Dilawri Automotive Group and Plug’n Drive Launch the MEET
July 9, 2024-
July 9, 2024, Toronto, Ontario – Plug’n Drive is excited to announce the launch of the Mobile EV Education Trailer (MEET) Dilawri in Mississauga. Dilawri is the first automotive group of dealers in Canada to make this bold step to engage and educate consumers in a new way with EV experts from Plug’n Drive.
From July 11 to August 4, 2024 – now extended to August 11! – MEET Dilawri will be stationed at the 401 Dixie Auto Mall in Mississauga, open Thursday through Sunday. This initiative will serve as an engaging community hub, providing valuable information on the environmental and economic benefits of driving electric in Canada.
Visitors to MEET Dilawri can look forward to interacting with local EV Ambassadors, exploring educational displays, and participating in test drives in the following EV models:
- Audi Q4 e-tron, provided by Audi Queensway
- Audi Q8 e-tron, provided by Audi Queensway
- KIA EV6, provided by 401 Dixie KIA
- KIA Niro, provided by 401 Dixie KIA
- Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV, provided by Dixie Mitsubishi
“Test drives play a crucial role in the decision-making process for purchasing an electric vehicle” said Dav Cvitkovic, Plug’n Drive Chief Operating Officer. “MEET Dilawri provides convenient access to potential EV buyers to experience, compare and evaluate multiple EVs in a non-sales environment.”
Test drives at MEET Mississauga are free and available to licensed drivers aged 21 and over. While walk-ins are welcome, visitors are encouraged to book their preferred appointment times using the MEET Dilawri booking calendar.
Key Event Details
- Presenting Sponsor: Dilawri Automotive Group
- *Extended* Dates: July 11 – August 11, 2024 (Thursdays to Sundays)
- Location: 401 Dixie Auto Mall, 5500 Dixie Rd., Mississauga, ON L4W 4N3
- Free EV Test Drives and EV Education: MEET Dilawri
booking calendar - Driver Requirements: Must be 21 years of age with a valid driver’s license
About the MEET
Plug’n Drive has been pleased to work with our many sponsors to develop, design and deliver the Mobile EV Education Trailer (MEET). Since the MEET was first launched in 2020, it has been engaging communities across Canada from British Columbia to New Brunswick.
The MEET is modeled after Plug’n Drive’s Electric Vehicle Discovery Centre located at 33 Bloor Street East in Toronto. It has interactive tools and high-quality materials to help consumers along the EV discovery journey, including information about the benefits of EVs, all the makes and models available in Canada, available incentives, and more. The MEET is staffed by brand agnostic EV experts providing experiential learning in a no-cost, no-pressure, no-sales environment. It is the perfect complement to any regional EV program or initiative and can remain active in one location for weeks or months at a time.
The MEET is a public/private partnership between government and industry.
MEET Dilawri
Presenting Sponsor: Dilawri Automotive Group
Partially Funded By: Natural Resources Canada, Power Workers’ Union
MEET Champions: Bruce Power, Hydro One Networks, Ivy Charging Network, Ontario Power Generation, Scotiabank, Toronto Hydro
MEET Enthusiast: Electrical Safety Authority
Canadian EV Fast Facts
- Presently, there are well over 700,000 electric and hybrid electric vehicles on Canadian roads and over 70 different EV models available, with more on the way at increasingly affordable prices.
- Canada has over 27,000 public chargers and is on track to greatly expand on that as governments, car manufacturers and charging network providers build out the network.
- Plug’n Drive has EV charging resources to help with public charging, home charging, charging at work, and retrofitting condos.
- In December 2023, the federal government introduced a sales mandate for 100% zero emission light duty vehicles (ZEVs) by 2035 with an incremental target of 20% by 2026.
- In Q1 2024, the market share of new zero-emission vehicle registrations in Canada was 11.3%, up from 8.6% in Q1 2023, according to StatsCan.
- With over 83 percent of Canada’s electricity coming from non-emitting sources (e.g., hydro, nuclear, wind, solar), the transition to electric vehicles will greatly reduce Canada’s climate-changing emissions. Light duty vehicles account for about half of Canada’s greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from the transportation sector. The transportation sector accounts for about 25 percent of Canada’s overall GHG emissions.
- Plug’n Drive has a Find Your Match app to browse and compare vehicles, cost savings, and incentives available across Canada, including the federal $5000 incentive for the purchase of a fully electric or plug-in hybrid electric car. Driving an electric car can save you between $1,500-$2,000 per year on fuel and maintenance.
- In addition to the MEET, Plug’n Drive offers pressure-free EV education and test drives through various programs in Ontario and other jurisdictions including the Electric Vehicle Discovery Centre, the Electric Vehicle Roadshow, and the Employee Engagement Program.
- Visit the Plug’n Drive events calendar to see where other events are currently scheduled.
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About Dilawri Automotive Group
Dilawri Automotive Group, Canada’s largest automotive group, operates over 82 dealerships representing 38 brands. Privately owned and operated by the Dilawri family since 1985, Dilawri has over 3,500 employees and offers new and pre-owned vehicles, financing, leasing, parts, and maintenance services. Known for innovation and customer service, Dilawri also emphasizes community involvement and environmental sustainability, promoting electric vehicles and supporting various charitable initiatives through the Dilawri Foundation. In 2023 and 2024, Dilawri was a winner of the Canada’s Best Managed Companies program, which recognizes excellence in private Canadian-owned companies. Visit www.dilawri.ca.
About Plug’n Drive
Plug’n Drive is a not-for-profit organization accelerating EV adoption in Canada to maximize the environmental and economic benefits of an electrified transportation sector. Our vision is to help Canada achieve its goal of 100% electric vehicle sales by 2035 or earlier. 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). 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, Instagra
For more information or to arrange an interview please contact:
Alan Downward
Communications and Project Coordinator
Plug’n Drive
(647) 449-9715