WHEREAS, National Drive Electric Month highlights the benefits of plug-in hybrid and all-electric vehicles through local tailgates, educational expos, and test-drive opportunities; and
WHEREAS,
What started as a single day of electric vehicle (EV) celebrations in 2011 has now expanded into a month-long campaign focused on raising awareness about the benefits of driving electric; and
WHEREAS, This year, over 100 US cities across 41 states will celebrate Drive Electric Month, including Philadelphia; and
WHEREAS, Transportation emissions are the biggest source of greenhouse gas in the United States, and in Philadelphia, gas cars create 17% of our total greenhouse gas emissions and up to 60% of our air pollution; and
WHEREAS, As we continue to experience the effects of climate change, which are worsened by greenhouse gas emissions, it is more critical than ever to encourage the shift to electric and hybrid vehicles; and
WHEREAS, With a growing network of EV chargers Citywide, Philadelphia is better prepared than ever before to accommodate residents as they make the shift to hybrid and electric vehicles; and,
WHEREAS, In addition to reduced emissions, EVs offer a myriad of benefits including cheaper fuel, lower noise pollution, lower maintenance, superior handling, and even longer brake life thanks to regenerative braking; and
WHEREAS, Electric vehicles are becoming an international movement, with over 100 individual EV models available for purchase across global and domestic markets, and virtually every mainstream and luxury car company offering at least one battery-powered model; and
WHEREAS, Prospective and current EV owners can discover a range of events throughout the Philadelphia region celebrating National Drive Electric month, including ride and drives, EV showcases, and more; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PHILADELPHIA, Hereby recognizing September as National Drive Electric Month in the City of Philadelphia, and celebrating the many benefits of making the shift to an electric or hybrid vehicle.
End