National Initiative Tackles EV Barriers Through Education

Nonprofit Veloz Awarded Funding for Electric For All Program

SACRAMENTO, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Millions of Americans are ready to go electric — but misperceptions and unfamiliarity with EVs are holding them back. To address misinformation, Veloz, a nonpartisan 501 (c)(3) nonprofit and longtime innovator in electric vehicle (EV) education, has been awarded a $43.5 million sponsorship from Electrify America, the largest open Hyper-Fast charging network in the U.S., to mark the beginning of a much-needed national Electric For All consumer education effort.

“Driving an EV isn’t just a trend – it’s a more affordable, cleaner and exciting way to drive, and the time is now for a brand-neutral national campaign that will help consumers understand the benefits of going electric,” said Josh D. Boone, Veloz’s executive director. “We value Electrify America’s vision to educate consumers about going electric, overcome common barriers we see across the U.S., and capitalize on the growing desire for more information on making the switch.”

Consumer desire is translating into strong vehicle sales numbers — 1.3 million EVs were sold in the U.S. in 2024, which is a 7.3% year-over-year increase that outperformed the 2% increase in nationwide sales of gas vehicles. Additionally, a recent Veloz multi-state poll indicates that 47% of non-EV owners were interested in buying an EV.

While demand for EVs continues, education is a critical component to the Electric For All movement. Vehicles are one of the largest purchases consumers make, and a new or used car is one of the most researched purchases in households across the country. However, most consumers are not aware of the benefits of EVs. Case in point: 61% of U.S. consumers don’t know that they can plug in their car at home with a standard 120-volt plug — just like a cell phone. With many early industry investments focused on the vehicle and charging infrastructure side of electrification, there has been less attention on educating the consumer.

“Electrify America’s goal is to drive EV adoption for a more sustainable future with consumer education being a critical step to achieving mass adoption of EVs,” said Rachel Moses, senior director of sales, business development & marketing at Electrify America. “Our investment in Veloz’s Electric For All program will empower consumers with the information they need to make informed vehicle purchases.”

In 2024, Veloz invested in a newly expanded and enhanced ElectricForAll.org website, which has EV shopping and incentive-finder tools covering all U.S. metro areas with populations of 50,000 or more, including Justice40 communities. The website, available in 15 languages, including English, Spanish, and Chinese, serves as the anchor for Veloz’s creative and educational campaigns, directing consumers to find out about new and used EVs, incentives by zip code in all 50 states, home and public charging, and more.

Veloz will bring in national expertise through agencies like The Shipyard, an Ohio-based full-service marketing firm, and Accent, a multicultural content agency, to creatively deliver consumer education on a national scale. Together, this collective group will galvanize the mission to make EV adoption accessible to all Americans.

“This campaign partnership comes at an important time to continue building enthusiasm about the benefits of transportation electrification,” said Caroline Choi, executive vice president of public policy and corporate affairs at Edison International and Southern California Edison, and Veloz board chair. “We welcome participation from every sector of the EV industry to advance the significant opportunity that data show is available across the U.S.”

Veloz’s past Electric For All campaigns have reached millions of households in California, where new EV sales make up over 25% market share. State and local governments play an important role in everything, from EV incentives to consumer education, and this effort will bring opportunities to all 50 states to continue the EV momentum nationwide.

“We have an incredible opportunity to reach the next generation of EV drivers with a campaign of this magnitude,” said Serena McIlwain, Secretary of the Maryland Department of the Environment. “States across the country are joining forces with incentives, infrastructure investments, and policy frameworks that make choosing zero-emissions products easier. The next step is bringing states together to make sure those interested in driving electric have the tools and information they need to make the best choice for themselves and their families. When people learn more, they love the technology, the convenience, the savings and the eco-friendliness of EVs.”

About Veloz

Veloz is the power behind the nation’s largest and most inventive multi-partner public awareness campaign for electric vehicles, the architect of events and programming garnering both state and national attention, and the organization bringing together high-powered, diverse board and members from the public and private sectors. The organization was launched in 2017 and is built on the success of the California Plug-In Electric Vehicle Collaborative founded in 2010. Veloz is a 501 (c)(3) nonprofit.