Federal ZEV Awareness Initiative enables EV test drives, education programs and national tour activities across Canada
Toronto, ON – April 8, 2026 – Today Plug’n Drive announced that Natural Resources Canada (NRCan) has extended funding for the national EVs Are for EVeryone Cross-Canada Tour, to continue offering hands-on electric vehicles (EV) education and test drives across Canada. First announced in summer 2024, this additional support will allow Plug’n Drive to continue hands-on EV education programs across the country, with a focus on small and medium-sized communities where EV adoption is lower.
NRCan’s Zero-Emission Vehicle Education and Awareness Project Funding supports projects that increase Canadians’ awareness of and confidence in electric vehicles, helping drivers learn about EV technology, EV charging and EV ownership through credible information and hands-on experiences.
The announcement of the $1.1 million in additional funding was made by Karim Bardeesy, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Industry, at Electric Autonomy’s EV & Charging Expo 2026, where Plug’n Drive is serving as the EV Test Drive Partner, offering attendees the opportunity to experience a range of electric vehicles on an outdoor track. The announcement highlights collaboration between government, industry and non-profit education leaders to accelerate EV adoption across Canada, in line with the federal government’s new Automotive Strategy.
With NRCan’s continued support, Plug’n Drive will continue providing the broad reach of its EVs Are for EVeryone Cross-Canada Tour. The program includes:
- Year-round EV test drives and consumer education at Plug’n Drive’s EV Discovery Centre in Toronto and its Elocity Satellite in North York.
- Ten Mobile EV Education Trailer (MEET) events — five in Eastern Canada and five in Western Canada, beginning in May.
- Dozens of EV Roadshows across ten provinces, all year round.
- A variety of other auto show, tradeshow and community events, including EV test drives today at the https://evandchargingexpo.com/test-drives/.
“Increasing awareness and accessibility of electric vehicles is an important step towards Canada’s clean transportation future. This project supports Canada’s new Automotive Strategy and will increase confidence of potential EV drivers from coast to coast to coast,” said the Honourable Tim Hodgson, Minister of Energy and Natural Resources.
“With today’s announcement, we are investing in hands-on EV education in small and medium-sized communities across Canada. This is how we build a strong and climate competitive future,” said Karim Bardeesy, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Industry.
Plug’n Drive’s national education programs are made possible through strong partnerships with industry leaders committed to accelerating the transition to electric mobility. Leading the way is the Tour’s Champion sponsor, RBC.
“We’re proud to collaborate with Plug’n Drive on their EVs are for EVeryone Cross-Canada Tour,” said Thea Silver, Senior Director, Environmental Impact, RBC. “Together, we’re aiming to break down barriers to EV adoption by providing accessible education and clarity—meeting Canadians wherever they are in their electric mobility journey. By working collaboratively to help make EVs more accessible and understandable, we’re strengthening communities by helping Canadians make informed decisions that align with both their needs and our shared environmental commitments.”
“NAPA NexDrive is proud to support Plug’n Drive’s efforts to accelerate EV adoption in Canada,” said Yves Racette, NexDrive Director, NAPA/NexDrive Program development. “Through the NAPA NexDrive network, certified technicians in independent repair shops across the country are specially trained and equipped to maintain and repair electric vehicles according to manufacturer guidelines—allowing drivers to service their vehicles outside dealerships while retaining their manufacturer’s warranty. As more Canadians adopt EVs, ensuring access to trusted, qualified maintenance and repair will be essential.”
Automaker partners supporting the initiative include General Motors, Hyundai, Mitsubishi, Toyota, and Volvo, whose vehicles are featured in test drives and educational programming throughout the Tour.
“Canada’s transition to electric transportation depends on giving people access to trusted information and real-world experience,” said Cara Clairman, President and CEO of Plug’n Drive. “Thanks to the continued support of Natural Resources Canada and our industry partners, the Tour is reaching communities across the country—giving Canadians the opportunity to get behind the wheel of an EV, ask questions and see how electric vehicles can work in their everyday lives.”
“Support for this project from NRCan has been incredibly impactful in helping us reach Canadians where they live,” said Tracy Ross Walden, Vice President, Engagement at Plug’n Drive. “Through the Tour, our team is bringing hands-on EV education and test drive experiences to communities from coast to coast. When Canadians can learn about EVs from trusted experts and experience the technology for themselves, it builds confidence and helps accelerate EV adoption across Canada.”
The EVs Are for EVeryone Cross-Canada Tour is already underway and will continue throughout the year with EV test drives and consumer education events across the country.
The first Mobile EV Education Trailer (MEET) stop of the 2026 season will take place in Surrey, British Columbia in May, presented by Elocity.
“Electric vehicles and charging infrastructure must grow together if Canada is to accelerate the transition to clean transportation,” said Sanjeev Singh, Founder and CEO of Elocity. Elocity is proud to support this transition with localized, made-in-Canada technologies designed to meet the unique needs of Canadian communities, utilities, businesses, and multi-residential properties. We are proud to sponsor the Tour and to present the MEET in Surrey. By bringing hands-on EV education and test drive experiences directly to communities, we are helping build the awareness and confidence and momentum Canadians need as EV adoption continues to grow. We believe lasting progress will come from combining reliable infrastructure, smart technology, local innovation, and community engagement.”
For upcoming tour stops and updates, visit the Tour page at plugndrive.ca.
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.
If you are interested in an interview, please reach out via the contact information below.
Alan Downward
Communications Advisor, Plug’n Drive
Email: alan@plugndrive.ca
Phone: 647-449-9715