Organised by the non-profit organisations Plug In America, the Sierra Club, the Electric Auto Association and several local groups, the nation-wide celebration of the environmental and economic benefits of plug-in vehicles took place through a number of simultaneous events, including ride ‘n drives, rallies, tailgate parties, charging-infrastructure demos, city proclamations, press conferences, community and business leader presentations, and EV-readiness awards.

National Plug In Day was first held in 2011 in 29 locations. This year, it doubled its reach to over 60 communities also spreading to one location in Canada. “This shows that more people are driving electric vehicles and more people are excited to tell their neighbors about them,” said Sierra Club’s Coplon-Newfield.

National campaign to promote EVs

The organisers of National Plug In Day are taking a grassroots approach to stimulating the electric vehicle market by informing vehicle buyers of available and emerging technologies.

“50,000 new electric vehicles sold in the U.S. in two years are proof positive that Americans are ready to move beyond oil,” said Michael Brune, Sierra Club Executive Director. “The solution for ending high gas prices, rising oceans and Big Oil's choke hold on our economy and democracy is using less gas. And we’re doing it. Today almost every automaker offers a car that runs on little or no oil, and Plug In Day 2012 is only the beginning of a new era of oil-free driving,” he added.

“Plug-in cars are a blast to drive, cheaper than comparable gas cars when fuel and incentives are included, and can charge while you sleep," said Chad Schwitters, Plug In America President.

“It’s thrilling to see the breadth of plug-in vehicles available on the market today. Unprecedented choices are being offered in showrooms by major manufacturers,” says Ron Freund, Chairman of the Electric Auto Association. “The future is here now, not just around the corner! The National Plug In Day event celebrates this revolution!”

Savings on fuelling costs and emissions

According to new data compiled by National Plug In Day organisers, EVs that are already on road have travelled more than 200 million electric miles (around 320 million km) in recent years. By avoiding the purchase of 7,4 million gallons of fuel (28 million liters), EV drivers saved:

• $19,6 million (around €15,1 million) in fuelling costs, when considering also electricity costs;
• 96,5 million pounds (43,7 kg) of CO2 emissions, taking emissions from electricity generated to power EVs into account.

These figures are expected to grow steadily as many new models are becoming available and technology is becoming more accessible.