Drive Electric receives catalytic gift from MacKenzie Scott’s Yield Giving to accelerate clean transportation globally

The Drive Electric Campaign is honored to receive a $60 million gift from philanthropist MacKenzie Scott and Yield Giving, part of several philanthropic contributions to climate solutions. The unrestricted gift will be invested in strategic grant making and support of the Drive Electric Campaign’s mission to accelerate the transition to 100% zero-emission vehicles globally. 

Electric vehicles significantly reduce emissions that harm our health and the climate, and they are increasingly popular and affordable around the world. In many markets, electric cars are also saving people money on fuel and maintenance  — in the United States, drivers save an average of more than $2200 annually, according to recent analysis by Coltura, while in Kenya, electric two-wheeler taxis called boda bodas generate an estimated 30% increased take-home pay for drivers. 

Globally, the shift to zero-emission, electric transportation can save nearly two million lives by 2040 through the public health benefits of reduced emissions. The Drive Electric Campaign and its partners have contributed to significant progress for electrifying road transportation, with more than 40% of the world’s transportation demand committed to 100% zero-emission vehicles by or before 2050.

Despite encouraging progress, the world is not on the critical path to achieving equitable, durable access to affordable, clean transportation. The recent State of Climate Action report by the Systems Change Lab at World Resources Institute noted that the transportation sector — along with all other climate indicators — is not on track to meet global climate targets set out by the Paris Agreement and affirmed by 195 countries around the world. 

“The investment from MacKenzie Scott comes at a pivotal moment in the transition to clean, electric transportation for all communities. There is amazing momentum, as more people experience the benefits of all types of electric vehicles, from electric tuk tuks to long-haul trucks,” shared Rebecca Fisher, Director of the Drive Electric Campaign. “This catalytic gift will provide critical resources to save lives, increase economic development, and limit climate pollution by accelerating the shift to clean transportation in the next five years.”

In 2022, Drive Electric received a gift from MacKenzie Scott to support the campaign’s inception. MacKenzie Scott’s generosity will help the Drive Electric Campaign continue to tackle some of the most polluting forms of transportation — and make the incredible benefits of clean electric vehicles accessible to more communities around the world.