Electric vehicle (EV) adoption is key to combating the climate crisis, as the transportation sector is responsible for the majority of U.S. emissions. Although EVs are growing in popularity and accessibility, a gender gap in ownership persists, with 72% of EVs purchased by men. Generation180’s “I’ll Drive What She’s Driving” campaign seeks to uplift the voices of women EV owners, in hopes to inspire others to follow suit. These Pennsylvania women are leading the change in their state by driving electric.
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Kate, a clothing reseller and personal thrifter, switched to an EV in 2021, originally because of the spacious leg room. Now, Kate loves not having to go to the gas station, and charges her EV both at home and at a downtown garage.
“It’s fun to invite people for a drive and have it be the first electric car they’ve ever experienced. It’s a great family car. We drove from Lancaster PA to FL — that was an adventure! We got into a rhythm. When traveling with a four year old, you have to stop a lot anyway, so we took breaks while we charged.” — Kate
Inspired by family and friends, Cindy purchased a Tesla Model 3 in 2023. 95% of her charging is done at home using a Level 2 Charger, and she will be receiving the $7,500 EV rebate this year.
“I’m very interested in alternative technology, ICE cars have been around for a long time, it feels like there should be a better way. I wanted to try and see what it was like. EV technology had advanced and been around long enough, so I was ready to give it a try.” — Cindy
Carmalena bought her first EV (a used 2018 Nissan Leaf) in September 2023, during a dealership sale. With state and federal rebates, it only cost $8,000. Carmalena is now in the process of replacing her old appliances with new, electric ones.
“My older daughter worries about climate change — carries it heavily. It feels good to be able to show her what is in our immediate control to take action on and do it. We feel like we owe it to our children’s generation and others coming to not live as heavily.” — Carmalena
Marie from Pittsburgh drives a Toyota Rav 4 Prime PHEV to do her part to help the environment and to save money on gas. She took advantage of a $500 incentive from her employer, Duquesne Light.
“As soon as I come home, I plug it in. I can drive around town for free. My work commute is 44 miles, 38 miles of it are driven on the battery, and if I can charge while I’m at work, it’s all the battery. There are car chargers at the Pittsburgh Convention Center near my office. Just a few years ago, the EV chargers in the garage were all available, now they’re all full all the time. In the last 2-3 years, I’ve seen the change in demand for EV charging.” — Marie
Rachael from Phoenixville, PA, purchased a Chevy Bolt EUV in 2023. It was her first new car and the $7,500 federal rebate was critical to her making the transition.
“I feel proud driving up in my EV. Everyone comments and asks me how I like my car. I like what it says about me – it’s the car I chose. ” — Rachael
Liz is semi-retired and was influenced by EV-owning family members to buy an EV. Although she is not a tech expert, she has not had any problems with her EV and has taken trips to North Carolina and Minnesota in her EV.
“I would encourage people to do it — it’s so much nicer than an ICE car. It’s very comfortable, it’s a smart car, it’s easier, more convenient, and I save a lot on gas and maintenance for the car over time. Don’t delay or over think it.” — Liz
Want to get inspired by more women making the switch to EVs? Check out our “I’ll Drive What She’s Driving” campaign.
