State sets pace for national EV leadership

DRIVE Electric Arizona (DEAZ), a new Arizona-based nonprofit, has announced DRIVE Electric Three Rivers Tribes, the first new chapter being developed in the state and the nation’s first Native American chapter. The Three Rivers Tribes chapter will be devoted to accelerating the adoption of electric vehicles (EVs) across the included Native American communities.

The chapter serves three Indigenous communities: Fort McDowell Yavapai Nation, the Salt River Pima-Maricopa Indian Community and the Gila River Indian Community. Its name pays homage to the three rivers that flow through their communities: the Verde, Salt and Gila rivers.

“We’re honored to launch the nation’s first Native American chapter,” said DEAZ president John Martinson. “Arizona needs more charging infrastructure on tribal lands and in rural areas. We believe EVs significantly benefit Native American communities, including reduced energy costs and sustainable job creation.”

Chapter president Hans Klose said, “Our forward-thinking team is committed to ensuring Native American communities have access to the benefits of electric vehicles. We believe that EVs can help to improve the quality of life for Native Americans and to protect our environment.”

Klose is a member of the Salt River Pima-Maricopa Indian Community, a Plug In America board member, and chair of DEAZ’s Working Group on Native Communities.

DRIVE Electric Arizona is Arizona’s statewide “DRIVE Electric” program developed under the DRIVE Electric USA Initiative. The Department of Energy has pledged grant funding through 2026 to educate consumers, utilities, utility regulators, and government officials in Arizona and the 27 other states that are part of the initiative. 

“We could not be more thrilled with DRIVE Electric Arizona’s proactive efforts to include disadvantaged community members like the Native American Tribes in Arizona. Inclusivity is critical to advancing the overall mission of accelerating EV adoption across the U.S.” said Jonathan Overly, administrator for DRIVE Electric USA.

“Developing new chapters is a top priority,” Vice President and Board Chair Peter Culin said, “We’re working hard to launch new chapters just in time for April’s Drive Electric Earth Month (DEEM). Our expansion strategy supports Indigenous and rural Arizona communities because of growing demand for programs and charging infrastructure.”  

Visit driveelectricaz.org to learn more.