HOUSTON – eVgo, a subsidiary of NRG Energy, Inc., has launched “EVs for Trees” to help raise funds to plant and maintain trees in Texas. In 2011, Texas suffered one of the worst droughts in recorded history, and in 2012, tornadoes in North Texas caused devastating damage. The drought and tornadoes together destroyed more than 500 million trees statewide – 10 percent of the state’s total — according to the Texas Forest Service.

eVgo has partnered with local tree planting organizations, retail energy providers, and auto dealerships to provide drivers with an added incentive to test drive an electric vehicle (EV) through the EVs for Treesprogram.

For each test drive of a Mitsubishi i or Nissan Leaf between now and Dec. 1 at participating EVs for Trees dealerships, the dealer will donate $25 to The Texas Tree Foundation in North Texas or Trees for Houston. Additionally, if the driver is a Green Mountain Energy or Reliant customer, these companies will donate an extra $25. Each driver’s participation could result in as much as a $75 donation to their local tree organization if both EVs featured in the program are test driven.

“There are many exciting reasons to drive an EV,” said Arun Banskota, president of eVgo. “EVs are fun to drive because of their silent ride, continuous torque and precise handling. Also, EVs deliver great economic, health, and environmental benefits by providing significantly reduced fueling and maintenance costs as well as zero tailpipe emissions. The EVs for Treesprogram adds the benefit of making a difference in your local community. Electric cars and trees are a perfect fit. Both EVs and trees improve air quality in our cities.”

Throughout the program, EVs for Trees test drive vouchers will be available for download online at www.EVsforTrees.com and will be given out at eVgo exhibits at approximately 80 events across Texas, including the State Fair. No purchase is necessary. Drivers can simply take the voucher to a participating dealer and test drive an electric car to generate a donation to Trees for Houston or The Texas Tree Foundation.

The EVs for Trees program will generate funding to care for distressed trees and plant new trees.

Click here to locate participating EVs for Trees dealerships.