Common Ground, Charged Future: EVA at EVCS 2026
As the electric vehicle revolution moves from early adoption to the mainstream, the "how" and "where" of charging are becoming the most critical questions for drivers across the nation. Among the high-level policy and infrastructure discussions at the Electric Vehicle Charging Summit & Expo March 18-19 will be this panel discussion for anyone interested in the intersection of policy and the pavement, "Common Ground, Charged Future: Bipartisan Leadership on Powering America’s EV Future."
Leading the Conversation: Elaine Borseth
Moderating the panel will be Elaine Borseth, past president of the Electric Vehicle Association and a member of our national Board of Directors.
Elaine isn’t just a leader in the EVA and the EVA of San Diego chapter, she’s a leader on the road. A Detroit native who took her first electric cross-country trip in 2015, Elaine has logged tens of thousands of miles across North America. Her real-world driver perspective is exactly what is needed to bridge the gap between high-level policy and the actual experience of plugging in.
Why This Session Matters
The transition to electric transportation isn’t just a technological shift; it’s a community-wide effort that requires cooperation across the political aisle. On Wednesday, March 18, Elaine will guide a powerhouse panel of state and local leaders who are navigating the frontlines of the EV rollout:
Representative Debra Sariñana (New Mexico House of Representatives)
Mayor Rey León (Huron, California)
Former Senator Pat Spearman (Nevada State Senate & EOPA National Taskforce Co-Chair)
These leaders represent a cross-section of America, from urban hubs to rural communities, each facing unique challenges in expanding infrastructure.
Key Topics on the Radar
The discussion will dive deep into how bipartisan collaboration is the "secret sauce" for sustaining long-term investment. Key themes include:
Maximizing Federal Funding: How states are leveraging NEVI (National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure) funds to build a seamless national network.
Cutting the Red Tape: Best practices for streamlining zoning and permitting to get chargers in the ground faster.
Equity in Access: Ensuring that fleet electrification and public charging benefit every community, not just the early adopters.
Join Us in Las Vegas!
The EVA's mission has always been to educate and advocate for EV drivers. By leading the conversation at EVCS, we ensure that the voice of the person behind the wheel is heard by the policymakers and companies building our future.
If you’re attending EVCS 2026:
What: Common Ground, Charged Future: Bipartisan Leadership on Powering America’s EV Future
When: Wednesday, March 18, 2026 | 11:55 am – 12:35 pm
Where: Summit Stage, Westgate Las Vegas Resort & Casino
Not going to be in Vegas? Stay tuned to the EVA blog and our social media channels for highlights, takeaways, and on-the-ground updates from the EVA team throughout the summit.
Want to help accelerate EV adoption in your own community? Find your local EVA chapter and get involved today!