Unconstitutional Cancellation of Federal Funds for EV Education Events Challenged
Our national partner, Plug In America, is fighting to keep a $5 million agreement with the federal Department of Energy (DOE) to reach 5 million consumers with practical, brand-neutral information about EVs, charging and incentives.
The Electric Vehicle Association has a contract with Plug In America to organize 65 test drive events across the country in 2025, 2026, and 2027. The funding would enable our volunteer members to pay for educational materials, insurance, supplies, advertising, venue fees, and other event costs.
Without warning, DOE canceled Plug In America’s PlugStar Consumer EV Education Campaign less than halfway into the three-year project.
A coalition including Plug In America, a Midwestern city and energy and environmental organizations – all harmed by the DOE’s targeted retribution because of the states where they are located – filed a lawsuit in the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia today. The lawsuit claims the administration’s violated their First and Fifth Amendment Constitutional rights.
The DOE’s early termination of the EV education grant will force our volunteers to scale back or cancel 52 test drive events planned for 2026 and 2027 and the launch of additional volunteer chapters in areas with low EV adoption rates.
While Plug In America is appealing this decision, we cannot risk losing momentum. Please help us make up for this critical funding shortfall. Your contribution will go directly toward the on-the-ground costs, like insurance, permits, and educational materials, that make these test drive events possible.
We understand that not everyone is able to donate money. Your support can also take the form of sharing our content on social media (links below in footer), telling your friends and family about EVA and the work we do, and referring any potential sponsors or partners to us.