Cave Creek’s First EV Showcase Puts Luxury in the Driver’s Seat
Writer Joseph J. Airdo
For many North Valley residents, the journey to sustainable transportation begins with curiosity. On Saturday, Jan. 25, Desert Foothills Library will host the region’s first rural electric vehicle showcase, featuring an impressive lineup of luxury EVs that prove going green doesn’t mean compromising on performance or prestige.
“There are many benefits to owning an EV that are quite compelling for North Valley residents,” says John Martinson, president of the Valley of the Sun Electric Vehicle Association. “EVs are more fun to drive, require little or no maintenance beyond replacing tires, and reduce air pollution.”
The event marks a significant milestone in Cave Creek’s evolution toward sustainable transportation. With a curated 3.9-mile test drive route through scenic roads, attendees will experience firsthand the instant torque and smooth acceleration that make electric vehicles increasingly attractive to luxury car enthusiasts.
The Desert Foothills Library serves as an ideal venue for this groundbreaking event, featuring a spacious parking lot and carefully planned test-drive route.
“The library has a receptive audience and leadership interested in presenting unique experiences,” Martinson says. “There is a large, separate parking lot that makes it easy to set up and safely conduct both a ride-and-drive and display of electric vehicles, along with a good, safe route of right turns for guests to drive.”
The showcase features an impressive roster of vehicles, from the Arizona-made Lucid Air to the rugged Ford F-150 Lightning. Attendees can test drive several luxury models while viewing the latest innovations like the GMC Hummer EV and Tesla Cybertruck.
The luxury EV landscape has evolved dramatically in recent years, with options expanding exponentially.
“As recently as 10 years ago, there were only two models of EVs on the market,” Martinson notes. “Today, there are dozens of different models from many different manufacturers.”
Traditional luxury automakers like Audi, BMW, Cadillac, Genesis, Mercedes-Benz, Porsche and even Rolls-Royce have entered the market alongside electric-only manufacturers such as Arizona’s own Lucid Motors, Polestar, Rivian and Tesla. This diversity of options ensures that buyers can find vehicles that match both their lifestyle needs and aesthetic preferences.
This expansion of options arrives at an opportune time for the region.
“I live in North Scottsdale just south of Black Mountain, and I have seen a significant increase in EVs, especially from Pinnacle Peak to Carefree and Cave Creek, with inroads to New River and Anthem,” Martinson observes.
The area is particularly well-suited for EV adoption. Single-family homes often feature solar panels that can make charging virtually cost-free, and owners can install wall-mounted Level 2 EV chargers in their garages for convenient overnight charging. This home charging capability transforms the refueling experience from a routine errand into a seamless part of daily life.
The new generation of electric trucks has captured the attention of active lifestyle enthusiasts in the area.
“There are many new electric trucks on the market that are huge fun off-road and can tow boats and horse trailers up to 11,000 pounds,” Martinson explains. “We’re seeing a growing trend toward these powerful EVs in the North Valley area.”
The event begins with an optional networking breakfast at Local Jonny’s Tavern & Cafe, where attendees can connect with experienced EV owners before heading to the library for test drives. These owners stand ready to address common questions about battery longevity, charging station availability and comparative fuel costs.
“Our electric vehicle owners, who live with EVs every day, are an invaluable resource,” Martinson explains. “They’re ready to answer any questions about the real-world experience of electric vehicle ownership.”
This firsthand knowledge proves particularly valuable for those navigating the transition to electric vehicles for the first time. For luxury vehicle owners considering the switch to electric, the showcase presents a unique opportunity to explore high-end options.
“If you like smooth power delivery, instant torque, up-to-date technology, passenger comfort and prestige, a luxury electric vehicle is worth serious consideration,” Martinson advises.
With many models offering ranges between 350 and 400 miles, and the Lucid Air GT achieving over 500 miles on a single charge, range anxiety is becoming a concern of the past. In fact, Martinson and his wife recently drove their 2023 Tesla Model X from Scottsdale to St. John’s Newfoundland and back — an 11,000-mile journey — with plenty of charging stations and no issues.
As North Valley residents prepare to experience these innovations firsthand at Desert Foothills Library, one thing becomes clear: the future of luxury transportation isn’t just electric — it’s already here.
Electric Vehicle Showcase
Saturday, Jan. 25 // 11 a.m.–3 p.m. // Desert Foothills Library // 38443 N. School House Road, Cave Creek // Free // driveelectricaz.org
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