SAN DIEGO, October 14, 2023 – For the first time since the old football team left, the electric vibes were off the charts in Mission Valley as San Diego Gas & Electric (SDG&E) hosted the 11th annual Electric Vehicle Day (EV Day). Around 5,000 San Diegans turned up and spent part of their day doing EV test drives, learning about the latest automotive trends, and enjoying carnival games and delicious food in a family-friendly environment.
The largest local EV Day to date, the event showcased more than 60 dazzling EVs and featured a test drive extravaganza turning Snapdragon Stadium into an EV wonderland. From sleek sedans to adapted vehicles with hand controls for drivers of all abilities, attendees got to try out the latest models and feel the pulse of green innovation right at their fingertips. Over 500 test drives were conducted.
It's about equity and climate goals
San Diego County Chairwoman Nora Vargas is a longtime environmental justice advocate and an EV driver herself. She emphasized the importance of equity in meeting our climate goals.
“I strongly believe that your zip code should not determine your access to clean air and clean transportation,” said Chairwoman Nora Vargas, San Diego County Board of Supervisors. “Making EVs more accessible through the County’s partnership with SDGE is the key to an equitable transition and gets us one step closer to climate equity and environmental justice.”
SDG&E Chief Commercial Officer Miguel Romero and an EV driver himself, thanked San Diegans for driving change and the electric revolution. "This year’s Electric Vehicle Day was a huge success and a testament to the progress our region is making toward a more sustainable future,” he said. “The turnout was incredible, and we're thrilled to see so many in our community embracing the electric revolution. We’re grateful to everyone that stopped by and helped us grow this event."
Accessibility Meets Innovation
EV Day wasn't just about electric cars; it was also a place to learn about EV rebates, incentives and pricing plans. Attendees had the chance to chat with local dealers, pick the brains of experienced EV owners, and even learn the ins and outs of at-home and public charging. The day was jam-packed with highlights as local athletes and Paralympians showcased wheelchair basketball and sitting volleyball. The Challenged Athletes Foundation awarded two grants to para athletes and was the catalyst for inclusive conversations.
“CAF is proud to be a part of this electric vehicle day, where accessibility meets innovation, and where we celebrate the importance of inclusion, said Kristine Entwistle, Chief Executive Officer at Challenged Athletes Foundation. “Challenges can be overcome, both on and off the road and the adaptive test drive experience demonstrates that electric mobility is for everyone, regardless of their unique abilities."
SDG&E is an innovative energy delivery company that provides clean, safe and reliable energy to better the lives of the people it serves in San Diego and southern Orange counties. The company is committed to creating a sustainable future by increasing energy delivered from low or zero-carbon sources; accelerating the adoption of electric vehicles; and investing in innovative technologies to ensure the reliable operation of the region’s infrastructure for generations to come. SDG&E is a subsidiary of Sempra (NYSE: SRE). For more information, visit SDGEnews.com or connect with SDG&E on X (formerly Twitter) (@SDGE), Instagram (@SDGE) and Facebook.