EVA Celebrates Zan Dubin, Winner of the Linda Nicholes Lifetime Achievement Award from Plug in America
Long before EVs were a common sight on US roads, a dedicated group of pioneers were working tirelessly to pave the way for the clean transportation future we see today. We are thrilled to celebrate one of those leaders, EVA member Zan Dubin, who has been honored with the prestigious Linda Nicholes Lifetime Achievement Award from Plug in America.
Zan’s dedication began not with a campaign, but with a personal choice. In 2002, when electric cars were a rarity and charging infrastructure was virtually non-existent, Zan started driving electric. Recognizing the need for a unified voice, Zan co-founded Plug In America. Serving as its first communications director and as a board member, she was instrumental in putting national EV advocacy on the map. Her expertise helped establish Plug In America as the go-to source for reliable information on electric vehicles for consumers, media, and policymakers alike.
Zan also co-founded National Plug In Day, an ambitious effort to create a nationwide, coordinated event to share the EV experience with the public. What started as a single day has since grown into National Drive Electric Month, a month-long campaign that hosts events in nearly all 50 states, engaging thousands of people each year. Our chapters host dozens of events during NDEM, hosting the largest share of all the partner organizations that make NDEM possible.
“The EVA helped me to organize or participate in multiple events with members of my sorority, Sigma Gamma Rho, Inc., in areas of Los Angeles County that were less exposed to EV education and awareness. It made the work all the more fulfilling.”
Zan's commitment extends to ensuring the EV revolution is inclusive. Through her work with Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc., a historic African American sorority with over 500 chapters worldwide, she has brought EV education into a powerful network of Black women leaders, educators, and community influencers. This vital outreach is empowering new communities to become EV drivers and advocates, ensuring that the benefits of clean transportation are shared by all.
“I’m especially honored to be recognized alongside the late Diane Turchetta, who made a “titanic” contribution to EV adoption, as Plug In America noted. Just seeing all the nominees and awardees each year fills me with joy at the tremendous work achieved across so many sectors that continue coast to coast even through challenging times.”
For over 20 years, Zan Dubin has been an influential voice, inspiring countless individuals and organizations to embrace transportation electrification. Her work has laid the groundwork for much of the progress we see today. The Linda Nicholes Lifetime Achievement Award is a well-deserved recognition. Congratulations, Zan, and thank you for your incredible contributions to a cleaner, brighter future.
