Vancouver, BC – March 23, 2026 – Plug’n Drive is proud to be the Test Drive Partner for the Electric Vehicle (EV) Test Drive Experience at the 2026 Vancouver International Auto Show (VIAS), taking place March 25–29 at the Vancouver Convention Centre. As a stop on Plug’n Drive’s EVs are for EVeryone Cross-Canada Tour, the event will give attendees the opportunity to get behind the wheel of the latest electric vehicles and experience their performance firsthand.
RBC is one of the Official Presenter of the Test Drive Experience and the National Champion Sponsor of Plug’n Drive’s EVs are for EVeryone Cross-Canada Tour. Together, Plug’n Drive and RBC are working to deliver an engaging, accessible EV experience for thousands of auto show attendees.
“At RBC, we see electrification as a key component of the transition to a low-carbon economy,” said Erik Jensen, Vice President Automotive Finance BC. “Our National Champion Sponsorship of Plug’n Drive’s EVs are for Everyone Cross-Canada Tour reflects our commitment to supporting electric vehicle adoption. By investing in initiatives that increase consumer awareness and confidence, we’re helping to remove barriers and enable broader participation in the shift to electric mobility.”
“At the Vancouver International Auto Show, hands-on experiences are at the core of what we deliver for consumers. The EV Test Drive Experience is one of the most impactful features of the show, giving attendees the opportunity to move beyond curiosity and truly experience electric vehicles in a real-world setting,” said Eric Nicholl, Executive Director, Vancouver International Auto Show. “Our partnership with Plug’n Drive helps bring the education, access, and confidence consumers need as EV adoption continues to grow across British Columbia.”
VIAS attendees will have the opportunity to participate in outdoor EV test drives, offered on a first-come, first-serve basis. Registration will take place onsite, with test drives conducted on a designated route near the venue. There will be 40 EVs from several automotive brands available to test drive – see the full list of vehicles here. Hours and vehicles are subject to change.
Electric Vehicle Test Drive Experience Schedule:
- Wednesday, March 25 | 12 pm to 7 pm
- Thursday, March 26 | 10 am to 7 pm
- Friday, March 27 | 10 am to 7 pm
- Saturday, March 28 | 10 am to 7 pm
- Sunday, March 29 | 10 am to 5 pm
Requirements for Test Drive Participation:
- Participants must be 21 years or older
- Valid driver’s licence required
- Completion of a test drive waiver prior to driving
- Vehicles provided by participating automakers
Knowledgeable EV Ambassadors from Plug’n Drive, supported by RBC volunteers, will guide participants throughout the experience, answering questions about vehicle performance, charging, costs, and incentives.
“We’re excited to bring hands-on EV experiences to Vancouver and connect with drivers in one of Canada’s leading EV markets,” said Cara Clairman, President and CEO of Plug’n Drive. “There’s nothing more impactful than getting behind the wheel. By offering real-world test drives, we’re helping British Columbians build the confidence they need to make the switch to electric.”
Attendees will have the opportunity to explore a range of battery-electric vehicles (BEVs) and plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs) from multiple brands, and pick up a complimentary Electrify Your Ride booklet to learn more about EV options available in Canada.
The Vancouver International Auto Show is Western Canada’s premier automotive event, attracting more than 138,000 attendees and delivering thousands of EV test drives over the five-day event. As interest in EVs continues to grow across British Columbia, Plug’n Drive’s presence at VIAS reflects its ongoing commitment to accelerating EV adoption through education and real-world driving experiences.
To learn more and purchase tickets, visit the Vancouver International Auto Show website.
Opportunities are emerging all over Canada to experience EV test drives as part of the EVs are for EVeryone Cross-Canada Tour. Check the Tour page often for regular updates.
Media Tour – March 25 2026
As part of the Media Tour for accredited media on March 25, 2026, from 10:00-11:30 am, prior to the show opening, Cara Clairman, President and CEO of Plug’n Drive, will be onsite to speak about the EVs are for EVeryone Cross-Canada Tour and the importance of expanding EV education and access across Canada.
About Plug’n Drive
Plug’n Drive is a not-for-profit organization accelerating EV adoption in Canada by providing brand-neutral education, hands-on experiences, and strategic insights to consumers, communities, businesses and decision-makers. Our vision is a well-informed Canadian public that understands the environmental and economic benefits of driving electric and is inspired to make the switch.
This year, we are proud to celebrate our 15th anniversary. Since 2011, we have made incredible strides in our mission through a variety of consumer education programs, including the launch of the world’s first Electric Vehicle Discovery Centre (EVDC) in Toronto, the Electric Vehicle Roadshow event series as well as the Mobile EV Education Trailer (MEET). We also deliver EV test-drive experiences at major auto shows across Canada, helping thousands of drivers get behind the wheel each year.
Our corporate partnerships include EV auto manufacturers, utilities, EV charger manufacturers, and others. For more information about Plug’n Drive’s programs, services, and events, visit plugndrive.ca and sign up for our newsletter. Join our community on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and LinkedIn.
Media Contact:
Alan Downward
Communications Advisor, Plug’n Drive
Email: alan@plugndrive.ca
Phone: 647-449-9715