Electric Car Club of Illinois
The Electric Auto Association (EAA) is a non-profit organization that advocates and educates the public about electric vehicle usage. Founded in 1967, it has over 70 national and international chapters. The Fox Valley Electric Auto Association (FVEAA) is the Illinois chapter of the EAA and one of its most active. Currently, there are only about 200 electric vehicles on the road in Illinois, and the FVEAA is hoping to change that.
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History
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Prompted by the oil crisis in the 1970s, the FVEAA began in 1975. Car companies were not interested in building electric cars so FVEAA members banded together to do it themselves. The group was incorporated in Illinois state in 1979 and became a chapter of the EAA in 2004. The FVEAA is gaining in popularity and membership is sharply increasing as gas prices, dependency on foreign oil and concern for the environment continually grow larger.
Members
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The FVEAA has over 200 members from Illinois and four neighboring states. Approximately 40 members own electric vehicles. The group used to be mostly male but that has rapidly changed. FVEAA President Ted Lowe said in a 2008 interview to the Associated Press, "Now it's more men, wives, college kids, grandmas, grandpas. The demographic's entirely different from what it was a few years ago." Membership dues go towards their monthly newsletter and public electric vehicle events such as rallies, shows and rides.
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Meetings
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Monthly meetings are held in Naperville, about 30 miles from Chicago. Meetings generally include a guest speaker, networking, electric vehicle viewing (such as Northwestern University's solar power car entry into the American Solar Challenge 2010) and a raffle to raise money for the organization. Meetings last approximately three hours. Non-members are welcome to attend to learn more about electric transportation, see members' electric vehicles and get help converting a gas-burning vehicle to an electric one. Charging is available for electric vehicles with 120V and 240V AC.
Projects
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The FVEAA converts a gas-powered car to electric every few years. Nicknamed "club cars," they serve as a hands-on learning opportunity for new members. FVEAA members often become the owners of the club cars. They have successfully converted a 1976 Fiat, 1990 Nissan Sentra, Ford Ranger and a 1985 Porsche 944.
Goals
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One of the FVEAA's initial goals in the 1970s was to be independent of oil. Now its primary goal is to encourage clean and efficient energy use through electric vehicles. It acts as an informational source about electric vehicle developments, encourages experimentation of electric vehicle building and puts together public exhibits and events to educate the public on the advancements and benefits of electric vehicle technology. The FVEAA is also seeking to expand the number of charging stations in Illinois so that electric cars can become a viable option to motorists.
Fun Facts
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Converting a gas-burning car to electric costs between $5,000 and $9,000. Illinois residents are eligible to receive a $4,000 grant from the IL Environmental Protection Agency for converting their vehicles. The FVEAA can help with the conversion and tell you how to receive the check.
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References
- Photo Credit green neon car image by Tammy Mobley from Fotolia.com
