The Mobile EV Education Trailer arrives at IKEA Richmond to offer hands-on EV test drives and expert guidance.
Richmond, BC – October 1, 2026 – Richmond residents and visitors will have the opportunity to get behind the wheel of electric vehicles this fall as Plug’n Drive brings its Western Mobile EV Education Trailer (MEET) to IKEA Richmond from October 8 to November 8, 2026.
Part of the nationwide EVs are for EVeryone Cross-Canada Tour, MEET Richmond offers free test drives and expert guidance every Thursday through Sunday, from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. The Tour is partially funded by the Government of Canada and championed by RBC, with support from local site sponsor IKEA Richmond.
Designed as a sales-free, interactive community event, MEET Richmond gives attendees a hands-on introduction to electric mobility. Visitors can test-drive a variety of EV models alongside Plug’n Drive EV Ambassadors while gaining unbiased, practical insights into charging solutions, cost savings, real-world driving and incentives.
“We are excited to bring back the Mobile EV Education Trailer to Richmond,” said Cara Clairman, President and CEO of Plug’n Drive. “Whether you want to test-drive multiple EV models or ask Plug’n Drive’s EV Ambassadors about daily driving range and charging, it’s a great way to get informed.”
MEET Richmond Details
- Dates: October 8 – November 8, 2026
- Hours: Thursdays through Sundays, 10:00 am – 5:00 pm
- Location: IKEA Richmond, 3320 Jacombs Rd Unit 1, Richmond, BC V6V 1Z6 | Map to MEET Richmond at IKEA Richmond
What to Expect
Visitors to MEET Richmond can:
- Test drive a range of electric vehicles in a relaxed, sales-free environment
- Learn about charging, range, costs, and incentives through educational displays
- Speak with EV experts to get unbiased answers to their questions
- Compare EV models and learn which options may fit their lifestyle, budget, and driving needs
- Explore how EVs perform for city driving, commuting, longer trips, and Richmond road conditions
Vehicles available for test drives (subject to change):
- Cadillac OPTIQ
- Chevrolet Silverado EV
- Hyundai IONIQ 5
- Hyundai IONIQ 9
- Nissan LEAF
- Toyota bZ
- Toyota Prius PHEV
- Volvo EX60 PHEV
Win 250,000 RBC Avion Points
Enter for a chance to Win 250,000 RBC Avion Points
When you visit a MEET event and test drive an electric vehicle, you can enter the EVs are for EVeryone Tour Contest, presented by RBC, our National Champion Sponsor.
Two lucky winners—one from Eastern Canada and one from Western Canada—will each receive 250,000 Avion points, enough to redeem for an electric scooter and more.
How to Enter:
Visit a MEET event and scan the contest QR code to enter, or enter by visiting the western or eastern contest pages.
No purchase necessary. One entry per person. Open to all MEET visitors.
Visit the Tour. Drive electric. You could win big!
“As a recent EV owner myself, helping Canadians gain real-world EV know-how is central to our support of the ‘EVs are for EVeryone’ Tour,” said Carson Loh, RBC Regional Vice President. “MEET Richmond gives residents an up-close look at electric driving and the tools to make smart, comfortable decisions about transitioning to an EV.”
How to Participate in MEET Richmond
- Book ahead: Reserve a test drive online using the booking tool on the MEET Richmond webpage
- Walk-ins welcome: Drop by during event hours
Driver requirements:
- Must be 21+ with a full, unrestricted driver’s license
- Prefer not to drive? An EV Ambassador can drive for you
- Passengers aged 9+ welcome with a parent or guardian
Local Partners Supporting MEET Richmond
MEET Richmond is made possible through the support of our Local Site Sponsor, IKEA Richmond.
“IKEA Richmond is excited to welcome back the Mobile EV Education Trailer to our store,” said Maria Valley, Communication Specialist, IKEA Richmond. “As we continue our journey toward reducing emissions, including the use of electric vehicles in our last mile deliveries, we are proud to partner with Plug’n Drive to help customers explore how electric transportation can support a more sustainable everyday life.”
Local EV Roadshows
During the period that MEET Richmond will be in the region, at least one EV Roadshow will branch out from the MEET to bring the EV experience to another BC community. Check the MEET Richmond webpage for updates.
EV Roadshow: Chilliwack, Total Automotive
Saturday, October 31 @ 10:30 am – 3:30 pm
Total Automotive in Chilliwack
5580 Vedder Rd, Chilliwack, BC V2R 5P4
“Transitioning to an EV comes with practical questions about winter driving, battery health, and specialized maintenance,” said Yves Racette, Director of UAP Training, NAPA / NexDrive Program Development & Emerging Technologies. “Our specialized repair network at NexDrive, Powered by NAPA, is dedicated to supporting that transition. Bringing Plug’n Drive’s EV Roadshow to Total Automotive in Chilliwack allows us to empower local drivers and EV enthusiasts with trusted knowledge about electric transportation.”
EVs are for EVeryone Tour National and Regional Sponsors
The Tour is made possible with financial support from the Government of Canada and the essential contributions of sponsors.
National Champion Sponsor – RBC
Discovery Sponsors – Mike Brigham Foundation | Power Workers’ Union
Electrifying Sponsors – Bruce Power | NexDrive powered by NAPA | Ontario Power Generation | Toronto Hydro
Automaker Sponsors – Cadillac | Chevrolet | Hyundai | Mitsubishi | Nissan | Toyota | Volvo
Accelerator Sponsors – CAA Québec | Elocity | Flo
Amplified Sponsors – CAA | Electricity Canada | Electric Mobility Canada | Electrical Safety Authority | Indigenous Clean Energy | Women in Renewable Energy WiRE
EVs are for EVeryone Cross-Canada Tour events offer EV test drives, expert consultations, and information on charging, the economic and environmental benefits of EVs, and how to choose the right EV for your needs.
To see where else the Tour is heading this season, visit EVs are for EVeryone Cross-Canada Tour to access the full schedule, or explore Plug’n Drive’s events calendar.
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.
Nusrat Anjum
Communications Advisor, Plug’n Drive
Email: nusrat@plugndrive.ca
Phone: 416-828-6993