What was your overall experience hosting a Ride & Drive event last year?
Overall, our experience hosting the Ride & Drive event was very positive, and we felt proud to bring this opportunity to Imperial Valley for the second time. We successfully promoted the event through engaging and interactive outreach efforts, which helped attract strong community participation. One of the most meaningful aspects was providing underserved populations with a firsthand opportunity to test drive electric, plug-in, and hybrid vehicles, options that often feel like a luxury or out of reach. Through this event, Comité Cívico del Valle was able to connect community members to technology that can feel intimidating, while offering a welcoming, no-pressure environment with no expectation to purchase. The ability to test drive freely and ask questions resulted in consistently positive feedback from attendees throughout the event.
What did you enjoy most about hosting or participating in the R&D event?
What we enjoyed most about hosting the Ride & Drive event was the opportunity to create a welcoming and engaging experience for community members. Beyond the test drives, providing food and interactive activities allowed attendees to feel comfortable and stay engaged while waiting for their turn to drive. The resource tables from our organization and other local partners created meaningful opportunities for conversation, education, and connection. It was especially rewarding to see community members explore electric, plug-in, and hybrid vehicles in a no-pressure environment while also accessing helpful resources and building relationships with local organizations. We also appreciated how receptive and engaged the participating dealerships were, as they enthusiastically partnered with us to provide a positive experience for our community.
How did the R&D event benefit your community, organization, or attendees? The Ride & Drive event successfully benefitted the community with direct experience driving zero-emission vehicles (ZEVs). We partnered with local dealerships to openly address common myths and misinformation, offering transparent information about the benefits of ZEVs and what to expect during the purchasing process. Additionally, CCV used this event to increase community awareness and build trust, motivating attendees to learn more and participate in the Driving Clean Assistance Program. Another benefit was the timing of the Ride & Drive event, which took place during a period of extreme heat. While these conditions are something our community is unfortunately accustomed to and resilient in navigating, the summer months in Imperial Valley are typically very quiet for community events. Comité Cívico del Valle was able to adapt by hosting the Ride & Drive as an indoor, air-conditioned event, creating a safe and welcoming space for participants. During the summer, many community members tend to stay home to avoid exposure to extreme heat; however, the trusted relationships CCV has built within the community helped drive strong participation and enthusiasm. Attendees were eager to learn more about clean transportation, particularly individuals from underserved communities who previously felt these incentives were not meant for them.
Is there a moment, interaction, or outcome from the event that stood out to you?
One moment that stood out was hearing from a guest speaker who shared his experience of receiving an electric vehicle through the incentive program. He was the first person in Imperial Valley to successfully complete the process and receive a vehicle using the full incentive, which made his story especially powerful. He spoke about his belief in clean transportation and expressed gratitude for connecting with Comité Cívico del Valle, noting that access to resources, strong partnerships, and on-the-ground community education made this opportunity possible. Another memorable interaction was with an elderly community member who received an incentive to purchase an electric bicycle. She brought her e-bike to the event and proudly shared her experience with others, helping demonstrate that these incentives are real and attainable. Seeing community members share their success stories firsthand reinforced the impact of our work and inspired others to see clean transportation as an accessible option.