{"id":85227,"date":"2026-04-08T11:22:23","date_gmt":"2026-04-08T15:22:23","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/autosector.com\/?p=85227"},"modified":"2026-04-08T11:22:23","modified_gmt":"2026-04-08T15:22:23","slug":"plugn-drive-expands-cross-canada-ev-education-tour-with-renewed-nrcan-funding","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"http:\/\/autosector.com\/?p=85227","title":{"rendered":"Plug\u2019n Drive Expands Cross-Canada EV Education Tour with Renewed NRCan Funding &#8211; Plug&#8217;n Drive Canada"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><!-- added tj - to add the single post thumbnail --><br \/>\n\t\t\t\t\t<img fetchpriority=\"high\" width=\"2278\" height=\"1233\" src=\"https:\/\/www.plugndrive.ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/IMG_20250909_163814677_HDR-scaled-e1775646313267.jpg\" class=\"img-responsive responsive--full alignright featured-post-single-img wp-post-image\" alt=\"\" decoding=\"async\" fetchpriority=\"high\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.plugndrive.ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/IMG_20250909_163814677_HDR-scaled-e1775646313267.jpg 2278w, https:\/\/www.plugndrive.ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/IMG_20250909_163814677_HDR-scaled-e1775646313267-300x162.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.plugndrive.ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/IMG_20250909_163814677_HDR-scaled-e1775646313267-1024x554.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.plugndrive.ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/IMG_20250909_163814677_HDR-scaled-e1775646313267-768x416.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.plugndrive.ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/IMG_20250909_163814677_HDR-scaled-e1775646313267-1536x831.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/www.plugndrive.ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/IMG_20250909_163814677_HDR-scaled-e1775646313267-2048x1109.jpg 2048w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 2278px) 100vw, 2278px\"\/>\t\t<\/p>\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Federal ZEV Awareness Initiative enables EV test drives, education programs and national tour activities across Canada<\/strong><strong\/><\/h3>\n<p><strong>Toronto, ON \u2013 April 8, 2026 \u2013 <\/strong>Today Plug\u2019n Drive announced that Natural Resources Canada (NRCan) has extended funding for the national <a href=\"https:\/\/www.plugndrive.ca\/evs-are-for-everyone\/\"><em>EVs Are for EVeryone Cross-Canada Tour<\/em><\/a>, to continue offering hands-on electric vehicles (EV) education and test drives across Canada. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.canada.ca\/en\/natural-resources-canada\/news\/2024\/09\/government-of-canada-investments-in-electric-vehicles.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">First announced in summer 2024<\/a>, this additional support will allow Plug\u2019n 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.<\/p>\n<p>NRCan\u2019s Zero-Emission Vehicle Education and Awareness Project Funding supports projects that increase Canadians\u2019 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.<\/p>\n<p>The announcement of the $1.1 million in additional funding was made by Karim Bardeesy, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Industry, at <a href=\"https:\/\/evandchargingexpo.com\/test-drives\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Electric Autonomy\u2019s EV &amp; Charging Expo 2026<\/a>, where Plug\u2019n 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\u2019s new Automotive Strategy.<\/p>\n<p>With NRCan\u2019s continued support, Plug\u2019n Drive will continue providing the broad reach of its <em>EVs Are for EVeryone Cross-Canada Tour<\/em>. The program includes:<\/p>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Year-round EV test drives and consumer education at Plug\u2019n Drive\u2019s <a href=\"https:\/\/www.plugndrive.ca\/electric-vehicle-discovery-centre\/\">EV Discovery Centre<\/a> in Toronto and its Elocity Satellite in North York.<\/li>\n<li>Ten Mobile EV Education Trailer (MEET) events \u2014 five in Eastern Canada and five in Western Canada, beginning in May.<\/li>\n<li>Dozens of EV Roadshows across ten provinces, all year round.<\/li>\n<li>A variety of other auto show, tradeshow and community events, including EV test drives today at the <a href=\"https:\/\/evandchargingexpo.com\/test-drives\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">https:\/\/evandchargingexpo.com\/test-drives\/<\/a>.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>\u201cIncreasing awareness and accessibility of electric vehicles is an important step towards Canada\u2019s clean transportation future. This project supports Canada\u2019s new Automotive Strategy and will increase confidence of potential EV drivers from coast to coast to coast,\u201d said the Honourable Tim Hodgson, Minister of Energy and Natural Resources.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cWith today\u2019s 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,\u201d said Karim Bardeesy, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Industry.<\/p>\n<p>Plug\u2019n Drive\u2019s 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\u2019s Champion sponsor, RBC.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cWe\u2019re proud to collaborate with Plug\u2019n Drive on their EVs are for EVeryone Cross-Canada Tour,\u201d said Thea Silver, Senior Director, Environmental Impact, RBC. \u201cTogether, we\u2019re aiming to break down barriers to EV adoption by providing accessible education and clarity\u2014meeting Canadians wherever they are in their electric mobility journey. By working collaboratively to help make EVs more accessible and understandable, we\u2019re strengthening communities by helping Canadians make informed decisions that align with both their needs and our shared environmental commitments.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>\u201cNAPA NexDrive is proud to support Plug\u2019n Drive\u2019s efforts to accelerate EV adoption in Canada,\u201d said Yves Racette, NexDrive Director, NAPA\/NexDrive Program development. \u201cThrough 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\u2014allowing drivers to service their vehicles outside dealerships while retaining their manufacturer\u2019s warranty. As more Canadians adopt EVs, ensuring access to trusted, qualified maintenance and repair will be essential.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>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.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cCanada\u2019s transition to electric transportation depends on giving people access to trusted information and real-world experience,\u201d said Cara Clairman, President and CEO of Plug\u2019n Drive. \u201cThanks to the continued support of Natural Resources Canada and our industry partners, the Tour is reaching communities across the country\u2014giving Canadians the opportunity to get behind the wheel of an EV, ask questions and see how electric vehicles can work in their everyday lives.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>\u201cSupport for this project from NRCan has been incredibly impactful in helping us reach Canadians where they live,\u201d said Tracy Ross Walden, Vice President, Engagement at Plug\u2019n Drive. \u201cThrough 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.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>The <em>EVs Are for EVeryone Cross-Canada Tour <\/em>is already underway and will continue throughout the year with EV test drives and consumer education events across the country.<\/p>\n<p>The first Mobile EV Education Trailer (MEET) stop of the 2026 season will take place in Surrey, British Columbia in May, presented by Elocity.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cElectric vehicles and charging infrastructure must grow together if Canada is to accelerate the transition to clean transportation,\u201d 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.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>For upcoming tour stops and updates, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.plugndrive.ca\/evs-are-for-everyone\/\">visit the Tour page at plugndrive.ca<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p><strong>About Plug\u2019n Drive<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>Plug\u2019n 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.\u00a0Our vision is a well-informed Canadian public that understands the environmental and economic benefits of driving electric and is inspired to make the switch.<\/p>\n<p>This year, we are proud to celebrate our 15<sup>th<\/sup> anniversary. Since 2011, we have made incredible strides in our mission through a variety of consumer education programs, including the launch of the world\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n<p>Our corporate partnerships include EV auto manufacturers, utilities, EV charger manufacturers, and others. For more information about Plug\u2019n Drive\u2019s programs, services, and events, visit <a href=\"https:\/\/plugndrive.ca\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">plugndrive.ca<\/a> and <a href=\"https:\/\/lp.constantcontactpages.com\/su\/f6ww8XS\/subscribe\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">sign up for our newsletter.<\/a> Join our community on <a href=\"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/PlugNDrive\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Facebook<\/a>, <a href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/plugn_drive\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Twitter<\/a>, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.instagram.com\/plugndrive\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Instagram<\/a> and <a href=\"https:\/\/www.linkedin.com\/company\/plug'n-drive\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">LinkedIn<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p>If you are interested in an interview, <strong>please reach out via the contact information below.<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>Alan Downward<\/p>\n<p>Communications Advisor, Plug\u2019n Drive<\/p>\n<p>Email: alan@plugndrive.ca<\/p>\n<p>Phone: 647-449-9715<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Federal ZEV Awareness Initiative enables EV test drives, education programs and national tour activities across Canada Toronto, ON \u2013 April 8, 2026 \u2013 Today Plug\u2019n 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 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