By David Goldstein, Ventura County Public Works Agency –
Last month, federal subsidies for electric vehicle purchases ended. Undaunted, the EV Advocates of Ventura County forged ahead with events celebrating National Drive Electric Month, reminding residents that environmental progress can outlast incentives.
At the Port of Hueneme Banana Festival on September 27, the group showcased nine electric vehicles and an electric school bus from Oxnard Union High School District. Throughout the county, school districts are transitioning to clean-emission electric buses.
A week later, on October 5, the group gathered 66 vehicles on the lawn at Ventura Harbor, drawing several hundred visitors. EV owners displayed 46 different EV models, ranging from a first-generation Nissan Leaf to a 2026 Hyundai Ioniq 9, and from electric motorcycles to a brand-new VW ID Buzz microbus. Two of the most talked-about exhibits were a 1969 Subaru minibus converted to electric power and a 2025 Dodge EV Daytona Charger.
At this event, thanks to support from the Ventura County Regional Energy Alliance, the Ventura Unified School District displayed one of its Electric buses, and the bus driver was present to answer questions. The Alliance also provided outreach materials for this event and the Banana Festival.
Also on display in Ventura were three Cybertrucks, including one belonging to the event organizer and field representative for the EV Advocates, Kent Bullard. Unfazed by the end of federal subsidies, Bullard said the growing public charging network, rising gas prices, and the variety of new EV models will keep demand strong.
Asked whether large, powerful electric vehicles might undercut the environmental message of efficiency and conservation, Bullard shared his perspective. “If people were to buy a Rivian R1S or Cybertruck instead of a gas-burning Suburban or Expedition, that’s a step forward.”
Of course, smaller and lighter vehicles remain the greener choice for most drivers. But Bullard’s point is clear: electric technology now covers nearly every transportation niche, from compact commuters to long-range haulers.
To make that point visible, Bullard and another advocate towed their travel trailers to the Ventura Harbor event – proof that EVs can go the distance. Bullard’s 4,000-mile summer road trip with the trailer demonstrated the increasing practicality of long-distance electric travel.
Local Charging Network Expands
Recent infrastructure upgrades in the Ventura area are helping make EV ownership more practical than ever:
Oxnard: The new EVgo station at Fremont Square (820 N. Ventura Rd.) is operational, featuring four dual 350-kilowatt fast chargers. A “coming soon” fast-charging site at Vallarta Supermarket (2690 E. Vineyard Ave.) will feature battery-backed chargers offering multiple port types.
Santa Paula: Behind the Glen Tavern Inn (134 N. Mill St.), two dual-head ChargePoint Level 2 chargers now offer 24/7 access with time-of-use rates ranging from $0.45 to $0.70 per kilowatt-hour. Another project, at Anna’s Cider on Main Street, will add 2 DC fast chargers once Southern California Edison (SCE) completes utility connections.
Ventura: Near the government center, the Electrify America station at the VC Credit Union is live (6026 Telephone) with 6 350 kW chargers. The Electrify America station at Pacific View Mall has been upgraded to six 350-kW chargers. Nearby, Rivian’s new eight-unit (300 kW ea) Adventure Network site is online, and 21 new Level 2 chargers at Ventura Harbor are fully operational. The EVgo station behind Trader Joe’s has been repaired.
Camarillo: Tesla has been constructing two Supercharger sites. The one on the west side of the outlet mall is live with 20 325 kW chargers, while the station with 24 chargers at Camarillo Plaza is still waiting for utility connection. Additionally, two dual-head Level 2 chargers are being installed near the Camarillo Family YMCA, and a 30-unit project at CSU Channel Islands has been delayed pending infrastructure upgrades.
Federal subsidies may have ended, but Ventura County’s public charging network and volunteer-driven outreach continue to grow – proving that local action, not just national incentives, powers long-term environmental change.
David Goldstein, Environmental Resource Analyst with the Ventura County Public Works Agency, may be reached at david.goldstein@ventura.org or (805) 658-4312
