For the past decade and a half, Plug ‘N Drive has been promoting the virtues of all things electric. Now, during a milestone anniversary, the venerable nonprofit hits the road again with an extended federal message.
By Zachary Perlmutter
Stop the presses, and start your engines! Hot off participating in this year’s Canadian International AutoShow, Plug ‘N Drive (PND) is celebrating its 15th anniversary as a messenger of all things electric. A completely Canadian, non-profit organization since 2011, Plug ‘N Drive’s vision is to help Canada achieve its targeted goal of 100% electric vehicle sales by 2035 or earlier.
This is achieved with a wide assortment of programs and education, including test-drive experiences, roadshows, Mobile EC Education Trailers (MEETS) and the launch of the world’s first EV discovery centre in Toronto.
The agency also collaborates with postsecondary institutions and employment partners to enhance student learning while promoting upskilling in the green automotive sector.
Corporate partnerships include EV auto manufacturers, utilities, EV charger manufacturers, and many others who share a commitment to accelerating Canada’s transition to electric transportation.
For the past decade, Plug ‘N Drive has been travelling back-and-forth across the nation to extoll the virtues of everything EV, from the newest models through locating the best places to charge your EVs to determining cost and maintenance of EV ports in residential units. They’ve left virtually no stone unturned in their quest, which is interactive to say the least. This year will include planned stops in Calgary, Edmonton and Vancouver.
Among PND’s offerings are: their Electric Vehicle Roadshow, a PND priority program, that travels across the country year-round to participate in conferences, tradeshows and festivals, offering electric vehicle education and test drive activities.
As part of this year’s cross country tour, PND will include EV test-drive experiences at major events across the country. These offerings give attendees the chance to compare multiple EV models in one place, ask questions, and learn from EV experts. These shows will be listed below as they are confirmed.
Not to be outdone, the EV Discovery Centre (EVDC) remains a primary draw and will be a major stop during this year’s tour. Operating throughout the year, the EVDC offers hands-on EV education, interactive displays, charging demonstrations, and test drives of a rotating lineup of EVs. Visitors receive neutral, evidence-based information to help them make informed decisions.
A key part of PND’s recent activities include promoting the federal government’s EV Affordability Program, which includes a federal rebate when buying or leasing a new electric vehicle. Available incentives include up to $5,000 for fully electric vehicles and up to $2,500 for plug-in hybrids.
A number of qualifications apply: The vehicle must be new; the final purchase must be $50,000 or less (no ceiling for EVs made in Canada). Furthermore, the vehicle must be built in Canada or a country with a free-trade agreement with Canada, and, finally, only certain models, trims and model years apply.
The price cap includes the vehicle, options, and dealer fees—but does not include taxes, government rebates, freight, winter tires, home chargers, or financing costs.
Are you intrigued, yet don’t know if Plug ‘N Drive will be making the rounds in your city? Not to worry! Plug ‘N Drive will be having EVs for EVeryone MEET Tours all over Canada in the spring and summer and will promote test drives and classes. For more information visit www.plugndrive.ca.
Canadian EV fast facts
700,000: More than 700,000 fully-electric and plug-in hybrid electric vehicles on the road in Canada and growing
$3,000: Driving an electric vehicle can save you $3,000 per year on fuel savings alone.
90%: Driving an electric vehicle can reduce your vehicle’s emissions by as much as 90%
80+%: More than 80% of Canada’s electricity comes from from non-greenhouse gas (non-GHG) emitting sources
30,000: Canada has more than 30,000 public charging stations
110+: There are over 110 models available for sale in Canada with more on the way
400+ kms: Many new 2025 models offer 400+ kms of range on a single charge.”