Earth Day Webinar to Focus on Gen Z Electric Drivers
Raritan Valley Community College’s Sustainability Committee will co-host “The Rise of the Gen Z Electric Driver,” Thursday, April 15, from 1-2 p.m. The webinar, which is part of the national Drive Electric Earth Day celebration organized by Plug In America and the Electric Auto Association, is being presented locally in collaboration with Central Jersey Electric Auto Association (CJEAA), RideWise, and Sustainable Somerset.
To register for “Rise of the Gen Z Electric Driver” Earth Day virtual event, visit https://driveelectricearthday.org/event?eventid=2690.
During the program, student electric vehicle (EV) drivers and other EV advocates will speak about the many benefits of driving plug-in and electric vehicles. Their remarks will focus on what they love about driving electric cars and why many EV drivers may never again drive gas-powered vehicles. The program is geared toward younger drivers, but all ages are welcome to attend.
The program also will focus on how everyone can be a good steward of our planet; EV basics, financial incentives, and the cost of ownership; green jobs; and how to become an EV advocate.
The webinar’s speakers will include:
• Dr. Stanislav (Stan) Jaracz of Somerset, founder and president of Central Jersey Electric Auto Association and an advocate of sustainable transportation, renewable energy and circular economy. He drives a 2015 Nissan Leaf.
• Nihar H. Trivedi of Hillsborough, a Carnegie Mellon University freshman and graduate of Hillsborough High School whose goals include pursuing a graduate degree in Bioengineering or a related field and becoming an engineer. He drives a Tesla Model 3 Long Range.
• Paige Greenfield of Lebanon, who earned a bachelor's degree in environmental science at the University of Vermont and is currently taking classes at RVCC and applying for the College’s Nursing program. She drives a 2011 Chevy Volt (plug-in hybrid).
• Anthony Asuncion of Hamilton, a junior member of CJEAA and a senior at Allentown High School. He drives a 2020 Nissan Leaf SV.
• Sara Heller of Rockaway, an Instructor of Automotive Technology at RVCC who previously ran the Automotive Technology program at Middlesex County College.
Enel X and Electrify America-Normal Now are National Silver Level Sponsors of Drive Electric Earth Day. Edison International and BMW are Bronze Level National Sponsors.
For a complete list of Drive Electric Earth Day events, visit: https://driveelectricearthday.org.
For additional information about “The Rise of the Gen Z Electric Driver” event, contact Susan Dorward at susan.dorward@raritanval.edu.
About Plug In America: Plug In America is the nation’s leading independent consumer voice for accelerating the use of plug-in electric vehicles in the United States. Formed as a non-profit in 2008, Plug In America provides practical, objective information collected from our coalition of plug-in vehicle drivers, through public outreach and education, policy work and a range of technical advisory services. Our expertise represents the world’s deepest pool of experience of driving and living with plug-in vehicles. We drive electric. You can too. PlugInAmerica.org.
About the Electric Auto Association: The Electric Auto Association (EAA) is the oldest and largest, volunteer-driven nonprofit association that promotes electric vehicle adoption across the country and the globe. Its thousands of EV owners educate and advocate for electric vehicles with public outreach throughout the year at farmer’s markets, malls, schools, libraries, businesses and civic groups. More than 80 chapters meet regularly to share the latest global and local news in the EV community. EAA provides information for local governments to increase EV adoption as well as infrastructure. www.electricauto.org
About RideWise: RideWise is a transportation advocacy organization that connects people to information they need to navigate Somerset County. Through its new EV Coalition, RideWise is working with Somerset County partners and stakeholders to expand Electric Vehicle adoption and infrastructure and welcomes student participation. RVCC is recognized as a New Jersey Smart Workplace through RideWise for its transportation-related sustainability initiatives, which include promoting transit options and carpooling to students and employees. For additional information, visit www.ridewise.org or contact staff@ridewise.org.
About RVCC: Ranked by WalletHub.com, Intelligent.com and Niche.com as the #1 community college in New Jersey, Raritan Valley Community College has been serving as an academic and cultural center for Somerset and Hunterdon County residents for over 50 years. The College has been nationally recognized for its service to the community, environmental stewardship, and commitment to diversity. It is home to a Planetarium, Science Education Institute, and an Honors College for high achieving students. The College offers more than 90 associate degrees and certificates, as well as career training, small business assistance through the Small Business Development Center, and professional development courses. RVCC is located at 118 Lamington Road in Branchburg, NJ. For further information, visit www.raritanval.edu.
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
April 5, 2021
PR #78