Uncategorized – Charge Across America

NBC Sports to air documentary on Charge Across America, first-ever cross-country electric vehicle competition

On December 21 at 10 PM ET, NBC Sports will feature a documentary about Charge Across America, and reveal the winners of the US’ first-ever cross-country electric vehicle rally.

Over the course of 10 days in the fall, five teams drove from New York City to Los Angeles, using only electric vehicles. The event aimed to demystify electric vehicles, demonstrate the cars’ impressive capabilities, and highlight areas that need to be addressed in order to foster mass adoption of EVs across locations and demographics.

“Driving across the United States in an electric vehicle was exhilarating and eye opening,” said Mike Landau, CEO of ParkMyFleet, a mobility company that served as a platinum sponsor for Charge Across America. “I saw firsthand how far we’ve come in the EV revolution and how close we are to achieving zero emissions.”

The teams, which included drivers with and without EV experience, faced the common challenges that come with driving long distances — including route navigation and fatigue. But they also grappled with ones unique to driving EVs: Determining how far to drive before charging, identifying conveniently-located charging stations and being met with malfunctioning chargers.

From coast-to-coast, the participants used approximately 30 charging stations with about 150 charging sessions with various charging providers to complete the drive. This was possible because of the robust Ultra-Fast charging network built by Electrify America.

Teams earned points throughout the competition based on a number of factors, including strategy, arriving first to a destination, and giving back to local establishments and causes.

“Having five teams drive the same route 'stress-tested' the existing infrastructure, which provided key insights on the opportunities needed to move forward,” said Kristin Slanina, Managing Director of Charge Across America.

At several locations on the route, Charge Across America hosted events to highlight the technology advancements and initiatives ushering in the EV revolution and to meet with leaders in the industry.

On Oct. 31, Charge Across America kicked off in Brooklyn, New York at the fast-charging Superhub at Revel, an electric mobility company, where a number of activists shared their thoughts on the EV landscape. The following day, CAA hosted an exclusive dinner event at the American Center for Mobility in Ypsilanti, Michigan.

"This tour is showing that it is already possible to travel from coast-to-coast in an EV,” Jennifer Granholm, US Secretary of Energy, said in her remarks at the Michigan event. “Thanks so much to Charge Across America and ParkMyFleet for pioneering this EV race across our nation."

On Nov. 8, CAA held a mid-reception rally at the Las Vegas Motor Speedway. It was an especially significant stop because Nevada is the domestic lithium hub, leading the effort to power EVs into the future.

“Nevada’s emergence as a world leader in the lithium-ion battery economy is such great news," Nevada Senator Catherine Cortez Masto said at the event. "We are committed to transforming that convoluted supply-chain and utilizing Nevada’s assets to bring profound environmental benefits to the battery manufacturing and recycling process."

TangentVector, an award-winning production company, filmed the entirety of Charge Across America and produced a documentary about the groundbreaking event.

CAA was sponsored by a number of key industry players, including Cambridge Mobile Telematics, Dave Cantin Group/Westlake Autoscape, Velodyne Lidar, Ship Your Car Now, Thirdware, and US Bank Voyager. ParkMyFleet, a mobility company, served as a platinum sponsor throughout the event.

“There’s so much great progress being made in electric vehicles, but there are still key opportunities to address,” said Slanina. “Charge Across America has offered up clarity as to where the deficiencies lie and how we can target investment money to improve EV standards and increase mass adoption.”

The Charge Across America documentary airs on NBC Sports on December 21 at 10 PM ET.

To learn more, visit ChargeAcrossAmerica.com and check us out on Twitter, Instagram and LinkedIn.

Charge Across America, first cross-country electric vehicle rally, to cover more than 3,000 miles and reach finish line in Los Angeles

(Los Angeles, CA) — November 9, 2021

On November 9, ten days after the first cross-country electric vehicle rally kicked off in New York City, five teams of drivers are slated to reach the finish line in Los Angeles at Westlake Autoscape.

At that point, the participants in Charge Across America will have clocked more than 3,000 miles, using only electric vehicles.

On Oct. 31 the Charge Across America teams launched from Brooklyn, NY. Over 10 days, the rally has aimed to demystify electric vehicles, demonstrate the cars’ impressive capabilities, and highlight the technology advancements and initiatives ushering in the EV revolution

On Tuesday, the teams will make their way from Las Vegas to the final stop in Los Angeles. The winner will be presented with a $10,000 grand prize.

The final press event will start at 5 PM PT and will be held at Westlake Autoscape. Four leaders in the EV industry will address the crowd:

Mike Calise, President of Tritium, a world leader in electric vehicle DC fast charging solutions
George Pero, Vice President of Dave Cantin Group, a holistic resource for acquisitions, growth, and insight in the automotive industry and sponsor of the press event.
Kristin Slanina, Managing Director of Charge Across America
Mike Landau, CEO of ParkMyFleet, a mobility company and Platinum Sponsor of Charge Across America.

“This has been an incredible and inspiring ride,” said Landau. “We are showing America, and the entire world really, that we are truly ready, as a society, to fully embrace the EV revolution.”

In each city along the way, CAA hosted numerous events to spotlight crucial gains made in the EV space.

“There’s so much great progress being made in electric vehicles but there are still key opportunities to address,” said Slanina. “Charge Across America has offered up clarity as to where the deficiencies lie and how we can target investment money to improve EV standards and increase mass adoption.”

TangentVector, an award-winning production company, will film the entirety of Charge Across America and produce a documentary about the groundbreaking event.

CAA premiere sponsor level: Cambridge Mobile Telematics, Dave Cantin Group/Westlake Autoscape, Velodyne Lidar, Ship Your Car Now, Thirdware, and US Bank Voyager.

Learn more about the grand finale event and RSVP here.

For media inquiries, contact: Eleanor Fox, EFox@ParkMyFleet.com

To learn more, visit ChargeAcrossAmerica.com and check out our social media accounts.

To learn more, visit ChargeAcrossAmerica.com and check out our social media accounts!
Twitter: @AcrossCharge
IG: @Charge_Across_America
LinkedIn: Charge Across America
FB: @ChargeAcrossAmerica

Charge Across America, cross-country electric vehicle rally, meets industry and government leaders in Las Vegas

(Las Vegas, Nevada) — November 9, 2021

On November 8, day nine of Charge Across America (CAA), the US’ first-ever cross-country electric vehicle rally, the five teams of drivers began their trek in Flagstaff, Arizona and concluded in Las Vegas, Nevada.

That evening, participants, government officials, innovators, and media professionals convened at a reception at the Las Vegas Motor Speedway, hosted by Lithium Americas, which is working to build and operate Thacker Pass, the largest known lithium resource in the US.

Several influential leaders in the electric vehicle space addressed the crowd and shared their thoughts on emerging technologies and the critical role Nevada plays in the transition to EVs.

The following speakers shared remarks, and underscored the state’s unique position to mine lithium in the US, the key component in producing electric vehicle batteries:

Senator Catherine Cortez Masto (D-Nevada), Tyre Gray, President of the Nevada Mining Association, Michael Brown, Director of the Nevada Governor’s Office of Economic Development, Marilyn Kirkpatrick, Chair of the Clark County Board of Commissioners, Mike Landau, CEO of ParkMyFleet and Platinum Sponsor of CAA and Kristin Slanina, Managing Director of CAA.

“Nevada’s emergence as a world leader in the lithium-ion battery economy is such great news, and it couldn’t come at a better time,” said Sen. Cortez Masto. “We are committed to transforming that convoluted supply-chain and utilizing the assets we have in Nevada to bring profound environmental benefits to the battery manufacturing and recycling process. We know how to do these projects right.”

Raising awareness goes hand-in-hand with mining critical resources, the speakers noted.

“By undertaking this journey, these [Charge Across America] teams are making a major statement to the public, to policymakers, and to manufacturers: that off the lot, electric vehicles are fully capable of traveling coast to coast,” said Michael Brown. “To help fuel the electric vehicle boom on the horizon, the lithium supply-chain is being developed right here in our backyard.”

Charge Across America, which kicked off in New York City on Oct. 31 and will conclude in Los Angeles on Nov. 9, aims to demystify electric vehicles and highlight key gains in the electric vehicle space across the US.

“Every stop during Charge Across America has been illuminating, in terms of learning about how different cities and states are responding to, and meeting, the EV revolution,” said Mike Landau, CEO of ParkMyFleet, a mobility company that’s serving as a platinum sponsor throughout the 10-day event.

“Being able to spend time in Las Vegas was especially exciting because right here in Nevada is where we’re going to see some of the greatest developments to ensure that drivers will be able to transition to EVs with ease.”

The event in Las Vegas was also sponsored by Albemarle, Comstock, American Battery, Panasonic, and Ioneer, all brought together by Lithium Americas.

The entirety of Charge Across America event is being filmed by TangentVector, an award-winning production company, which will produce a documentary about this groundbreaking rally.

On Nov. 9, the five teams are expected to cross the finish line in Los Angeles. Learn more about the grand finale here.

For media inquiries, please reach out to:
Eleanor Fox, EFox@ParkMyFleet.com

Charge Across America, US’ first cross-country electric vehicle race, launches from NYC

Brooklyn, NY (Nov. 1, 2021) — Five teams of drivers, who are traveling from New York City to Los Angeles in electric vehicles, departed on Sunday from Brooklyn as part of Charge Across America, the US’ first-ever cross-country EV event.

Before launching, the drivers convened with environmental activists, industry experts and members of the media at the fast-charging Superhub at Revel, an electric mobility company. The 10-day event aims to demystify electric vehicles and demonstrate the cars’ impressive capabilities, while also highlighting the technology advancements and initiatives ushering in the EV revolution.

“Revel is proud to support Charge Across America in its mission to demystify EVs,” said Paul Suhey, Revel Co-founder and Head of Rideshare & EV Infrastructure. “We’re rapidly approaching a time where driving across the country in an EV will be thought of as a fun vacation.”

A number of industry leaders addressed the crowd prior to the event’s start to underscore the vast potential of electric vehicles and how feasible it is for companies and everyday consumers to transition to EVs.

“Currently, transportation is the biggest source of New York State’s greenhouse gas emissions and a major contributor to poor air quality, high asthma rates, and environmental impact in our region,” said Joy Gardner, Executive Director of Empire Clean Cities, a New York-based nonprofit working to ensure clean air for future generations. “What better way to help cut these harmful emissions than by adopting vehicles that eliminate them altogether?”

From New York City, the teams drove about 400 miles through New Jersey and Pennsylvania before arriving at their final destination for the day in Pittsburgh. Each team was notified of the final stop in the morning and then developed their own routes and charging strategies.

The first team arrived in seven hours and the last in nine hours and 25 minutes.

On day one alone, the teams demonstrated that mapping out a charging strategy is key to traversing long distances in an electric vehicle and that there are ample options.

One team charged a single time throughout the day.

Another pair reached a charging station at one point and discovered that it wasn’t putting out as much power as advertised. But they were able to charge the vehicle enough to reach the next station.

“We need to make sure everyone is moving towards EVs as they are critical to reduce transportation pollution and combat climate change,” said Julie Tighe, President of the New York League of Conservation Voters, a nonprofit that works to fight climate change and protect public health in New York through political action. “This cross-country drive from New York City to Los Angeles, Charge Across America, is a creative way to show that range anxiety does not need to be a real problem.”

On Monday, day two of the race, teams will make their way to Detroit, traveling about 280 miles.

“What an exhilarating start to a groundbreaking event,” said Mike Landau, CEO of ParkMyFleet, a mobility company and platinum sponsor of Charge Across America. “I’m so excited to see how the teams strategize their routes and charging as the days go on, but more importantly, how they’ll demonstrate how ready we are as a society to embrace electric vehicles.”

The event, and the entirety of the Charge Across America event, will be filmed by TangentVector, an award-winning production company, which will produce a docuseries about this groundbreaking race.

For media inquiries, contact:
Sarah Provost, info@chargeacrossamerica.com
Eleanor Fox, EFox@parkmyfleet.com

‘I’m driving across the US in an EV because I’ve seen firsthand how dirty and dangerous the gas sector is’

On October 31, five teams of drivers will hit the road from Brooklyn, New York, using only electric vehicles, and will traverse the country over 10 days to their final stop in Los Angeles. The goal of the event, Charge Across America, is to demystify electric vehicles and highlight innovations in the industry. Each of the drivers brings a diverse set of skills to the road, a common passion for EVs, and an eagerness to demonstrate the vehicles’ burgeoning and exciting capabilities.

Amanda Korendyke, driving a Porsche Taycan, expresses her inspiration for joining Charge Across America and shares what she’ll do to maximize performance.

What inspired you to join Charge Across America? My husband, Brad, asked me if I would be interested before telling me more than “Want to drive across the country in an electric car with me?” – I said, “absolutely”. I love road trips and it’s great to be able to spend time with Brad away from home.

What do you think will be the biggest challenge? I think making sure we’re being smart about our available mileage vs. the distance from a charger since you can’t exactly walk to the charger and carry back a gallon of electricity like you could with gasoline.

What are some of your strategies for the race? Biggest strategy for me is training myself to drink less water during the day so I can stay in the car as long as absolutely possible before stopping. Second strategy is making sure I’m remembering my foot is hewn from pure lead and I need to control it so we get optimal mileage and don’t get points off for speeding.

What’s your favorite EV? I’ve never gotten to see one up close, but I’m partial to the Polestar 2. I also love the look of the Lucid Air. The minute someone is brave enough to make an all-electric station wagon I will be their devotee for life.

What excited you most about EVs? I actually worked very closely with the oil and gas sector in a previous life and I know how dirty, dangerous, and environmentally disruptive the industry is. I would love to see a move toward more clean energy sources once we are less dependent on gasoline to get around.

What was your first car? My first car was a 1993 Ford Explorer XLT named “Dora”. She was loud, rusty, and could lug around half a high school cheerleading team. Got 8 mpg most days but I loved her.

ParkMyFleet is a platinum sponsor of Charge Across America. Learn more here and check out our social media accounts!
Twitter: @AcrossCharge
IG: @Charge_Across_America
LinkedIn: Charge Across America
FB: @ChargeAcrossAmerica

I’m driving across the US in an EV to prove that now is a great time to go electric

On October 31, five teams of drivers will hit the road from Brooklyn, New York, using only electric vehicles, and will traverse the country over 10 days to their final stop in Los Angeles. The goal of the event, Charge Across America, is to demystify electric vehicles and highlight innovations in the industry.
Each of the drivers brings a diverse set of skills to the road, a common passion for EVs, and an eagerness to demonstrate the vehicles’ burgeoning and exciting capabilities.

One of the drivers, Laycee, known to her followers as “Miss GoElectric,” shared with Charge Across America her motivation for joining the race and some of her strategies for the event.
What inspired you to join Charge Across America?
I know it is important to show everyone that electric cars are already the best mobility choice for many people across the country. We can prove that now is a great time to go electric.
What do you think will be the biggest challenge?
I frequently road trip in my EV but have never been timed for it. Keeping all the rules in mind and figuring out how to maximize moving time will be very important.
What are some of your strategies for the race?
Strategies we will implement include optimizing charging stops for our Mustang Mach E’s charging curve with consideration for the following day’s objectives. We will strive to make the trip as efficient as possible. Oh and most importantly, have fun.
What’s your favorite EV?
I love my Tesla, and my next EV will probably be a long range pickup truck or full-sized SUV. The Rivian R1T looks to be first to market and I’ve pre-ordered a 400-mile MaxPack version. If you are thinking of getting me an EV for my birthday, I’d happily accept a Rimac Nevera.
What excites you most about EVs?
The dramatic improvement to my standard of living is what continues to excite me about EVs. The ability to affordably and conveniently charge at home, the quiet and peaceful drive experience, and the exhilarating performance all contribute to a joyful lifestyle. My EV has been the most reliable automobile I’ve owned.
What was your first car?
My first car was an Electric Batmobile. Driving it up and down my grandparent’s driveway back in the early 90s was the first time I experienced the famed “EV grin”.

Charge Across America, a cross-country electric vehicle event, to host mobility event at American Center for Mobility in Michigan

Ypsilanti, MI — On November 1, teams partaking in Charge Across America, a cross-country electric vehicle event, will traverse through Pittsburgh and Ohio, and make a final stop for the day in Ypsilanti, Michigan. That evening, participants, mobility experts, and journalists will convene for an exclusive dinner event at the American Center for Mobility.

Over the course of 10 days, CAA will bring together teams of drivers, of varying backgrounds, who will travel across the country in electric vehicles, from New York City to Los Angeles. The event aims to demystify electric vehicles and demonstrate the cars’ impressive capabilities, while also highlighting the technology advancements and initiatives ushering in the EV revolution.

Teams will make planned and strategic stops, where they’ll showcase each destination’s significant gains and initiatives in the electric vehicle space.

On day two, in Ypsilanti, CAA will have an auspicious opportunity to spotlight local and state-wide EV initiatives in Michigan.

“Michigan continues to be a leader in the mobility ecosystem,” said Kristin Slanina, Managing Director of Charge Across America. “We are proud to feature Detroit as a hub of reinvention as it rises to the challenges and excitement of the next generation of automotive.”

Four influential entities, with Michigan ties, will host and sponsor the November 1 event:

Thirdware, which has more than two decades of experience in consulting, designing, implementing and support of enterprise applications for Fortune 500 firms, will sponsor the dinner event.

The American Center for Mobility, which focuses on accelerating the mobility industry through research, testing, standards development and educational programming, will help host the dinner, along with DTE Energy, a Detroit-based energy company, and the Michigan Office of Future Mobility and Electrification, which works to enhance Michigan’s mobility ecosystem by developing dynamic mobility and electrification policies.

The 125-person event will take place on the center’s 500-acre site and four industry luminaries will share their thoughts on exciting developments in the EV industry.

The event, and the entirety of the Charge Across America event, will be filmed by TangentVector, an award-winning production company, which will produce a docuseries about this groundbreaking race.

ParkMyFleet, a mobility company that’s tackling some of the industry’s biggest pain points, will serve as a platinum sponsor throughout the 10-day event.

For media inquiries, contact:

Sarah Provost, info@chargeacrossamerica.com

Eleanor Fox, EFox@parkmyfleet.com

To learn more, visit ChargeAcrossAmerica.com and check out our social media accounts!

Twitter: @AcrossCharge

IG: @Charge_Across_America

LinkedIn: Charge Across America

FB: @ChargeAcrossAmerica

Charge Across America, a cross-country electric vehicle event, to kick off in NYC at Revel Superhub

New York, NY —— On October 31, Charge Across America (CAA), a cross-country electric vehicle event, will launch from Brooklyn, NY at the fast-charging Superhub at Revel, an electric mobility company.

CAA will bring together teams of drivers, of varying backgrounds, who will traverse the country in electric vehicles, from New York City to Los Angeles. The event aims to demystify electric vehicles and demonstrate the cars’ impressive capabilities. At each location, the event will highlight the technology advancements and initiatives ushering in the EV revolution.

Over the course of the 10-day event, the teams will make planned and strategic stops, where they’ll highlight each destination’s significant gains and initiatives in the electric vehicle space.

Teams will face the common challenges that come with driving long distances — including route navigation and fatigue — while also grappling with ones unique to driving EVs: How far to drive before charging and identifying conveniently-located charging stations.

“Charge Across America will show the US, and the world, just how ready we are as a society to embrace the EV revolution,” said Kristin Slanina, Managing Director of Charge Across America. “It’s exciting to start in New York City, which has made major commitments and inroads in electrification, even in such a bustling and complex urban landscape.

On Oct. 31, the drivers will kick off the event from Revel’s Superhub. The company, which is hosting the event’s launch, is leading cities to a zero-carbon future by integrating technology, operations, and infrastructure across energy and mobility sectors. It offers consumers access to shared electric mopeds, electric rideshare, EV fast-charging stations and eBike subscriptions.

“Getting people out of gas-guzzling cars and into EVs is one of the most important parts of our country’s progress towards a zero-carbon future,” said Paul Suhey, Revel Co-Founder and Head of Rideshare & EV Infrastructure. “Revel is working to make this vision a reality with our shared electric mobility options and urban charging infrastructure, and we’re proud to host Charge Across America as they do the same by spreading the word about the versatility of electric vehicles.”

From New York City, the teams will drive through New Jersey and Pennsylvania before arriving at their final destination for the day in Pittsburgh.

The event has partnered with TangentVector, an award-winning production company, which will film and produce a documentary about this groundbreaking race. ParkMyFleet, a mobility company, will serve as a platinum sponsor throughout the entirety of the Charge Across America event.

For media inquiries, contact:
Sarah Provost, info@chargeacrossamerica.com
Eleanor Fox, EFox@parkmyfleet.com

Charge Across America partners with TangentVector to produce docuseries about cross-country EV race

Race dates: October 31st-November 09, 2021

Charge Across America (CAA), the first-ever cross-country US electric vehicle race, is proud to announce a partnership with TangentVector, an award-winning production company behind groundbreaking films made for NBC Universal, Netflix, Discovery, and Hagerty,

TangentVector, which focuses its production pursuits solely on the automotive space, will film every mile of the CAA event and produce a docuseries about this first-of-its-kind race.

Over the course of 10 days in the fall, numerous teams — of various backgrounds and skill levels — will race from New York City to Los Angeles, using only electric vehicles. The winners will take home the car they competed in.

The goal of Charge Across America is to demystify electric vehicles by highlighting the industry’s exciting emerging technologies and recent exponential gains.

The ensuing docuseries will capture all of the heated competition and grit involved in a long-distance vehicular race, while also demonstrating the unique challenges involved in racing EVs over far distances. That includes mapping out charging stations along the way and strategizing how much mileage to clock in before recharging.

The docuseries will also amplify CAA’s overarching message: The electric vehicle revolution is here and this is an opportune moment for American drivers to embrace it.

TangentVector is auspiciously poised to tell the Charge Across America story. The company has more than a decade of experience in video production, pertaining to thrilling developments and events within the automotive industry.

“TangentVector was a natural and obvious production partner for us,” said Kristin Slanina, Director of Charge Across America. “The company excels in producing compelling and beautifully shot features. TangentVector is a perfect fit since it has its finger on the pulse of all things automotive and truly grasps the essence of the CAA mission and message.”

In 2015, TangentVector released APEX: The Story of the Hypercar, which delineated the sports car’s cultural and technological evolution, and in 2019, TangentVector released APEX: The Secret Race Across America, a feature film that documented the illegal, underground world of US transcontinental racing. The films were named “Best Car Documentaries to watch” by Bloomberg, Jalopnik and more.

As part of the YouTube Content Creators Program, TangentVector created the successful /DRIVE Network, which was sold to Time Inc. in 2016. In July, TangentVector announced a partnership with Cross Creek Pictures, a premiere independent feature film finance and development production company.

“We are fans of Charge Across America and we’re excited that they chose to partner with TangentVector,” said Reed McDonagh, Partnerships & Development, at TangentVector. “We’ve long been a part of cross country races and events. We’re very excited to now take that knowledge and documentary expertise, lead by our chief creative and CEO JF Musial, to the team at Charge Across America. Not often are you presented with the opportunity to partner with a company that is on the leading edge of infrastructure.”

Charge Across America Website | Tangent Vector Website