One of the country’s largest Earth Day celebrations includes a Green Car Show, EV Ride & Drives, and an “Owners Corner” for EV education.
  
  
• Queretaro City, Mexico (April 26) – The only international event, Earth Day’25 combines a virtual and in-person seminar about EVs’ role in sustainability, hosted by the Querétaro Institute of Technology.
  
  
• Norman, OK (April 27) – The Norman Earth Day Festival will feature an EV car show alongside eco-education for kids and families.
  
  
• Portland, OR (April 27) – Hosted at Daimler Truck’s North American HQ, this event will offer test drives, talks by EV experts, and even a chance to ride in a 1914 Detroit Electric—a true piece of EV history.

Rove Offers EV Drive Day April 28

In Santa Ana, CA on April 28, Rove, creators of the “full-service” EV charging station concept, will offer their EV Drive Day as another great part of Drive Electric Month for visitors to test drive EVs and learn about the future of EV infrastructure.

Rove Charging has proposed a new full-service EV charging center in Oceanside, CA, featuring 51 high-speed chargers, a 3,500-square-foot ReCharge by Gelson’s market, and premium amenities like outdoor seating, Wi-Fi, and restrooms. Located at 1591 Coast Highway near Camp Pendleton and the I-5, the project aims to serve local residents, military personnel, and travelers, while supporting California’s clean energy and climate goals. Currently under city review, the proposal aligns with Rove’s broader vision—already demonstrated at its Santa Ana flagship—to redefine EV charging as a convenient, community-centered experience.

In October, Rove, a developer specializing in full-service electric vehicle (EV) charging centers, opened its first location in Santa Ana, California, shown in the photo below. Situated at 1008 E. 17th Street, the center features 40 direct-current fast chargers compatible with NACS, CCS, and CHAdeMo plugs, accommodating a wide range of EVs. Beyond charging, the facility offers a fresh market, a car wash, a 24/7 lounge, and restrooms, aiming to enhance the EV charging experience.

EVinfo.net’s Take

EVinfo.net is a proud member of the EVA and the Sierra Club. We encourage you to come out to an event and see for yourself the many benefits of driving electric, which include greater cost savings. There’s nothing like experiencing that all-important first electric test drive, which for most people cements the decision to never go back to gas powered vehicles. The federal EV tax credit is still available, and now is a great time to buy a new or used EV before new and used automotive prices increase dramatically due to tariffs.