The Electric Vehicle Association of Greater Washington, D.C. is an organization of electric vehicle owners, educators and enthusiasts dedicated to promoting the use of electric vehicles (EVs) as an environmental and energy benefit to society. EVA/DC was formed in 1980 as a chapter of the nationwide Electric Auto Association (EAA), and holds regular monthly meetings, public displays, car shows and tech sessions to exchange information.
Something for Everyone
Many EVA/DC members don’t own an EV, but attend meetings to learn more about the technology. Those who have EVs include members who converted vehicles themselves, purchased limited run OEM EVs (such as the Ford Ranger, Miles NMG, Toyota RAV-4 EV), recently purchased a new OEM EV such as a Tesla, Nissan Leaf or Chevy Volt.
Some members of EVA/DC are supporting the EV industry in one form or another with their infrastructure and consulting business, conversions or selling and repairing light electric vehicles such as electric bicycles and scooters.
Education
EVA/DC actively supports educational efforts including local high school and elementary school EV competitions, where students gain valuable hands on experience in science, technology, engineering and math (STEM).
With the increasing demand to showcase the technology, members are frequently called upon to display their cars at area schools, environmental fairs, automobile shows, parades and other public events. And it’s not unusual for a local EV driver to be stopped in public by curious onlookers for a peek under the hood – often accompanied by an impromptu question and answer session.
Power of DC Races
For over ten years, EVA/DC has organized the Power of DC, an annual EV competion, which features an AutoCross set up by the Sports Car Club of America (SCCA) and drag race sanctioned by the National Electric Drag Racing Association (NEDRA). The competition has been a model others have followed and has resulted in several records (www.powerofdc.com).
Plugged-In to the Future
Several of our members are not only plugged into EVs but to other sustainable technologies as well. Solar energy is one way our members have plugged-into the future by installing solar panels to assist in charging their vehicles.
If you are interested in electric vehicles, you are welcome to attend any of our meetings and events. Consider joining the EVA/DC to support our efforts.