Drive Electric Hawai‘i Launches EV Resource Hub

Photo by Hunter Bishop.

September 9 through 17, 2017 is National Drive Electric Week and the Drive Electric Hawai‘i Coalition has unveiled a website aimed at helping Hawai‘i residents understand the driving, charging and owning experience of electric transportation.

DriveElectricHI.com launched as a resource hub for Hawai‘i residents. Site visitors will find news, links to online and print resources, upcoming events and stories from EV drivers and local experts. The website also offers details about upcoming events and ways to get involved including ride-and-drive events on Hawai‘i Island.

“Working together on strategies to electrify transportation in Hawai‘i is a key component of our transition to 100 percent renewable electricity by 2045,” said Shem Lawlor, clean transportation director at Blue Planet Foundation. “We see the newly launched Drive Electric Hawai‘i website as an ideal place to start for community members who are interested in learning more about electric vehicles. We’ve worked to answer the top questions on people’s minds as they think about making the switch from gasoline vehicles.”

Drivers who have already made the transition are also featured on the site. “We purchased our first EV in 2011 and thoroughly enjoy the ownership experience, the environmental impact, and the ability to run our cars on solar energy,” said Noel Morin and Stephanie Hall-Morin of Hilo when asked about their experience as electric vehicle owners.

Formed in 2016, Drive Electric Hawai‘i seeks to promote the use of electric vehicles, reduce fossil-fuel-powered transportation and enable more renewable energy through collaboration on education, promotion, advocacy and infrastructure to make electric mobility easier for all.

The coalition of public, private and nonprofit organizations includes Blue Planet Foundation; Hawaiian Electric Companies; Kauai Island Utility Cooperative; Rocky Mountain Institute; Hawai‘i State Energy Office, Department of Transportation, and Division of Consumer Advocacy; and Ulupono Initiative.

“Many people do not yet realize that driving an electric vehicle can be both economically and environmentally beneficial,” said Brennon Morioka, Hawaiian Electric general manager for electrification of transportation. “About 7,000 Hawai‘i drivers are already enjoying the smooth and silent drive experience from state-of-the-art technology, a reduced carbon footprint and the financial benefits that come with driving an electric vehicle. Electric vehicle owners are not just leading the future of mobility; they are helping Hawai‘i on our journey to 100 percent renewable energy.”