The Tule River Indian Tribe made history on Saturday with the ground breaking for their EV charging stations, being the first Native American tribe in the Central Valley to install fast chargers and medium to heavy duty electric vehicle chargers.
In celebration of this historic event, The Tribe in partnership with NESCO and the Tule River Economic Development Corporation hosted a “Ride and Drive” Ribbon Cutting Ceremony at the Eagle Feather Trading Post. At this ride and drive, attendees were able to test drive the latest electric vehicles (EVs) from surrounding car dealerships.
Attendees were also able to learn about clean energy initiatives from state and local organizations as well as explore EV incentives and rebates available for the community.
The event kicked off with representatives from The Tribe, NESCO, and TREDC officially cutting the ribbon to their brand new EV charging stations. Local dignitaries, including 5th District Supervisor Dennis Townsend and Porterville Councilman A.J. Rivas were happy to join in this celebration.
Stoney Creek Barbeque served everyone a delicious lunch before they test drove new electric vehicles. Some dealerships that were in attendance were Porterville Chrysler Jeep Dodge, VinFast, and Tesla, some dealerships being from Porterville and some traveling from Bakersfield to share information about EVs.
The Tule River Tribe hosted this free community event with hopes of showcasing their commitment to sustainability, clean transportation, and energy independence. EVs are becoming a factor in reducing emissions, lowering fuel costs, and improving air quality.
Townsend mentioned how he has been receiving calls from residents of the mountain communities, who have businesses in the mountain area, who have been seeking out grants to have EV charging stations since there weren't any along Highway 190.
With The Tule River Tribe adding the EV charging stations, this helps out more communities. Townsend also stated how much he appreciates the Tule River Tribe, NESCO, and TREDC for working together and making history with this new venture.
Elizabeth Perez, CEO and Founder of Native American Energy and Services Company (NESCO), mentioned how NESCO and The Tule River Tribe have been working on this project since the COVID pandemic. ”It has been an incredible journey,” stated Perez.
Perez also stated how big of an impact The Tule River Tribe has made being the first Native American tribe in the Central Valley to install fast chargers and medium to heavy-duty electric vehicle chargers.
What's really important though, is the fact the Tule River Tribe is also the first tribe to have the medium-heavy duty vehicles that are EV s, with the state really pushing to be 100 percent carbon free. A lot of commercial freight trucks are going EV, but this is the Tribe is the first in the Central Valley to have a medium-heavy duting EV vehicle.
Perez also stated how much pleasure she has had working on this project with the Tule River Tribe, mentioning how they're one of the most progressive tribes in the state. “The Tribe is doing the most amazing work within the Central Valley,” stated Perez.
She also commented on how they truly are setting an example for other tribes, really proving this is possible even though it's a lot of hard work. Perez praised the leadership of the Tule River Tribe, stating how in the end it all boils down to the Tribal Council.
Growing up in the Central Valley, Perez stated how this felt all full circle for her, stating how proud she is of this project and what it will do for the community, and how she's even prouder to be able to work with Tule River Tribe and be a part of this historic event.
Many attendees took interest in EVs at this event. Some even test drove them for the first time. A couple attendees even took home their own electric vehicles.
