GOTHENBURG, Sweden – The City of Long Beach, California, was honored today as the 2025 North American "E-Visionary" for its leadership in deploying electric vehicles, charging infrastructure, and zero-emission technologies. Long Beach was also announced as the host city for the 39th Electric Vehicle Symposium and Exhibition (EVS39) when this annual international event returns to North America next year. Both announcements were made during the closing plenary of the 38th Electric Vehicle Symposium and Exhibition (EVS38) in Gothenburg, Sweden.
The E-Visionary Award is presented by the World Electric Vehicle Association (WEVA) to cities and regions worldwide for their initiatives that make e-mobility a reality for their residents. The Electric Drive Transportation Association (EDTA) serves as the North American arm of WEVA and will host EVS39 from June 21-24, 2026, in Long Beach, California.
During his award acceptance speech presented via video, Long Beach Mayor Rex Richardson expressed gratitude, stating, “Thank you to the Electric Drive Transportation Association and the World Electric Vehicle Association for selecting our city for this distinguished recognition. Long Beach is proud to be a global leader in sustainability, from the Port of Long Beach’s ambitious climate goals and record investments in zero-emission infrastructure, to our city’s nation-leading climate action plan.” He added, “We’ve joined the call to usher in a green economy and build the sustainable city of the future, and we believe that starts right here.”
EDTA and its partners in WEVA commended Long Beach for its groundbreaking commitment to electrification, particularly at its port, the second busiest in the U.S. The city has made historic strides in electrifying goods movement and installing heavy-duty charging stations for drayage trucks. Long Beach’s work to advance e-mobility also includes its partnership with Southern California Edison (SCE) to offer EV rebates and charging initiatives for residents.
EDTA President Genevieve Cullen remarked, “We will be gathering electric transportation leaders from all corners of the globe at EVS39 in Long Beach, a city celebrated for its commitment to electrification, making it the perfect venue for leading, learning, and connecting on e-mobility.”
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About EDTA: The Electric Drive Transportation Association (EDTA) is the cross-industry trade association promoting battery, hybrid, plug-in hybrid and fuel cell electric drive technologies and infrastructure. To advance our mission, we conduct public policy advocacy, education, and industry engagement. Our conferences bring together industry, academia, policymakers, and the public to advance e-mobility. EDTA's membership comprises the entire electric drive value chain, including vehicle, battery and component manufacturers, utilities, fleets and infrastructure developers. Collectively, our members are developing and deploying the technologies that advance the electrification of transportation. Learn more at www.electricdrive.org.
About EVS39: Organized and hosted by EDTA, the 39th Electric Vehicle Symposium & Exhibition (EVS39) is the premier showcase for industry innovation. EVS is the longest-running international conference devoted to electric transportation and technologies. Featuring compelling presentations from industry and thought leaders, an all-encompassing show floor with exhibitors from around the globe and multiple networking events, EVS39 will provide a wide array of opportunities to showcase leadership, learn from the experts and educate the public and the media about electric transportation. Learn more at www.evs39.com.
Contact: Christine Spann, Communications Director, EDTA | cspann@electricdrive.org
