Accelerating the Shift to Electric Vehicles

Every day, people traveling on or near roads are exposed to thick clouds of exhaust —which is more than just a nuisance—it’s a health and environmental crisis. Emissions have been linked to over 200,000 premature deaths annually and exacerbate chronic conditions like asthma and heart disease, underscoring the dire need for cleaner transport solutions. 

Recognizing this, in 2021, a group of philanthropists came together to launch a groundbreaking initiative—Drive Electric, which is championing the shift to 100 percent clean electric vehicles (EVs), including cars, vans, buses, two- and three-wheelers, and trucks. The campaign, powered by a coalition of over 100 partners and now fueled by the commitment of more than 25 philanthropic foundations, is advancing smart government policies, engaging business leaders, and mobilizing people-powered coalitions. This shift isn’t just about reducing carbon footprints, it’s about businesses, governments, and people defining new standards, and collectively steering society and the market toward a greener future. 

The Drive Electric campaign has seen significant successes, including pressuring the United States Postal Service (USPS) to prioritize electric vehicles, leading to a $9.6 billion investment, 66,000+ electric vehicles, and widespread charging infrastructure at hundreds of USPS facilities across the U.S. This is one of the most significant commitments to fleet electrification from a delivery entity globally. This work with USPS is illustrative of many initiatives being rolled out around the world.