7 Reasons You Should Already Be in an Electric Vehicle

Electric vehicles (EVs) are becoming increasingly popular as people around the world find ways to reduce their carbon footprint and become more environmentally conscious. In addition to helping the planet, there are several other reasons why you should consider driving an electric vehicle. Here are seven reasons why you should already be in an electric vehicle:

#1 Funding Opportunities

One big reason you should consider driving an electric vehicle is the available funding opportunities. The federal stimulus funds have created an opportunity to invest significantly in high-quality CTE (Career Technical Education) & STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Mathematics) programs throughout the country. This includes funding for upgrading technology, investing in new tools and equipment, and professional development.

The growing demand for electric vehicles has created a demand for trained EV Auto Technicians, engineers, designers, and innovators. As a result, now is the ideal time to expand your CTE or STEAM programs with a high-quality, hands-on, and engaging EV program that prepares students for high-paying careers in this burgeoning EV sector. By taking advantage of these funding opportunities, you can help your students get the training they need to succeed in this rapidly growing field.

#2 Environmentally Friendly

One of the most obvious reasons to drive an electric vehicle is that they are more environmentally friendly than traditional gasoline-powered cars. EVs produce zero emissions and don’t contribute to air pollution or greenhouse gas emissions. Driving an EV can reduce your carbon footprint and help protect the planet for future generations.

#3 Lower Operating Costs

Another great reason to consider driving an electric vehicle is the lower operating costs. While the initial purchase price of an EV may be higher than a traditional car, the cost of ownership over time is much lower. Electric vehicles have lower fuel costs, require less maintenance, and have fewer moving parts that can break down. This means you can save money on fuel and maintenance over the life of the vehicle.

#4 Quiet and Comfortable Ride

Electric vehicles are much quieter than traditional gasoline-powered cars. This is because they lack a combustion engine, thus removing engine noise or vibration. EVs also provide a smooth and comfortable ride because they have a lower center of gravity, which improves handling & control.

#5 Instant Torque and Acceleration

Electric vehicles have instant torque, which means acceleration is quick & smooth.. This is because electric motors deliver maximum torque the second they receive power. This instant torque and acceleration give electric vehicle owners an exhilarating drive experience

#6 Range and Charging

Another common concern people have about electric vehicles is their range and charging time. However, as technology continues to improve, these concerns are becoming less of an issue. Many electric vehicles now have a range of over 200 miles on a single charge, and a growing number of fast-charging stations are available. With a bit of planning, you can easily charge your EV on longer trips and enjoy the many benefits of electric driving.

#7 Government Incentives

A growing number of government incentives are available to encourage people to buy electric vehicles. These incentives can include tax credits, rebates, and other financial incentives to help offset the cost of EV purchasing. By taking advantage of these incentives, you can save money and help support the growth of the electric vehicle industry.

There are many reasons why you should consider driving an electric vehicle. But, if you haven’t already switched to electric, let these seven reasons be your inspiration.

Interesting statistics about EV growth

To add, here are some interesting statistics about the growth of the electric vehicle industry, which shows EVs are gaining momentum.

Workforce growth in EVs: According to the Department of Energy, employment in the electric vehicle industry in the US grew by 11% in 2020, with around 345,000 workers in the industry.
Production #s of EVs: According to InsideEVs, a total of 718,247 electric vehicles were sold in the US in 2021, representing a 49% increase compared to the previous year.
Schools with EV training programs: According to the National Renewable Energy Laboratory, more than 100 community colleges and technical schools across the US offer training programs in electric vehicle technology.
Countries with EVs: According to the International Energy Agency, as of 2021, there are 22 countries with more than 1 million electric vehicles on the road. The US is one of these countries, with over 1.5 million EVs on the road.
States pushing forward with laws around EVs: According to the National Conference of State Legislatures, as of March 2022, at least 22 states have adopted or proposed policies to increase electric vehicle adoption.
Number of car brands with EVs: According to Edmunds, as of 2021, more than 30 car brands in the US offer electric vehicles.
Number of STEM programs around EVs: According to the US Department of Energy, several STEM programs in the US focus on electric vehicle technology, including the National STEM Education Network and the Clean Cities University.
Number of EV charging stations in the United States: According to the Department of Energy, as of March 2022, there are more than 103,000 public EV charging stations in the US, with over 349,000 charging outlets.
Number of battery-swapping programs in the United States to shorten battery recharge time: As of 2021, there are no commercial battery-swapping programs in the US for electric vehicles. Innovation #s around EVs: According to the US Patent and Trademark Office, there were more than 28,000 patent applications related to electric vehicle technology filed in the US in 2020, representing a 26% increase compared to the previous year.
EV sales are growing:

10.6 million EV sales took place in 2022, a 57% increase over 2021.
The number of publicly accessible chargers around the world reached 1.8 million, an increase of 37% in 2021.
In 2030, EVs will account for more than 30% of all vehicles sold globally.
Curious about our stats? Here’s a link to our source: https://vehiclefreak.com/ev-statistics/

Exciting opportunities for CTE & STEAM programs

FUNDING TO EXPAND YOUR CTE & STEAM PROGRAMS WITH THE SWITCH!

The federal stimulus funds have created an opportunity to invest significantly in high-quality CTE & STEAM programs nationwide. Blending funding sources allow schools to upgrade technology and invest in new tools, equipment, and professional development.

In 2021, US electric vehicle (EV) sales accounted for only 5% of sales, but by 2030 that percentage is expected to grow to just over 50%, according to a report from BloombergNEF. This growing demand for electric vehicles has, in turn, created a demand for trained EV Auto Technicians, engineers, designers, and innovators.

EVs help recruit new talent to the auto repair industry

Now is the ideal time to expand your CTE or STEAM programs with a high-quality, hands-on, and engaging EV program that prepares students for high-paying careers in this burgeoning EV sector.

The primary job directly linked to The Switch Lab™ program is EV Automotive Technician/Mechanic. However, The Switch Lab™ also prepares students to advance into the following careers:

Electrical & electronic equipment assemblers
Electrical Engineers
Electronic Engineers
Industrial Designers & Engineers
Mechanical Engineers

The Switch Lab™ develops workforce soft skills that are desired by all employers:

Teamwork and collaboration skills
Critical thinking or problem-solving skills
Communication skills
Engagement & Enthusiasm

Funding sources for CTE, STEM, and STEAM schools

FUNDING SOURCES

HEER – Higher Ed
ESSER – K-12 ($54.3 billion) STEM focus
- ACTEonline.org – resources and information on funding
- ESSER White Paper Attached
GEER – Governors Ed Relief
Perkins V Title 1 – CTE programs
Title IV Part A funding – State grants allocated to public school districts and charter schools
- Any district that receives more than $30,000 must spend its funds in three specific areas:
  - Not less than 20 percent of funds must be spent on activities to support “well-rounded” education. This includes programs and activities such as school counseling, music and arts programs, STEM programs including computer science, foreign language, history, civics, geography, and accelerated learning programs (i.e., Advanced Placement, dual enrollment, and early college high schools).
Education Stabilization Fund Portal – info on allocations for all of the above funds.
Pages 4-5 show Perkins V allocations by state on October 2022. Texas has the most funding $70M https://s3.amazonaws.com/PCRN/file/Program_Memo-Estimated_FY_2022_Perkins_State_Allocations.pdf

Got questions? The Switch Lab team is here to assist you and your students in purchasing a Switch vehicle.

Charge up your CTE/STEAM/College Program with The Switch Lab™

The Switch Lab™ EV program is a hands-on classroom project that teaches students how to design, build, test, and drive a road-worthy electric vehicle. Students who participate in our program will have an advantage when entering college and will be better prepared to enter EV-related professions.

Sonoma County, CA students recently participated in the 2023 SWITCH EV Rally to showcase their Switch vehicles, practice their troubleshooting skills, test their vehicles’ agility, and engage in other fun activities.

Students demonstrated their knowledge of appropriate safety procedures, automotive electrical and battery systems, plus teamwork, critical thinking, communication, and enthusiasm.

Is your school ready to make The Switch?

What Does The Switch Lab™ Include?

The Switch Lab™ is unique with its easy access to all components, the use of generic parts, and the ability to be assembled and disassembled to meet the needs of multiple classes. We also offer curriculum, labs, tools, and a train-the-trainer workshop to ensure all of your instructors know how to teach the Switch.

Switch Highlights:

The SWITCH EV was designed to be assembled, tested, and disassembled to prepare for the next class.
The curriculum is modular – semester, summer school, and after-school.
Schools can use the completed vehicle for Cross-Curriculum with Engineering, CAD, Physics, and Fabrication.
All required components are included, and all the wiring is properly terminated, labeled, and color-coded to ensure successful completion.
We are in over 250 schools and colleges throughout the US and Canada.
We have train-the-trainer workshops to get instructors amped up!

Make The Switch.

The Switch Lab™ is an engaging hands-on project that your students will love. It makes learning complex topics fun and exciting. This new EV technology isn’t ahead of its time. It’s right on time.

Our reusable EV Kit is ideal for students interested in renewable energy, advanced technology, or automobile design. The Switch Lab teaches students how to work with their hands, solve problems, collaborate as a team, learn about systems, and gain experience in cutting-edge automotive technology. Contact us today to learn more about how Switch Vehicles can benefit your school. Let’s grow the EV tech future together!

Month: May 2023