The initiative is an extension of EIN's DriveH2 public service campaign and Valley CAN’s Mirai4All program.
Los Angeles-based nonprofit Energy Independence Now (EIN) and Valley Clean Air Now (Valley CAN) have joined forces to donate 27 Toyota Mirai hydrogen fuel cell electric vehicles (FCEVs) and free fuel to local residents and community based organizations.
To promote clean transportation and environmental justice, EIN partnered with Valley CAN, Toyota and an alliance of community organizations, including Think Watts Foundation, Acceler8, Know Your Rights Camp, Boys & Girls Clubs of the LA Harbor, Social Justice Learning Institute and Strength Based Community Change. Together, the group identified 25 local families, primarily from marginalized communities, along with two additional nonprofit organizations, to receive the FCEVs.
The initiative is an extension of EIN's DriveH2 public service campaign and Valley CAN’s Mirai4All program. The 27 recipients received pre-owned Toyota Mirai FCEVs at zero cost along with a pre-paid fuel card and 30-month warranty and maintenance package.
FCEVs offer unique advantages such as rapid refueling, long range and communal access to zero-emission fueling infrastructure, crucial in California's ambitious plan to transition to 100% zero-emission new car sales by 2035.
“We’re delighted to facilitate the donation of these FCEVs to local families,” said Brian Goldstein, executive director of EIN. “California simply cannot achieve its environmental goals with batteries alone because not everyone has access to a charger or even a consistent parking spot, much less the free time to wait around at public charging locations. So, we teamed with Valley CAN and Toyota to raise awareness about zero emission hydrogen EVs by sending them directly to the communities impacted most by air pollution and climate change.”
The program previously made FCEV donations to nonprofits including the American Red Cross, Petersen Automotive Museum, Social Justice Learning Institute, ThinkWatts LA, Via Care and After-School All-Stars.
Abby Andrews