Electric Vehicle Associations Re-Starting

Our local Davis Electric Vehicle Association (DEVA) advocates for electric vehicle adoption and supports the development of EV infrastructure regionally. DEVA is a special kind of car club made up of electric vehicle owners, prospective owners, and enthusiasts from the Davis and Sacramento area. DEVA is a working group of Cool Davis and an affiliated sub-group of the Sacramento Electric Vehicle Association (SacEV). DEVA has continued to meet online throughout the pandemic the 2nd Wednesday every other month in February, April, June, August, October, and December from 6:00pm – 7:30pm.

The next meeting will be held August 11 at 6pm.

Watch videos of previous meetings on our YouTube channel DEVA playlist.

The last DEVA meeting featured a vitual tour of Chevrolet’s new 2022 Bolt EUV livestreamed from Detroit and Chris White from Frontier Energy talked about SMUD multifamily charging infrastructure and experience with fuel cell EVs. DEVA is always looking for new members and the EV curious are always welcome to attend meetings. Communications volunteers are also needed, so get on the list, attend the next meeting, please let them know by emailing deva@cooldavis.org!

SacEV is THE source for all things Electric Vehicle related in the Sacramento region. As a chapter of the national nonprofit Electric Auto Association (EAA), SacEVs mission is to advocate for the adoption of plug-in electric vehicles and to serve members, the public, and youth. SacEV is also one of Cool Davis’s most important regional partners.

• For members: Act as a centralized information source and be a regional advocate for owners on PEV technology, infrastructure, and provide special events.
• For the public/government: Promote, advocate, and educate on PEV availability, uses, and vehicle alternatives, including infrastructure, benefits, and legislation.
• For youth: Provide PEV educational resources, including lesson plans, displays, and advisors.

SacEV is excited to return to in-person meetings with a hybrid approach that blends virtual and physical. For more information about the Sacramento Electric Auto Association, visit their website and check the SacEV calendar for the latest EV-related activities.

SacEV re-starts in-person meetings

SacEV is planning a great kickoff meeting on Thursday, July 15th. Some of the most recent EVs and their owners will be on hand, including the Tesla Model S Plaid (out for less than a week) and the Volvo XC-40 Recharge BEV. Test drives may be possible. Because the event is at the California Auto Museum, you’ll be able to tour an exhibit on the history of cars, including the GM EV1.

Date: Thursday, July 15
Time: 6 p.m.
Location: California Auto Museum
2200 Front Street Sacramento, CA 95818 (916) 442-6802

If you’ve never attended or raced in a dragstrip event, here’s an opportunity to experience an evening of excitement on overdrive, Just remember to keep your car pointed straight.

All types of EVs (Ford Mach-E, Tesla, Porsche, Audi, etc.) can come out for speed testing with no worries about a getting a ticket. We are eager to see Porsche Taycans, Ford Mach-Es, standard Model Y/3 versions, software-upgraded AWD Model Y/3 versions, and, of course, performance Models 3/Y. Those of you with the Model S (all versions, and hopefully by then, one or more Plaids), and Model X variations can see what the real numbers are for your cars.

George Parrott will be on site for general coaching, and people may want to go out after the test runs for a group social dinner and debriefing.

The on-site cost is $15 (with the EV group discount) for car and driver, and passengers/spectators are $10. You get as many test runs as you can line up for during the 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. testing period. You also have the option to stay after 7 p.m. to view bracket racing (a form of drag racing).

REQUIRED: An approved helmet (generally a good motorcycle helmet will pass the safety inspection); long pants; and for the faster vehicles, fireproof jackets. George Parrott has several, provided by SMUD, to loan.

If you have a Plaid Model S car there, expect to be allowed only one run because the NHRA regulations require that vehicles faster than 9.99 or quicker than 135 mph must have a full roll cage. The Plaid Model S should exceed both values.

You are encouraged to avoid the EV ONLY lane at the safety check-in. (EVs do not have to use that lane.) Part of the fun in testing quick EVs (like the Teslas, Porsches, and Audis) is outperforming the combustion-engine vehicles.

Date: Wednesday, July 21
Time: 4:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.
Location: Sacramento Raceway Drag Strip
5305 Excelsior Road (south of Mather Field)

Further questions: George Parrott via email: gparrott (at) csus (dot) edu
Sunscreen and chilled water are good things to bring along.