New Hampshire Promoting New Campaign by “Drive Change. Drive Electric.”

Concord, NH - To highlight the availability of thousands of electric vehicle charging stations in the Northeast and to celebrate small business owners who believe in supporting an electric vehicle lifestyle, “Drive Change. Drive Electric.” is launching Destination Electric today. Communities within New Hampshire and six other Northeastern states (Connecticut, Massachusetts, New York, New Jersey, Rhode Island and Vermont) are partnering with more than 100 local businesses to demonstrate their support for electric vehicles and let customers know they could be charging their cars while they visit. Consumers will be able to identify a local business through an easily recognizable storefront decal, much like the visible rating guides found at many retailers. There are more than 40 models of electric cars available today to meet every driver’s needs, with more coming in the next year. Destination Electric’s 14 pilot communities will demonstrate that people can confidently find charging stations at places they want to go, both locally and outside their community.

In New Hampshire, Destination Electric launches in Portsmouth, Dover and Nashua with over 40 businesses and destinations The city and community-based organizations participating in this initiative include:

· In Portsmouth: Josh Denton, Portsmouth City Councilor

· In Dover: Dover office of Economic Development and Dover Main Street

· In Nashua: City of Nashua via the Environment and Energy Committee and Great American Downtown

“We are proud to introduce Destination Electric. With more models of electric vehicles available than ever before, we welcome this effort to harness the power and visibility of small businesses to raise awareness about the many charging stations available locally. This is an innovative and smart way to generate enthusiasm in our communities and put more electric vehicles on our roadways,” said David Schwietert, Interim President and CEO of the Alliance of Automobile Manufacturers. “When we surveyed Northeastern drivers, we saw a clear need to build public confidence that buying an electric car is a great choice,” said John Bozzella, President and CEO of Global Automakers. “We see very high levels of satisfaction among electric car owners, but our survey

showed 83% of Northeast drivers remain concerned there are not currently enough public charging stations. Destination Electric’s innovative approach will show people they can visit restaurants, hotels, galleries and many other great destinations in Northeast towns and cities while charging an electric car nearby, making the decision to go electric an easier one.” “The number of charging stations increased by over 20 percent in the Northeast over the last year, and we’ll continue to see more stations installed each year moving forward,” said Paul Miller, Executive Director of the Northeast States for Coordinated Air Use Management. “A key challenge is the public is accustomed to looking for large gas stations when they want to fuel up, so people don’t always recognize the many new electric car charging stations available in parking lots or garages in downtown areas. We can facilitate the transition to clean, high-performing vehicles by putting a bright spotlight on this new infrastructure and its proximity to places people want to visit.”

ABOUT THE ‘DRIVE CHANGE. DRIVE ELECTRIC.’ CAMPAIGN

“Drive Change. Drive Electric.” represents a unique public-private partnership between auto manufacturers and Northeast states to advance consumer awareness, understanding, consideration and adoption of electric cars, including battery electric, plug-in hybrid electric, and fuel cell electric vehicles. By showcasing to drivers and passengers the convenience, affordability, technology, sustainability and power performance of electric vehicles, “Drive Change. Drive Electric.” aims to put more electric cars on the road than ever before. Follow “Drive Change. Drive Electric.” on Instagram (www.instagram.com/driveelectricus), Facebook (www.facebook.com/DriveElectricUS/) and Twitter (www.twitter.com/DriveElectricUS). The Partners of “Drive Change. Drive Electric.”

This collaborative campaign includes the following automakers: BMW Group, Fiat Chrysler Automobiles US, Ford Motor Company, General Motors, American Honda Motor Co., Inc., Hyundai Motor America, Jaguar Land Rover Automotive PLC, Kia Motors America, Mazda USA, Mercedes-Benz USA, Mitsubishi Motors, Nissan North America, Subaru of America, Inc., Toyota Motor North America, Volkswagen Group and Volvo Cars. State partners include New York, Connecticut, the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, Vermont and New Jersey.

ASSETS · B-ROLL: https://youtu.be/ZxwQJX7Xcbg · Website: www.driveelectricus.com/destination-electric/ · Instagram: www.instagram.com/driveelectricus/ · Facebook: www.facebook.com/DriveElectricUS/ · Twitter: www.twitter.com/DriveElectricUS

NORTHEAST DATA

· 3 out 4 (74%) Northeasterners believe it's important that we move away from gas powered vehicles and towards electric vehicles, yet only 2% currently own an electric vehicle

· Not ready to take the plunge. Nearly 8 in 10 (78%) Northeasterners feel electric vehicles are a practical evolution of technology, yet only 46% are likely to purchase an electric vehicle for their next vehicle purchase

· It’s a toss-up – If Northeasterners were given the choice of a free gasoline vehicle or electric vehicles, 48% would choose an electric vehicle with 52% opting to stick with gas powered

· Charging station availability remains a concern. 83% say there are not currently enough charging locations for electric vehicles and only 48% have noticed more electric vehicle charging stations in their area over the past year

· Range anxiety is real – 81% of Northeast motorists are concerned about the distance you can drive an electric vehicle before needing to re-charge

· The Cost dilemma – Despite 2 in 3 Northeasterners (64%) believing electric vehicles will allow them to save money overall, 85% cite the high upfront costs as a barrier

· The knowledge barriers – Over half (53%) of Northeasterners don’t feel knowledgeable about electric vehicles and this is particularly high among women (64%)

· Trending in the right direction – 53% of Northeasterners say their household is more likely to consider an electric vehicle today vs. a year ago

· EVs in demand – 82% of Northeasterners want to see more types of electric vehicles available in the marketplace, yet only 51% have noticed more electric vehicles that appeal to them

· Northeasterners are doing their part – 88% of Northeasterners want to reduce their vehicle emissions footprint

· Bolstered infrastructure can drive adoption – 80% of Northeasterners would be more likely to consider EVs if there were more charging stations available in their area

· Over half of licensed drivers in the northeast today are more likely to consider an EV for their next vehicle purchase than they were a year ago

· Which three northeastern states are currently leading the EV lifestyle? 47% Say New York; 29% Say Massachusetts; 23% Say Vermont