Edison International helps nonprofits bring the benefits of driving EVs to vulnerable communities.
From gardening, recycling and organic cooking, members of Happy50Plus— a social mission organization serving over 6,000 older Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders — are very environmentally conscious. And they want to learn more about the benefits of electric vehicles.
“We feel they will be very happy to learn how driving an EV will reduce the carbon footprint on Earth,” said Amanda Lee, CEO of Happy50Plus.
The nonprofit will host “Save Money, Love Earth, Drive EV!” on April 29 in Mandarin. The event will include a virtual EV test drive as part of Drive Electric Earth Day 2021, a national campaign co-presented by Plug In America throughout April.
“Electric vehicles cost far less to run and maintain,” said Lee. “Since some of our members are already retired, or near retirement, we strongly felt that electric cars are a good option to consider, especially for people who may have reduced incomes.”
Edison International, parent company of Southern California Edison, provided grants to Happy50Plus and other organizations as part of SCE’s mission to expand opportunities for all residents, especially those in vulnerable communities, to experience the benefits of driving an EV.
Transportation electrification is part of SCE’s “Pathway 2045,” a report that examines the profound changes that need to take place for California to reach 100% carbon neutrality by 2045. This year, SCE will launch Charge Ready 2, the nation’s largest light-duty EV charging program by an independently owned utility with almost half of the resources dedicated to disadvantaged and economically impacted communities.
As part of its ongoing dialogue on the transition to a clean energy future, Edison International was one of the sponsors at the recent Ceres 2021: Transform Tomorrow Today conference, a virtual gathering of international thought leaders discussing solutions to major global threats.
“Transportation electrification will play a large role in getting to net zero and part of this adoption is making sure we have the infrastructure ready,” said Pedro J. Pizarro, president and CEO of Edison International, who discussed the company’s alignment with the Biden administration on the importance of a modern grid to support necessary electrification.
“We are doing our part in the energy sector as well as collaborating with automotive manufacturers, charging companies and groups that can help educate customers.”
From implementing the nation’s largest installation of charging stations to partnering with local organizations, SCE continues to shine a light on its commitment to advancing principles that center around health, equity and resilience in California’s progress toward its climate goals.
“It’s simple. Make changes today that will impact and clean your future tomorrow and that starts with taking the time to learn something new such as learning about new EV options — we believe in this clean energy mission,” said Pam Bold, executive director of the High Sierra Energy Foundation, who will present “Earth Day Mono County,” an in-person event on April 22 and “Mono County Drive Electric Earth Day and Owners Panel”, an online event on April 23.