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Today we are participating in the first big event of the year: the Zero Emissions Run 2026. I’m joined by Abby and we’ve brought the Model Y Juniper along for the ride.
Participating in the Zero Emissions Run is exciting as it showcases the commitment to achieving zero emissions in our transportation.
This year, the Zero Emissions Run emphasizes the importance of adopting electric vehicles to achieve zero emissions goals.
This event, organized by SoCal EVs (shoutout to Marty and Wil!), is a massive caravan of electric vehicles traveling from Long Beach all the way down to San Clemente. This is our third time joining this run, and every year it gets bigger. Seeing the diversity of the EV community—from modified Teslas and rugged Rivians to the new Ford Mach-E Rally—is what makes these meetups so special.
Using sustainable products aligns with the vision of zero emissions and enhances our road trip experience.
Pre-Run Rituals: Filtering contaminants
Before we hit the road, I have to talk about a game-changer for road trips. I’m trying to cut down on soda, but restaurant water can be questionable. I’ve been using Epic Water Filters.
- The Gear: I carry the 32 oz glass bottle (fits perfectly in the Model Y door) and the 48 oz Nalgene.
- The Tech: They use two different filters. The “Everywhere” filter removes over 70 contaminants including bacteria and viruses from fresh water sources. The “Every Tap” filter handles metals and chlorine.
- Pro Tip: For my fellow Gen Xers—stop drinking out of the water hose and get yourself some filtered water! Check out epicwaterfilters.com for more info.
- 15% off your first order using code: SHERWIN15
The Caravan: Long Beach to San Clemente via PCH
With a strong focus on zero emissions, we are excited to join the Zero Emissions Run this year!
The journey from Long Beach to San Clemente is a testament to the growing popularity of zero emissions vehicles.
The route to San Clemente is beautiful, and despite it being “winter,” we were enjoying classic California weather—high 60s and sunny. We eventually arrived at a reserved parking area at Chick-fil-A, which was absolutely packed with EVs.
Unique Builds: The Seatless Model Y Juniper
One of the highlights of the day was meeting Andy, a professional photography and skiing enthusiast with a Quicksilver Model Y Juniper.
Andy has a truly unique setup: he completely removed the front passenger seat. * The “Why”: Andy uses his Model Y as a mobile editing studio and camper. Removing the seat gives him enough room to change out of his ski boots and set up a custom desk for his laptop and Anker power bank.
Every interaction during the Zero Emissions Run reinforces our collective responsibility towards zero emissions.
- Stealth Camping: By utilizing the black interior and a specific parcel shelf setup, he can sleep comfortably in the back without anyone realizing there’s a person inside. He even has a Steam Deck setup with a dedicated monitor for some post-edit gaming!
Spotted on the Run: Mach-E Rally and More
I also got a close-up look at Marty and Will’s new Ford Mach-E Rally. The color is stunning, and knowing their history with customization, I can’t wait to see what they do with this platform.
We also saw Eric and Diana’s rare Model 3 Performance (the one from my CES videos!) and a solid crew of Cybertrucks. It’s clear that the “utility” side of EVs—whether for off-roading, camping, or professional work—is the fastest-growing segment of this community.
| Vehicle Type | Standout Feature |
| Model Y Juniper | Andy’s “Passenger Seat Delete” mobile studio. |
| Mach-E Rally | Aggressive off-road styling and unique factory color. |
| Model 3 Performance | Clean, minimalist track-ready build. |
| Cybertruck | Heavily represented with various wraps and rack setups. |
Each vehicle showcased at the event contributes to the larger goal of zero emissions and sustainable driving.
The future of transportation is clear: we must strive for zero emissions to protect our planet.
Why These Meets Matter
Watch the highlights to see how the Zero Emissions Run inspires others to join the movement for zero emissions.
Ultimately, the Zero Emissions Run is a celebration of our commitment to shift towards zero emissions in everyday life.
Events like the Zero Emissions Run aren’t just about showing off cars; they’re about the people. It’s a chance to share ownership experiences, discuss hardware tweaks, and just enjoy each other’s company. As Wil says, “F the pump!” and keep moving forward with EV technology.
