About Us
Avanza EV helps underserved communities transition to affordable and reliable used electric vehicles (EVs) to save money and reduce GHG emissions. Our web platform is designed to connect with underserved households, build trust and promote the value of used EVs. We focus on serving households with incomes at 50% to 100% of Area Median Income (AMI). Within that target market, there are two market segments where we have gained significant traction: 1) Latino and Spanish-speaking and, 2) apartment renters with access barriers to charging. We help these households transition to affordable and reliable used EVs to save money, reduce GHG emissions and improve health in their communities.
Meet our Founder and CEO: Edwin Luevanos
Edwin is a serial social entrepreneur in clean energy tech, finance, project development, and consumer adoption. As CEO of Citizen Energy and Avanza EV, Edwin has devoted the last few years to making the connection between clean energy infrastructure and education in underserved communities. In 2024, Edwin spearheaded the raise of nearly $50 million in federal grant awards for underserved communities. Edwin also led the joint venture of GLP LED, a subsidiary focused on energy efficiency and LED lighting distribution/installation. Earlier in his career, Edwin served at the U.S. Department of Energy, where he worked on energy savings performance contracting, energy demand management, green procurement, public engagement, and workforce development. During the 2009 Recovery Act, Edwin had the unique opportunity to support the White House and Obama administration in implementing outreach strategies for over $75 billion in clean energy investments; helping to shape one of the largest clean energy deployments in U.S. history. A longtime advocate for environmental justice and Latino youth leadership development, Edwin remains active in several nonprofit initiatives and advisory boards. His work is guided by his commitment to increasing access to clean energy, creating pathways to green careers, and ensuring underserved communities benefit from the clean energy transition. Edwin holds a bachelor’s degree from California State University, Fresno, and a masters in business from Boston University. Edwin is the proud son of immigrants from Mexico.
Impact (2024 Highlights)
34 New Site Contracts
Thirty-four multifamily housing locations have committed to hosting new charging stations, ensuring on-site access for residents who otherwise lack home-charging options.Over 8,600 Households Engaged
Through door knocking, workshops, online resources, and community events—delivered bilingually (SP/EN)—thousands learned about EV benefits.14 EV Showcase Events
These events offered bilingual education through hands-on learning with EVs, dealership presence, and information on local and federal incentives to help residents maximize savings on EV purchases.Over 300 Signed Interest Pledges
Residents are now one step closer purchasing or leasing a new or used EV, supported by continued guidance from the program.Over 75 Households Assisted
Families received help navigating financing, rebate applications, and dealership negotiations, resulting in significantly lower fuel and maintenance costs.Over 50 Letters of Intent
Low-income multifamily housing site hosts across Maryland, Washington, DC, and Virginia and Colorado have formally expressed interest in expanding EV charging and educational initiatives.New National Partnerships: Partnered with local jurisdictions on winning awards for FHWA's Charging and Fueling Infrastructure (CFI) Program in Pueblo (CO), Monterey Bay Region (CA), and Washington, DC to replicate successful programs for broader community impact across the nation.
New Federal Award: Began work on an award from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (BIL) Joint Office of Energy and Transportation Ride and Drive Electric initiative.
Other Awards: Continuing our mission to help low-income Latino residents save on energy and transportation costs by driving EV adoption, supported by additional funding from the Maryland Energy Administration, the GM Foundation, and others.
Other Partnerships: Built more partnerships nationwide with new and used EV dealerships, city and county officials, local mission-aligned educational nonprofits, EV installers, EV enthusiast networks, and other crucial stakeholders.
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