Electric Vehicle Association (formerly Electric Auto Association)

The Electric Vehicle Association (EVA), formerly known as the Electric Auto Association, is a leading nonprofit organization in North America dedicated to accelerating the adoption of electric vehicles. It was initially formed in 1967 in San Jose, California.

Mission

The organization's primary mission is to educate the public about the benefits of driving electric vehicles, thereby promoting their widespread adoption. It supports numerous chapters across the United States and Canada, fostering community-level initiatives to advance electric vehicle (EV) awareness.

Structure

EVA is structured around its extensive network of chapters, which often collaborate to organize events, provide educational resources, and advocate for EV-friendly policies. The organization relies heavily on volunteer efforts, with thousands of members contributing to various initiatives.

Activities

EVA's activities include:

• Community Education: Chapters organize events to raise awareness about the environmental and economic benefits of electric vehicles.
• Advocacy: Members work to influence policy and infrastructure development that supports the integration of EVs into everyday transportation.
• Chapter Development: The organization provides resources and support for local chapters to engage in community-level projects.

Historical Impact

The Electric Vehicle Association has played a significant role in fostering the development and acceptance of electric vehicles. Its efforts have contributed to the growth of the EV market, encouraging Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) to produce more electric vehicles and governments to implement policies supporting their adoption.

Financial Overview

As a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, the organization relies primarily on contributions for funding. Its annual financial reports indicate that contributions form the vast majority of its revenue, with smaller portions coming from program services and investment income.

Notable Achievements

The association's success can be seen in the proliferation of electric vehicles across North America. Its chapters have contributed to the establishment of other prominent organizations focused on electric transportation, including those dedicated to plug-in hybrid vehicles. The shift towards commercially available EVs has reduced the need for "backyard craftsmanship," making electric vehicles a mainstream choice for consumers.